A small bronze, hakudo (white bronze), early handled mirror 17.2cm long. The mirror portion measuring 7.7cm in diameter. Typically for an early bronze mirror, it is basically a round handleless mirror, even down to a pierced boss for the attachment of a ribbon, with an attached handle...

The design of this mirror has not entirely escaped the conventions of earlier Kagami-e (Long handled Mirrors) of the late Muromachi –Momoyama era, which are essentially mirrors of conventional round form retaining a central boss to which a handle has been attached. In this example the Cranes are arranged directly opposite each other, their beaks meeting with that of the kame, to create a T form; a convention that appears in the late 16th century...

Well cast Japanese Edo period round-form bronze kagami (mirror) decorated in relief with a motif of cranes among pines. The perforated central boss, which is designed to hold a tassel, is in the form of a minogame (tortoise). Two cranes reach toward each other with their beaks to kiss the head of the tortoise. Marked "Tenka" (all under Heaven) at the lower right. This decorative motif has been attributed to the Momoyama period (16th/17th century)...

Rare bronze ewer Japan Muromachi period, cast in one part. Signature of the artist incised under the base. This type of ewer is very rare, we know only one other similar example, smaller and less elaborate which is housed at the Minneapolis institute (usa). Excellent state of conservation, beautiful original patina. H:290mm

A bronze bell dated Kanbun 10 (1670) which would have been suspended in front of a Shinto shrine worship hall, and struck with a knotted rope to awaken the gods to listen to one’s prayers. Inscribed in the surface around dials of lotus flowers is: An auspicious day in the 7th month of Kanbun 10, followed by the names Honda Yasutoki Ko and Hiramoto Sukeyuki opposite a dedication to the god of water the Hachidairyu-jin followed by a place name near Awazu in modern day Shiga prefecture...

Small cast bronze incense burner. The cast iron is very thick. The object is very heavy. It is treated like Japanese Raku stoneware, leaving a pronounced rustic look. Do not think of an easier job, quite the contrary, the finish with a scraper of the bronze and the polishing are neat. Style very rarely used in ceramics. On the lid a shishi serves as a button. Below an indeciphered mark cast in hollow. Excellent very old bronze patina. Probably Japanese and surely 18° or before...

Exceptional example of a very old Japanese bronze. This type of lacquered bronze of the best quality is extremely rare. We only know a handful. This is the Mule of Toba in cast bronze, lacquered in red and cream. The animal is represented lowering its head. His rider, Toba has disappeared. Note the elegance of the movement, the strength but also the humor that emerges from this sculpture, this is the unique work of a great sculptor...

This Edo-period bronze quail incense burner is a stunning piece of Japanese craftsmanship. The lifelike form of the quail, intricately detailed and gracefully curved, showcases the artistry of the era...

Exceptional Pair of Monumental 17th C. Japanese Bronze Temple Lanterns A pair of exceptional and extremely rare bronze antique 17th century Japanese lanterns from a prominent Tokugawa temple courtyard. Each lantern is made of 10 individual cast bronze sections...

A museum piece. Dated Manji 2 (ca. 1659) April Auspicious Day. Large, heavy bronze shrine lantern with hoju embossed under the top petals. Beautiful diaper patterns on the panels. Originally used as an oil lamp. Very good condition. 15" wide x 22" tall. Ask for shipping quote.

A bronze mirror, wakyo, decorated with a classic Autumn pattern that evolved in the Heian period which features a pair of birds, sparrows, water weeds, ashi, water, and a wave washed sandy beach, suhama. The design is cut by a single ring. The design of the inverted pistil boss and the density of the design, horror vacui, dates the mirror to the late Kamakura period 1275-1325. A great deal of the detail has been lost as a result of wear and over polishing...

A rare Japanese bronze mirror in Tang style dating to the late Heian period decorated with Karahana, Tang flowers, and a pair of Mandarin ducks, symbols of marital fidelity. A distinguishing feature of Japanese mirrors was that each individual design was carefully carved into the sand mould using a spatula and similar tools, so that no mirror was identical, rather than using a mould as did the Koreans and the Chinese...

A Japanese bronze ritual brazier from the Muromachi period. It has an even tonal verdigris patina throughout the object. The scalloped edge lip is decorated with alternating Ruyi cutouts and continuous curved lines.

The low brazier rests on 3 protruding rounded feet elevating it for the ideal purpose of burning scented woods or providing warmth. The Chinese term for Ruyi means “as you wish.” The curved decorative Lingzi (mushroom scepter) serves in ceremonial Chinese Buddhist r...

A Japanese copper writing box used for paper and writing supplies. The lid is engraved with grape leaves and grape clusters. The border is nail studded. The interior is beige velvet.

Date: Taisho c1920

Dimensions: 11" X 9.25" X 2.75"

During the Kamakura period in Japan (1185-1333), a remarkable form of Buddhist sculpture known as the votive Buddha emerged. Commonly referred to as kakebotoke (hanging Buddhas), pieces like this would have been mounted on spherical plaques made of bronze or copper and hung in a Buddhist temple or possibly even in a Shinto shrine. These small-scale sculptures were created to serve as objects of devotion and were often commissioned by wealthy individuals or temples. The Kurakama perio...