Snake carved out of a natural piece of twisted keyaki (paulownia) wood, stained dark brown. Japan, Showa era, perhaps a bit earlier.

H ca. 24 in.

Excellent condition.

Wooden figure of an unidentified patriarch of one of the many Buddhist sects, sitting on a double base. He sits in the classic posture with the soles of his feet laid together. From underneath his left sleeve pops out a ryui scepter. His widely spread-out red garment is decorated with flower designs in gold, as are the sides of the upper part of the base he is sitting on. His head is covered with a black cloth with traces of flower decoration in gold...

Wooden sculpture of Shichimen Daimyojin in sitting pose, one leg crossed over the other. She sits on the summit of mount Shichimen, her shoes by her side, holding a golden jewel in her left hand and another object, likely a key that is now missing. On the back in red lacquer an donation inscription with the date of Tenpo 7 (1836). Polychrome decorated wood with finish for protection of pigments, gilt metal crown, glass or crystal eyes. Japan, late Edo period...

Signed Late 19th Century Meiji Period Japanese Noh Mask of the jealous female spirit, Hannya. One of the most famous of Noh Masks, sought after by serious collectors. One of the best examples we have offered. It is finely carved and painted, the expression is fantastic, and all the details and patina are wonderful. 10h x 6w inches, 25.5h x 15.5w cm.

Signed Late Edo Period 19th Century Japanese Noh Theater Mask of Ko-omote. This beautiful young woman is a very popular image in Japanese culture, and is sometimes used as an icon to represent Japan. A fine example of this type of mask rendered by a master carver, using cypress wood (Hinoki) and many layers of Gofun, crushed oyster shell lacquer. A very charming, hypnotic, well rendered image, with an Imperial purple tie . 8.25 inches (21cm) high x 5.25 inches (13.5) wide.

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.

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...

Rare Japanese 7th Century Asuka Period Buddha of Paloma Wood. Beautiful patina and wood grain. The Asuka Period is known for its significant artistic, social, and political transformations, having their origins in the late Kofun period but largely affected by the arrival of Buddhism from China. The introduction of Buddhism marked a change in Japanese society. The Asuka period is also distinguished by the change in the name of the country from Wa to Nihon...

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).

A very rare late Edo Period Iki Noh mask of Hannya, the jealous, revengeful demon who was once a beautiful woman. Carved of Poloma wood with many layers of lacquer. Glass eyes and horse hair. 8h x 5w x 3d inches, 20.25h x 12.75w x 7.5 cm.

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.

Sculpture of a priest sitting with his legs crossed, his hands positioned on his knees, formerly holding a scroll and a rosary. He wears a robe, carved in low relief, with the usual square pattern in red and green typical of a priest’s robe. His face is very rich in expression, his bare chest clearly shows his ribcage.
Wood with a polychrome lacquer layer on top of gesso.
Japan, Edo period, 18th century.

Height 18.5 in., width 17.25 in., depth 12 in.

Beautiful patina...

Highly unusual Buddhist shrine with the image of a horse looking back. The horse has a ‘brocade’ cover over his back and is standing behind a mesh wire fence, the way they would be kept in temple compounds.

Polychromed wood with some gold details. The roof of the shrine is a separate piece and can be detached, which allows for taking apart the zushi.

Japan, Meiji period, 19th century.
Height of zushi ca...

Rare pair of shrine guardians in the shape of foxes, both sitting on a two tiered elevation. The right one holds a moving jewel in its mouth, the left one a stick. Middle brown, dense wood with a beautiful patina where hands touched the backs and heads of the foxes and the bases. Red staining on inside of ears, inside the mouths, in nostrils. Crystal eyes. Bases made of the same wood...

Pair of Japanese Meiji Period Wood Kitchen Gods, Daikoku and Ebisu. 8 inches, 20 cm and 7.5 inches, 19 cm. Daikoku, God of Earth and Agriculture, stands on bales of rice and wields his magic mallet. Ebisu, God of Ocean and Prosperity, holds a large red sea bream tucked under his arm. This fish is an ancient symbol of good luck in Japan. Daikoku and Ebisu often appear together in the Japanese kitchen. This is a fine example of the pair of gods that Japanese have relied on for centuries to bless a...

A pair of Japanese wooden carvings of the Nio, or wrathful guardians to the Buddha. While Buddhism beliefs are typically pacifist, the Nio justified physical force in order to defend against evil and are usually found on either side of a temple door. The Nio called Misshaku Kongo or Agyo keeps his mouth open to represent the first sound in the Sanskrit language "a", symbolizing birth and overt violence. The other Nio is called Nareen Kongo or Ungyo and has a closed mouth to represent the last so...

Pair of rare hanging apsaras, also known in Japanese as Kuyo Bosatsu or Hiten. The style of the face, the soft appearance of the hands, and the flowing robes are fine examples of the highest quality in Edo Period Buddhist sculpture. One apsara may have been holding an object to offer the Buddhas, while the other is carrying drumsticks and appears to be hitting the drum the apsara is carrying. The pair may have been part of a set long ago, but even so, it is rare to see this set. Age: Edo Period ...