Starting with the famous verse by Chinese Scholar YoYu (AD 53-18) ”The written character is a picture of the heart” (Sho kokoro Ga nari) here are written 42 rules of calligraphy spread over 10 narrow panels by the famous calligraphist Ide Gakei dated 1677. The verses appear to have been written in one sitting, the style going from crisp perfect Kaisho characters through Gyosho stylized characters and into the elegantly running Grass script (Sosho)...

A fetching scene of colored washes very　much in　the Taisho style by important artist Ono (Ohno) Bakufu. Pigment on silk in superb Kinrande mounting. It is roughly 21-1/2 x 79 inches (56 x 200 cm).
Born in Tokyo Ono Bakufu (1888-1976) relocated to central Japan after the great Kanto earthquake of 1923 where he became an honorary member of the Hyogo Prefectural Academy of Fine Arts...

Exceptional Edo p. Japanese Screen, Demon War An exceedingly rare set of four dramatic paintings divided into segments depicting a variety of battle scenes and supernatural phenomena, each heavy pigment on paper canvas mounted on one of four panels of a gold screen bordered in mulberry. The scenes appear to comprise a fragment of the tale of Daikozan (Oeyama), a Kyoto tale where in a powerful demon was lured to drink, then cut to pieces in his stupor...

Antique Japanese scroll painting of a beautiful court lady with very long, flowing hair rolling up her screen door. To her right is a painting of cranes flying over seaside mountains and trees. In good condition. Circa 1800s Edo age (1615-1868) signed Totsugen Tanaka of the Tosa School. From Bay Area Estate. Size: (entire scroll) 63.5" H x 17" W (artwork only) 33.5" H x 9.75" W

A finely painted water colour , with gold leaf overlay, depicting a scene from the 11th Century classic "The Tale of Genji" written by noblewoman and lady-in-waiting Murasaki Shikibu. This item was made in Japan in the 19th Century during either the late Edo or the Meiji period (1868-1911). Condition: there is very minor "foxing" to the paper which probably predates the framing of this picture during the 1920s or 1930s. Frame: 32.5cm (12.75 inches) wide; 29cm (11.4 inches) high...

Based on a classical tale adapted into a popular Kabuki performance in late Edo, the story of the Fuji Musume or “Wisteria Maiden” is an often employed motif in Japanese art. In the story, the Wisteria Maiden is depicted in a painting holding a wisteria branch, until one day she becomes smitten with a young man passing by and steps out of the painting in an effort to capture his attention. Unfortunately, her attempts are futile...

Stunning Antique Japanese ema or wooden plaque on which Shinto worshippers would write their prayers and wishes to be received by deities or spirits. Hand painted with three bannered ships coming to shore amidst rough, rolling waves. Pine trees poke in from the bottom and leftmost side with gold flakes accenting the horizon. Very well done and in original condition. Signed "Ensai Fujiwara Masatoshi" , dated "Keio Gannen" or "first year of Keio" (September 1865). Size: 26" H x 60" W

Important Edo Period C.1850 scroll painting of Kannon holding `Yatagarasu` the divine crow and messenger to the gods. Symbolizes the sun and like the sacred phoenix resides in the celestial realm. A mark of rebirth and rejuvenation. Yatagarasu as a crow-god is a symbol specifically of guidance. This great crow was sent from heaven as a guide for Emperor Jimmu on his initial journey from the region which would become Kumano to what would become Yamato, (Yoshino and then Kashihara)...

A finely painted water colour , with gold leaf overlay, depicting a scene from the 11th Century classic "The Tale of Genji" written by noblewoman and lady-in-waiting Murasaki Shikibu. This item was made in Japan in the 19th Century during either the late Edo or the Meiji period (1868-1911). Condition: there are small marks on the paper and some losses to the gold leaf which predate the framing of this picture during the 1920s or 1930s. Frame: 32.5cm (12.75 inches) wide; 29cm (11.4 inches) high...

Antique Japanese scroll painting of the wrathful guardian deity Fudo Myo-O standing along the edge of a cliff. His two fangs poke out of his mouth pointing in opposite directions. The sword he wields is named Kurikara, the demon slayer. The rope he holds in his opposite hand is used to bind demons. A ring of purifying flames burns around his backside. Artist chop in corner. 18th Century Size: (Entire scroll) 67.5" H x 20.5" W (painting only) 37.5" H x 15.5" W

A beautiful Edo Period Scroll attributed to Kano Insenin Naganobu (1775-1828), depicting "WHITE KANA", 18th Century, Japan. Seal and Characters on bottom right. Provenance: From an old Berlin, Germany, collection belonging to a Lecturer. Good condition. Size: H. 180 cm. x W. 50 cm.

Pines in the Rimpa style grow on the folded surface of this fan painted by Kamisaka Sekka and enclosed in the original signed wooden box, retaining the original paper binding on the fan itself. It is 12 inches (30 cm) long folded, and in excellent condition.
Kamisaka Sekka (1866-1942) is the godfather of 20th century Japanese design and the Rimpa revival. He was born in Kyoto in 1866, one of six siblings...

A rare antique scroll depicting 2 Japanese TANUKI RACOON DOGS (mangut) in their natural environment. Signed and with Seal bottom right. Good condition. Size: H.45.75" x W. 24.5" ( 116 cm. x 62 cm.). 19th Century

The character “Hiraku” Open (or to Open) in bold scratchy strokes by the infamous nun Murase Myodo. Open you mind, open the path to enlightenment, the path is open to all, but like this calligraphy work is not easy, it is dry and thorny and the gate must be passed. Ink on paper in a silk border with wood rollers. It is 24-1/2 x 48-1/2 inches (62 x 123.5 cm) and is in excellent condition...

Sennin, Daoist immortals, relax, Gamma with his three legged toad looking shocked upon his shoulder, Tekkai sending his spirit forth, the essential equipment of the Daoist life scattered about them. The painting is dated 1912 and signed Kodo. The artist has chosen a very humorous stance from which to depict his subjects. The silk image is mounted on a panel of applied gold flake and framed in striped Ebony,. The frame is 142 x 48 cm (58 x 19 inches)...

Antique Japanese 4-panel screen with delicate painted flowers over a gold leaf background. Clouds of gold flecks decorate the sky and the open valley. Unusual size for the long four panel.

Edo period (1615-1868) Dimensions: (entire screen) 100.5" L x 36" X (painting only) 94" L x 30" H

Antique Japanese 30+ foot Shunga scroll, depicting many whimsical scenes of an erotic nature. With gold flecks on mount and calligraphy signature. Very charming adult theme. Meiji period (1868-1912) Size: 34 ft L x 16.5" H

Antique Japanese two-panel gold leaf screen with elegant, simplistic landscape scenes in black, with calligraphy and artist's signature. Unusual small size, very charming. Edo Period (circa 1800's). Size: 65" L, 11" H