A Japanese carved and lacquered wood figure of a Buddhist Guardian. (Originally part of a small scale group comprised of at least a central figure and pair of acolytes.) Up to 12 such guardian figures are possible in a temple grouping. Condition is good and presentable with one small loss of wood to one sleeve and some minor lacquer losses. Missing are a nimbus and possibly an ornament atop the helmet. Height: 9 3/8 inch (23.8cm) including a 3/16 (1.9cm) inch high base to which it is affixed.

Hand shrine, or zushi, in the shape of a lotus bud, carved in two halves. On the inside, on one side the standing figure of Amida Nyorai on a lotus base, his hands in mudra. The other half of the lotus bud is decorated with a mutsume pattern (imitating a triaxial weaving) in kirikane (very thin strips of gold foil). Japan, Edo period, early 19th century.
Very light, soft wood. On the outside red lacquer, covered with leaf gold, that is partly rubbed off again...

One of a collection of three fantastic and rare, large Edo Period Iki masks, de-accessioned from the Musée Archéologique in Strasbourg, France during the mid-20th Century. These three are rare for their large size. They have never before been offered on the art market. The other two masks are posted on this site. Carved Poloma wood with gofun (oyster shell lacquer), glass eyes and human hair. 9 inches (23 cm) high x 8 inches (20 cm) wide.

One of a collection of three fantastic and rare, large Edo Period Iki masks, de-accessioned from the Musée Archéologique in Strasbourg, France during the mid-20th Century. These three are rare for their large size. They have never before been offered on the art market. The other two masks are posted on this site. Carved Poloma wood with gofun (oyster shell lacquer), glass eyes and human hair. 7.5 inches (19 cm) high x 7 inches (18 cm) wide.

One of a collection of three fantastic and rare, large Edo Period Iki masks, de-accessioned from the Musée Archéologique in Strasbourg, France during the mid-20th Century. These three are rare for their large size. They have never before been offered on the art market. The other two masks are posted on this site. Carved Poloma wood with gofun (oyster shell lacquer), glass eyes and human hair. 7.5 inches (19 cm) high x 7 inches (18 cm) wide.

Very rare Japanese comic demon Buaku Kyogen mask dating from the Edo Period, the golden age of Noh Drama. The Buaku mask is a Kyogen version of the Noh Beshimi. Kyogen were short, humorous skits performed between Noh acts to lighten the mood. The heavily knit brows and wide leering grimace are wonderful characteristics of this mask. It is covered in layered colored gofun (oyster shell lacquer), with hair painted with thin lines of ink over the top...

A powerful and extremely rare Japanese Edo Period Kyogen mask of a Nio Guardian King, ferocious native deities, often associated with the Naga Dragon Kings, who converted to Buddhism and now act as bodyguards for the Buddha. The Edo period was the golden age of Noh Drama. Kyogen theater was performed between Noh acts. This mask is a brilliantly carved work of art, accentuating the dramatic power of this important mythical figure...

Rare and wonderful Kyogen Theater mask dating from the Edo period, the golden age of Noh Drama. Kyogen are short, humorous skits performed between Noh acts to lighten the mood. He has gold eyes with a rich red lacquer finish. Red represents both drunkenness and healing. The large nose gives a striking sense of comic drama. This fine mask is brilliantly carved, accentuating the depth of the mask, and adding a sense of comic theater. 8.25 by 6.5 inches, 21 x 16.5 cm.

A captivating and lively statue of Bodhidharma holding his fly wisk, carved out of keyaki wood coated with black and red lacquer, small losses to pigment. Age:Edo Period, Size: Length: 10" Width: 5.8" Height: 29.8".

Study of an elephant holding a piece of wood with its trunk, his skin hanging loosely about him. Dark brown patinated, light weight wood, the eyes inlaid in buffalo horn, the tusks bone. Japan, 19th century.
Length: 15.5 inches (39.1 cm)
Pupil to one eye missing, otherwise fine condition.

17th Century Japanese paloma wood carving of Buddha seated on a lotus leaf. A beautiful piece with a serene presence. It has a wonderful, warm aged patina. 10 inches, 25.5 cm.

Beautifully Carved, Large Japanese Boxwood Okimono of a Perched Hawk. Finely carved with naturalistic rendering. Signed by Miyamori. Height: 11 inches, 28 cm.

Finely Carved Wood Iki Mask with Japanese Collection Label on Back. A wonderful example featuring a dynamic human presence. Detailed with glass eyes and human hair, and a burnished gofun lacquer finish. 6.25 x 5 inches, 16 x 12.75 cm.

Finely Carved Wood Iki Mask with Japanese Collection Label on Back. A wonderful example featuring a dynamic human presence. Detailed with glass eyes and human hair, and a burnished gofun lacquer finish. 6.25 x 6 inches, 16 x 15 cm.

Edo Period Portable Wood Buddhist Shrine with Exquisite Carving. 17h x 12w inches, 43h x 30.5w cm. In Buddhism, portable shrines were made so that devout travelers with nowhere to worship could carry their shrines with them. The shrines were made with closing doors, to preserve the artwork. This shrine features exquisitely carved deities and finely lacquered details.

Japanese Edo Period Wood Carving of a Monkey on a Peach Tree. Originally housed in a Buddhist temple. Carved of poloma wood. Original pigments still exist, which is very unusual for the age. It is a wonderfully carved and captivating work of art. 23 x 9 inches, 58.5 x 23 cm.

A Beautifully Carved Late 19th Century Japanese Noh Theater Mask of Okame, the Goddess of Mirth, in Exceptional Condition. 7.5 x 5.5 inches, 19 x 14 cm.

Edo Period Japanese Noh Theater Mask of Kawazu, an Oni with a Golden Hair Beard, circa 1700. A very rare early example with a powerful presence. 8 x 6.5 inches, 20.25 x 16.5 cm. Height with the beard is 19 inches (48.25 cm).