Antique Japanese small and detailed wood carving of standing Buddhist attendant figure. Gracefully positioned on a rocky out cropping, the male figure, possibly a Bosatsu himself exudes a sense of calm strength. Flowing drapery is carved with movement and intricately painted with mineral colors.

Age: Edo Period (1603-1868)

Dimensions: 9" high x 4 1/2" wide x 3" deep.

Antique Japanese carved wood figure of the esoteric Guardian of Buddhism, Fudō Myō-ō. The figure is simultaneously finely detailed and charmingly primitive adding to the authentic spirit of this Shingon temple guardian.

Also called Acala Vidyarāja (Sanskrit meaning unmovable king of esoteric knowledge), Fudō (sometimes simply called Fudō san in Japan) is usually the central figure in depictions of the five Wisdom Kings (Vidyarāja, Myōō)...

The Size of Bamboo Flower Vase Basket: 10 1/4" Wide x 7 7/8" Deep x 12 1/4" High, 26 cm x 20 cm x 31 cm. Nice unusual Japanese Bamboo Flower Vase Basket. The flower vase made with finely woven bamboo. The condition of Bamboo vase, excellent. There is one spot has crack as last photo making with red circled. It is dating from Meiji period. Please note there is no Otoshi (drop).

An antique Japanese bamboo Ikebana basket in a barrel shape with dual double arm connected handle. The body is woven with multiple layered bamboo strips in a horizontal pattern which gives strength and tenacity to the piece as well as the symbolic nature of bamboo. The base is a bamboo rope foot with a star patterned bottom. Natural soot patina contrasted against chestnut brown highlights.

Early Meiji Era (1870-1880),br>
Dimensions: 17 1/2" High by 9" Diameter

An antique Japanese large Jizai (hearth hook) used above an Irori (fire hearth) and hung beneath the house rafter to support a rope and hook or a Jizai Kagi (adjustable hook) to hold a kettle or large teapot above the burning charcoal. Carved from one solid piece of Keyaki (Zelkova) wood, this sculpture epitomizes the true feeling of the Japanese word Mingei (folk art)...

A sitting lady in Heian era court dress and hair, clutching a giant golden matsudake mushroom. She wears a bright red hakama and light blue kimono. The shape of the mushroom has a close resemblance to a penis and the sculpture definitely has an erotic meaning.

Hand modeled, soft hollow earthenware, painted in cold-applied colors and gold.

Japan, 1960s or earlier.

H 5 in.

Colors somewhat smudged and chafed; frittings at the bottom edge...

Okame standing in blue over-kimono with a sweet and cheerful facial expression. Her garment falls open a little, showing a red colored underkimono or liner, indicating her profession. Cradled in her arms is a large matsudake mushroom...

A male figure sitting in ceremonial kamishimo dress of a striped hakama (pants) and a golden kataginu (vest) over a red kimono, his head shaped like the top of an erected penis.

Soft molded earthenware, painted in cold-applied colors and gold and silver.

Japan, 1960s or earlier.

H 4 in.

Colors and metal pigments chipping, otherwise good condition. Because of the cold application, the colors are fragile and easily wash away.

Rare subject matter

Buddhist shrine, or zushi. Inside stands Jizo bosatsu, holding a wish-granting jewel (hoju no tama) in his left hand and his staff in the right. Very elaborate wooden carving with thick layers of lacquer on top of which gilding. Unusual face with down cast eyes. Metal staff with moving rings.
Height 11.2 inches (29.2 cm).
Japan, Edo period, 18th century...

Very unusual figure of the Kigyo Kishimojin, standing with a baby in her arms, holding up a pomegranate in her right hand. In this form she represents the protector of children.
Almost abstracted wooden figure with dark patina...

Buddhist shrine containing a sculpture of Shichimen Daimyojin in sitting pose, one leg crossed over the other. She sits on the summit of mount Shichimen, one of her shoes by her side, holding a (golden) jewel in her left hand. In the right hand she hold another object, likely a key that is now missing.
Wood decorated with gold and mineral colors. Gilt metal mandorla behind her head, decorated with flaming jewels...

Small Buddhist shrine, or zushi, containing the figure of the Bodhisattva Kannon Nyoirin in six-armed form, sitting on a lotus base positioned on rocks. Kannon sits in position of royal ease, his head resting on his main right arm. In his other right hands he holds the wish-granting jewel (nyoi hoju) and a rosary of stringed beads. His main left hand rests on the lotus, while the others hold a script and a, now missing, lotus flower...

From a well-known series entitled “Chōtō” (Listening to the Waves) this large contoured vase features a sandy glaze that the sculptor claims is an expression of the features of the landscape where he grew up.

Born in the port city of Shimoda, Sakiyama studied art in Osaka and then later went on to open his own kiln that he named “Hidaka” (High Sun)...

Very unusual pair of komainu or guardian dogs to a Shinto or Buddhist shrine. The lef one has its mouth open and has drooping ears, the right one keeps its mouth closed and has the ears perked up. Very fine and smooth bronze cast with rich brown patination.
Makers mark chiseled into the bottom of each lion dog. The name consists of a single character that can be read in a variety of ways: Yasushi, but also Hiroshi, Yutaka, Toru or Akira; followed by "saku" or "made by"...

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...

Buddhist shrine with sculpture of the bodhisattva Myoken, deity of the Polar Star and of the Big Dipper.
He is dressed in Chinese garment, standing on the back of a kida (a beast that is half turtle, half dragon-snake), holding an enormous sword. Behind his back a nimbus with seven discs, representing the seven stars of the Big Dipper. To the left of the rock base the head of a snake pops out. (Probably a snake was wound ”around” the giant turtle and broke off. When the sword was repla...

Antique Japanese wide lotus leaf. Made to be part of a Buddhist altar arrangement. The lotus represents enlightenment blooming from out of the mud. Carved of wood and lacquered gold. Fitted with a custom metal stand.

Age: Meiji Period (1868-1912)

Dimensions: 20 3/4" high (including stand)

Antique Japanese gracefully curling tall lotus leaf. Made to be part of a Buddhist altar arrangement. The lotus represents enlightenment blooming from out of the mud. Carved of wood and lacquered gold. Fitted with a custom metal stand.

Age: Meiji Period (1868-1912)

Dimensions: 27 1/2" high (including stand)