Unlike in the west, the rat has long been a symbol of fortune in Asia (it is after all one of the animals of the Zodiac). Here we see an interesting play on the animal. He stands on his back legs pulling a sack of treasure and magic mallet, perhaps having relieved these two articles from Hotei and Daikoku, two gods of fortune always pictured with them...

As the enlightened man is a product of this world so too the Lotus grows in the mire, a symbol of the attainable state of Nirvana. Here is a breathtaking hand-made bronze Koro in the shape of a blossoming lotus in deep red patination dating from the late Edo to Meiji period (mid to late 19th century). Consisting of 30 individual pieces, each petal is uniquely incised with veins by the hammer and chisel of some long lost craftsman...

Beautifully whimsical antique Japanese bronze vase with the heads of three dogs cast in high relief, wonderful detail, large raised signature on bottom, Meiji Period (c.1900). Size: 11 1/2" high x 13" wide

Japanese writing brush in ornate case, case is made of copper with black lacquer and inlaid all over in an ornate pattern with tiny pieces of gold and shell, design of chrysanthemum on hinged ink well cover, 2 sided brush hidden in stem, large shell inlaid cartouch on bottom, beautiful and delicate.

Size: 6 3/4" high x 1 1/4" wide

This pair of Japanese handmade long square cut nails are 5" long and appear to have never been used. The nail heads are solid and shaped into a hemisphere. The silver colored decorative metal escutcheons have scalloped edges and markings to represent a flower. The escutcheons are just under 1" in diameter and have a squared center hole which exactly fits the nail shank.

One of the most spectacular Japanese bronze hibachi's ever encountered and quite unusual in every way. Massive and weighing a solid 18 lbs. this hibachi features a well sculpted dragon that clutches the celestial pearl of wisdom that effort-sly glides about the wind that whips about its body, three monkeys in varying poses or positions support this cauldron-like monstrosity...

Rokkaku Roukaku Sansui (Fine Hexagonal High Building) Japanese Garden Hanging Lantern of Iron and Sheet Metal with a lovely Cicada on the roof hoop, symbolizing Summer and the brevity of life, reminding the garden stroller to cherish each moment. A rare and unusual Edo Period example for the collector of exceptional pieces. 14 inches (35.5cm) high x 11 inches (28cm) wide.

Yukumi Gata Toro (Lantern for View of Floating) that was used near water. Iron and Sheet Metal with a very rare Double Roof design. The door panels are in the shape of bamboo trees, the ancient Japanese symbol of resilience. A rare and unusual Edo Period example for the serious collector. 15 inches (38cm) high x 10.25 inches (26cm) wide.

Yukimi Gata Toro (Lantern for Snow Viewing) that was used in the winter. Iron and Sheet Metal with a very rare Double Roof design. A rare and unusual Edo Period example for the serious collector. 12.5 inches (32cm) high x 10.25 inches (26cm) wide.

Pair of Japanese shokudai candlesticks made of copper with chrysanthemum shaped base. Original finish consistent of its age.

Dimensions for each candlestick is 24 3/4" high x 6 3/4" wide diameter (at base).

Meiji Period (1868-1912)

Antique Japanese bronze vase, beautiful shape and subject matter, 3 koi swimming together, slightly raised with gold inlaid eyes, unusual rim of vase looks like surface of swirling water, beautiful and subtle, bottom of vase signed: Kano, comes with original signed tomobako, Meiji Period (c1900). Size: 11" high x 10" wide diameter.

Beautiful Japanese censor, silver filigree with flowers, lid with wonderful little silver quail, stands on 4 silver legs; two gold lacquer shibayama reserves with flowers, butterflies, and a bird inlaid with mother of pearl and inlaid shell, signed on the inside, Meiji Period. 4" high x 4" wide

Beautiful Japanese large bronze trumpet shaped vase with long neck decorated with highly raised dragon and phoenix in swirling clouds, the round body of the vase is decorated with raised scenes of birds in branches, Meiji Period (1868-1912), signed on bottom: Yoshida. Size: 24" high

Japanese Edo period round-form bronze kagami (mirror) decorated in high relief with a finely detailed motif of crane and its young among pines. The perforated boss in the center, which holds a tassel, is in the form of a minogame (tortoise). There is an inscription at one side (see enlargement 6). We are unsure of the precise dating, but confirm it dates no later than Edo period (pre-1868). 4 3/4" diameter with a 3/4" high rim. Very good overall condition with typical wear for its age...

Japanese four prong Vajra or diamond thunderbolt form Chisakuin Temple, bronze with worn gilt, Edo age (over 200 years old). Very powerful ritual tool representing firmness of spirit and spiritual power. Worn gilt on one side, all over relief, double sided with lotus flower in center, trident prongs emerging from the four cardinal directions. Size: 6 1/8" long

A gorgeous Japanese brazier with excellent high quality enamel work, this treasure is contrasted in color from the dark silvered with areas of gold lid and the bronzed tone copper base, making it a visual treat. Dated to the late 19th century this can still used for fragrant dried flowers on a desk top or table. It measures 6.5" diameter x 5.5" high.

Tall Japanese sectional patinated bronze tripod censer, or incense burner, on a pedestal base decorated on the vertically ribbed body with a relief motif of birds perched on blossoming, leafy branches. The lid has a Buddhist lion-dog (shishi) finial and there is an elaborate animal mask form handle on each side. The base holds a square apochryphal Chinese Ming dynasty Xuande reign mark. Late 19th century. 19 1/2” high x about 10 1/2” diameter...

A beautiful Meiji period basin of light weight metal gilded with genuine gold leaf with each individual petal rising to form the fluted rim. Much worn from handling, the bowl measures 25 cm (10 inches) diameter and is 12 cm (5 inches) tall.