Two stacks of each 5 flat boxes or trays for storing kozuka, fuchi-kashira or other small and flat objects, the tops both covered with a lid. Both stacks stand on a rectangular bottom plate, tied with a braided silk rope. Shitan (sandal wood). Meiji period, around 1900.
Bottom plate: 9 7/8 x 8 5/8 in. (25 x 21.8 cm). Each tray 8 3/8 x 4 ¾ x 1 1/16 in...

An armorer's iron tsuba, possibly for a wakizashi as it is somewhat diminuitive in size. Or perhaps more in keeping with its apparent age, an early example of a proportionately small tsuba used with an uchigatana as was first the fashion. Sukashi decoration of a conch (horagai) traditionally used for ritual practices and for signaling on the battlefield...

Here is a rare and fabulous Muromachi to Momoyama period (16th century) 42 plate koshozan kabuto signed by Haruta Tokisada, a famous armor craftsman of Nara active during the later Muromachi. The shape is exquisite, slightly bulbous in back, with a relaxed center just lower than the front. Three clusters of silver clouds are incised in damascene in the Mabizashi (visor), above which are 12 large hoshi rivets fastening a decorative iron plate to the front of the hachi...

21.375" blade with a wild midare hamon. Nakago with eight-character signature "Harima Daijō Fujiwara Tadakuni" ( 信濃大掾藤原忠國 ) ; probably 2nd generation (1624). Nagako is possibly ubu (meaning that remains as it is since it was made) with three mekugi-ana. Blade contained in shirasaya attributing blade to Tadakuni. Swordsmith is listed as TA41 from W.M. Hawley, page 368...

Shakudo tsuba with a relief decor representing foliage and flowers, with gilt highlights on a background of tiny dots. The tsuba is unsigned. Japan, late Edo period. Height: 7.2 cm. Very good condition despite a slight erosion all over the piece. Sold with its box.

Solid gold, silver, shibuichi and sentoku inlaid shakudo tsuba. The setting presents us with a Japanese warrior slaying an enemy wearing foreign armor that seems to be Chinese or even Mongol. This could be a reference to the attempted invasion of Japan by China Mongols in the 13th century. The tsuba bears the signature of Yoshiaki who was one of the greatest artists of his time...

A kozuka with gilt and silvered bronze decoration of a general's baton and banner on dark patinated bronze nanako ('fish roe' textured ground.) The utility knife handle with shakudo (a pickled gold and copper alloy) back and sides. Surfaces showing wear and slight distress from use but in fairly good and serviceable condition. Could benefit from a light cleaning and oiling. Length, little more than 3 3/4 inches (9.53 cm)

Set of menuki. Sold individually to complete an incomplete sword. Price from $50 to $150 each. We can provide you with more photos, dimensions and details on request.

A set of 5 rare Dutch glass cups imported to Japan in the Edo period and formerly owned by the Confucian scholar Nakai Riken (1732-1817). They are enclosed in a custom made double sided wooden box with drop in doors titled on the side Yoi-O-Gozui (Five fortuitous ways to be drunken) with a long verse carved into each door. Of course, the meaning of the title goes much deeper, and the Gozui is also a Confucian concept...

This is “kataginu” (shoulder cloth), only the upper vest of kamishimo without a trouser. Kami-shimo simply means top and bottom in Japanese. It was a high ranking samurai’s formal attire when they attended official meetings at the Edo castle. It was worn over kosode (kimono with small sleeves) with trousers. The shoulders are arch shaped and this was the style that developed in the late Edo period (1603-1868). Longer trousers (approx...

This is “kataginu” (shoulder cloth), only the upper vest of kamishimo without a trouser. Kami-shimo simply means top and bottom in Japanese. It was a high ranking samurai’s formal attire when they attended official meetings at the Edo castle. It was worn over kosode (kimono with small sleeves) with trousers. The shoulders are arch shaped and this was the style that developed in the late Edo period (1603-1868). Longer trousers (approx...

This is a samurai armor set (yoroi and helmet) for Boy’s Day in Japan. By displaying a set like this, the parents hope to inspire boys in their manliness, bravery, discipline and the honor codes that come with it.

Here on the lids, it is written the name of the owner and the occasion. It is to celebrate his first Sekku in the fourteenth year of Showa period (1939)...

This is an awesome Eisho Era Signed and Date Long Wakisashi (Almost Katana length) Sword in Shirasaya fitting, made by SADAHIRO 貞弘 (1505 -1521) Eisho, Muromachi Period, Iwami Province, Japan. SADAHIRO 貞弘, as listed in page 99 of the Index of Japanese Swordsmiths by Markus Sesko, and shown as SA 23 in "Japanese Swordsmiths by W. M. Hawley. The sword's nakago has been marked with the Swordsmith's signature) 備中國住貞弘 (Bichu koku ju SADAHIRO), on the right side of the blade, and...

Late 18th to early 19th century Japanese lacquer 5-compartment inro with a stunning design of a dragon!

It has a fantastic lacquer work called Maki-E. The inside is covered with precious Nashiji Gold Dust. This techique was only used for luxury items for the most famous Samurai fighter.

The material of the Netsuke and the string fastener (ojime) is Kotsu, a delicate work.

Very good condition with only little damages due to the high age. Please look at the phot...

A rare pair of Antique Japanese of matching matchlock hand guns. Iron barrels with hand inlaid with silver and gold dragons. The dai stock is of a hardwood and brass jiita arquebus's firing mechanism, sakura ramrod intact. With custom antiqued bronze stands for display.

Age: 18th century

Dimensions: 21" long each

Rare maedate (frontal element of the Japanese helmet) representing a Ho-oh (phoenix). The bird is in cut, embossed and chiseled copper. Red oxide patina, gilding and silvering. Metal maedates are very rare and almost always made of iron. The most common, without much interest, are made of wood. This one is an exceptional model in terms of material, quality, interesting subject matter and the shape elegantly occupies the allocated space. Before I found out, this poor Maedate was crucified on a wo...

A rare example of a Japanese bamen, samurai horse mask. Hand carved of wood to resemble the face of a dragon, this bamen was worn to express the power and prestige of the horse's owner. Custom fabricated antiqued bronze finish, ready to be enjoyed.

Age: Mid to late Edo Period (1603-1867)

Dimensions: 11 1/2" high (14" high on metal stand) x 6" wide x 7" deep

An antique Japanese saddle pad covered with a Korean tapestry of two frolicking lion-dogs in green and white. It features gilded leather piping (which has come loose in some places, see photos), and typical Japanese backing cloth with deer-leather ties. The pad is roughly 116 x 56 cm (46 x 22 inches). Exceptionally rare,