Bamboo toad on a bluebell flower. The node of the wood is used as the base of the statuette.

The toad and the frog, referred to under the same term in Japanese (kaeru) are associated with good luck and wealth. Kaeru means both "toad/frog" and "coming home" in Japanese. This extension of meaning is due to the ability of the toad to return to the pond of its birth every year...

Large toad in Japanese cedar (Cryptomeria japonica, in Japanese sugi).
Black and gold painted glass eyes.
In the Japanese bestiary, the toad has a special place, carrying positive values. The toad as well as the frog, both called Kaeru (蛙) return every year and regardless of the distance to the pond where there were born. The word kaeru is a synonym for "coming home". It is the protective animal for travelers and the symbol of hospitality...

Japanese Buddhist Temple Carving of a Stylized Cloud Formation. This very early 16th to 17th Century carving is the oldest one we have seen, possibly from the Momoyama Period. Carved of poloma wood. A rare early work of art. 40 inches (101.5 cm) long x 12 inches (30.5 cm) high. Fine Condition. From a prominent and widely exhibited collection.

Japanese carved boxwood large Okimono, Mino-Kame turtle. Late 19th Century, Meiji Period. Mino (straw raincoat) Kame (turtle/tortoise) are named as such because Japanese believe the turtle lives such a long time that they grow algae on their on their shells, symbolizing longevity. A magnificent carving made of a single block of fine boxwood, showing amazing details and a beautiful wood grain throughout this masterpiece. 18 x 8.5 x 4 inches, 45.75 x 21.5 x 10 cm.

Length: 30 cm (12 in)
Height: 14.5 cm (5.9 in)
Depth: 11 cm (4.4 in)
Weight: 1.5 kg

Extraordinary statement piece; fine Japanese carved okimono of a resting elephant; the skin and bone structure and modelling of the piece is anatomically perfect throughout; the tusks are also wooden; a fine piece indeed; good condition

Very old and wonderful carved wood figure of the buddhist god Fudo Myoo, he stands with laso in one hand and sword in the other, made of wood with mineral pigments, glass eyes, metal details including sword, large and dramatic with fire nimbus, Muromachi Period, inscription on the back of nimbus says Yuwayadera (name of temple), nimbus is signed that it was restored by Minamoto Haruhisa April 16, 1560. Size: 62" high

Kokeshi made by Takahashi Akinori at Takahashi Hashime Studio in Sendai in Miyagi Pref. The body has beautiful urushi design. In excellent condition. 20century. H:37cm Diameter of the bottom:7.5cm

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.

An antique Japanese Kannon Bosatsu (Kwan-Yin, Guanyin) large Buddhist wood statue. Depicting the Goddess of compassion, mercy and kindness she hears the suffering souls of the world using her hands to help save them through their misfortunes. With Amida Buddha atop her head overseeing and assisting her actions, she has 11 heads surrounding her crown to hear those in pain and suffering...

Antique Japanese natural burl wood low stand or pedestal. Stunning original warm lacquer lighter tones with darker touches of brown and black. Shapely form as the burl sways right then drifts upward and to the left as it flattens out onto a perfect surface.
Would make for an excellent side table for a contemporary home.

Edo Period C. 19th Century

18" x 13" x 22 1/2" High

Antique Japanese keyaki (elm) wood temple carving of a fu-dog. Beautifully carved with mane of swirling curls and mouth full of sharp teeth, this fierce guardian would have once graced the eves of a buddhist temple roof. Edo Period. With contemporary black metal stand. Size: 15 1/2" high total (10 1/2" high not including stand) x 15" wide x 7 1/2" wide.

Japanese Edo period carved wood polychrome and gilt Buddhist figure in the form of Bishamonten, one of the Guardian Dieties of the Four Directions (representing North). A protector of the Buddhist faith, Bishamonten is clad in armor and holds a stupa believed to carry the ashes of the Buddha, and by extension, the teachings of the Buddha. He is depicted standing on a gilt base atop a lion-type creature to symbolize the subjugation of evil in the world...

A large standing esoteric protector deity known as Gozanze Myoo. The piece has darkened from the smoke of the goma offerings done for the image. The statue is posed doing the Gozanze mudra, which is the mudra of subjugation. Gozanze Myoo's name literally means the vanquisher of the three realms, where this myoo destroys foolishness and anger. Age: Edo Period (c1800). Size: height 38.5" width 12.25" length 18.5"

Japanese pair of very large gold lacquer on carved wood Lotus Flowers, 11 flowers in each pair for 22 all together, of them fully bloomed Lotus Flowers. Edo Period, Early 19th Century. They were likely used on the altar of a Buddhist temple, representing the full cycle of life. They have a rich gold patina. This size and condition are extremely rare and almost never found. Height of the tallest: 41.5 inches, 105.5 cm. Excellent Condition. From a prominent and widely exhibited collection...

17th Century Early Edo Period Spectacular Japanese Temple Sculpture of Baku, a mythical beast loosely representing an Elephant with a combination of other animals, creating an original form. The Baku is the "Dream Catcher" of ancient Japanese Shinto mythology. It is inserted in the ceiling to watch over the temple. This Baku is a masterpiece sculpture of magnificent presence. It will surely be the focal point in any environment...

Beautiful boxwood okimono of a Hazel Grouse/Ptarmigan, native bird to Hokkaido. Feathers and feet are naturalistically rendered and delightful carved details all over. In excellent condition. Signed Ryoshun. Age: Meiji Period (c1900). Size: 3.875" height x 9" length.

Japanese mingei hinoki water wheel. Complete 11 spokes with paddles used as a functional water wheel. Iron piston protrudes from the central hub for rotational function.

19th Century

Size: 47 1/2" x 6"

Wooden sculpture of a mouse on a mushroom. The qualities of wood have been skillfully exploited to signify the lamellae of the mushroom, not visible unless the sculpture is lifted.

In Japan, the term nezumi refers to both the mouse and the rat. They are considered the messenger of Daikokuten, the deity of commerce and wealth...