Considered auspicious symbols of wealth, status, and good fortune; foo dogs—commonly referred to as shishi or koma-inu in Japan—are often seen in pairs guarding shrines, straddling the doorways of shops, and protecting public buildings. These mythical effigies have deep religious and social symbolism and can be seen in countries across Asia...

Japanese large, rectangular suiban, finely cast with stylized motifs of waves and flying birds in relief. Suiban are shallow trays meant to be filled with suiseki or viewing stones, sand, and bonsai. The rim of the suiban are flared with a cast apron of reishi mushrooms. The 4 feet of the dish are in the form of rolling waves. The underside is textured with artist signature and cartouche.

Meiji Period (1868-1912)

Dimensions: 21 1/4" L x 14" W x 5 1/2" H

Japanese iron tea kettle, or tetsubin, all hand-cast iron with landscape scenes of oceanside cottages around the body. The handle is inlaid with two silver birds and held into place by a pair of iron chimera on each end. The bronze lid is signed underneath, and the backside of the iron body has a 4 character artist's cartouche.

Dimensions: 7" x 6" x 8" H (with handle up)

Japanese hand-forged iron tsuba, used to protect a swordsman's hand from sliding up the blade during use as well as to provide balance. The front depicts two joyful festival performers, one holding a drum and the other holding a fan, the figures in relief with gilt accenting throughout. The backside of the tsuba shows a large mallet and mortar traditionally used for pounding rice into mochi.

Dimensions: 2 3/4" x 3"

The Japanese bronze maker is known for its high quality and attention to detail rendered in bronze, silver, and other precious materials. The exposure to the world's fair has showcased the Japanese skilled artisan in many different styles and categories. Naturalism and realism was the template to the Western taste during the Meiji period.

This is a fine example of a great horned owl in bronze depicted in naturalism. The okimono owl is perched on a gnarled branch preening itself...

Pair of Japanese damascene candlesticks, the body of each with dramatic imagery of serpentine dragons and fireballs. The foliate petal rims decorated with chrysanthemums and coiling vines, and the tripod feet with auspicious objects and flowers. Both candlesticks are signed "Kuma" in gilt pigment on the base.

19th Century Meiji Period (1868-1912)

Dimensions: 4 1/4" x 9" H

Here is a fine example of a scholarly pursuit of finding the accoutrement for the use of calligraphy. A Japanese bronze tsuteke water dropper, in the form of an old sage or "Sennin" riding on the back of a turtle with its flowing hair-like tails. The turtle is lifting its head so that the angle would allow to pour water from its mouth. The hole is located on the back top of the turtle's shell, allowing for water to flow in...

Beautiful Taisho Period C.1920 bronze zen buddhist temple lamp. Papered and with electric 7w bulb. Art deco in appearance. Great condition. Ask for shipping quote.

Finely detailed bronze tea house koro or incense burner. Very unusual daruma window in relief. Taisho Period c. 1920. Roof is superb. Condition excellent. 5" tall by 4 1/2 " wide. Ask for shipping quote.

Set of Japanese black lacquer on metal 4 panel and 33" high screen hangers. Some scratches on black surface. Instruction paper is included

Antique Japanese pair of bronze candle sticks, with archaic Chinese style motifs, cartouche mark on bottom.

Taisho Period (circa 1920's).

Dimensions: 10 3/4" high

Japanese iron tetsubin, or tea kettle, with finely cast decoration of a bird seated on lifelike branches with berries in high relief. The handled and lid are made from bronze with a flower and orb shaped finial. The side of the tetsubin is signed with 4 character artist's mark.

Dimensions: 7" x 6 1/2" x 10" H

Japanese tetsubin or tea pot, typically constructed from iron with a large handle to be hung over a fire pit. The tea pot has a bronze lid with a flower shaped finial. Its body is covered in small protruding studs, incised rings around its widest point, and its foot has old patina.

Meiji Period (1868-1912)

Dimensions: 9" x 8" x 9 1/2" H

Very rare bronze murashido vase with an elephant in gorgeous 3D relief. Beautifully executed. 10" tall and 3 1/2 " in diameter. Very good condition. Taisho Period C.1920. Ask for shipping quote.

Height: 8.7 cm (3.5 in)
Width: 6 cm (2.3 in)

Japanese pair of silver tulip goblets; very well modelled; Japanese silver marks; good condition

A beautiful bronze paper weight in the form of a dog/lion. It is a very detailed casting in solid bronze with a deep brown patina. The shishi measures about 4" high x 6 3/4" long, it weighs 43 ounces, and it dates to the 19th Century. The condition is excellent with some casting flaws. The asking price includes shipping within the USA.

A bronze foodog that was a finial on a larger bronze piece of art. The shishi is well formed with good detail, and has a beautiful patina. The dog/lion measures about 3 1/2" high x 3 1/2" long, and dates to the 19th Century or earlier. The condition is very good. The only damage is to the base where it was broken off. The asking price includes shipping within the USA.

A lobed form by Nakajima Yasumi enclosed in the original signed wooden box. It is 12 inches (30.5 cm) tall and in fine condition. The name of Nakajima first came to notice in 1908, when the first generation Yasumi (1877-1950) was awarded at the Senkatsu Kinen Exhibition...