Round hare in bronze with a dark brown patina, standing on two legs.
In Japanese, the hare and the rabbit are referred to by a single word: usagi. The animal is one of the twelve animals of the zodiac in Sino-Japanese astrology. It also plays a role in many folk tales and legends...

An amusing okimono for use as an incense-burner, in brown patina bronze of an anthropomorphic frog in seated meditation (zazen) or in the lotus yoga position. In the middle of the lotus is a hole for the incense stick.

Representations of this animal in human posture are not uncommon. In the 19th century, the painter Kawanabe Kyôsai (1831-1889) was already depicting frogs in epic battles or everyday scenes. Even earlier, the Chôjû-jinbutsu-giga (lit...

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...

Japanese Meiji carved bamboo okimono figure of a standing Daruma (also known as Bodhidharma), the body wrapped in a draped robe covered in folds. A fly whisk emerges from the hidden folded arms and extends along the side of the head between one of the elongated earlobes with hoop earring and the furrowed brow. 8 3/4" high. Very good overall condition with typical minor wear. There are a few short cracks and one small chip at the base. From the Phoenix estate of a former Daruma collector.

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 Bronze Incense Burner of a Monkey. A wonderful stylized casting of a hanging monkey. A special work of art. 10.5 inches, 26.5 cm.

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...

Antique Japanese natural burl root stand or stool. Interesting natural burl form shape with bold woodgrain surface.

Dimensions: 17" x 18" x 15.5" H

Bronze sculpture representing an owl on a tree stump covered with ivy. The owl, detachable from its base, has shakudo eyes. It is certainly an Ryûkyû scops owl (Otus elegans), present in the south of Japan in Ryûkyû Islands.
Red fabric glued to the base of the trunk to protect the base and the pedestal (not original).

The owl (fukurô, 梟) symbolizes good luck and protection from hardship...

Pair of Attendant Bodhisatvas, Edo Period, gilt over black and reddish brown lacquer. Losses. 33 inches height and 12 inches diameter.

Japanese pair of bronze chicken and rooster, finely cast with detailed bodies. The male rooster is posed with head bent down to peck at the ground while the female hen is posed with head faced forward.

Meiji period (1868-1912)

Dimensions: 6 1/4" x 2 1/4" x 4 1/2"

Length of first: 10.1 cm (4 in)
Height: 2.7 cm (1.1 in)
Depth: 5 cm (2 in)
Length of second: 8.5 cm (3.4 in)
Height: 2.3 cm (0.9 in)
Depth: 4.3 cm (1.8 in)

Quality Japanese pair of bronze turtle okimonos; finely modelled throughout; Meiji Period; both signed by the same artist; one missing the tip of its tail; good condition

Boxwood pipe case and tobacco pouch made of a gourd with a boxwood Daruma face with inlaid mother of pearl eyes. Japan, late Edo, 1st half 19th century. Dimensions: pipecase L. 19,5 cm, pouch H. 8,5, W. 8,5 cm.

A Japanese ranma (transom) with a Hinoki (Cypress) frame and a Kusunoki (Camphor) wood hand carved Chiku Bai theme in highly detailed three dimensional relief. Artist signed Tosho Nakajima. Most likely mounted in a wealthy Japanese home or a fancy Ryokan (country inn). Its main theme is a majestic Plum Blossom tree (Bai) accented with Bamboo (Chiku).

The ranma was often mounted above the Fusuma sliding doors between rooms to allow the air to circulate freely...

Extremely rare Japanese antique usagi (rabbit or hare) mask for a Noh performance. Carved of wood and covered with gofun, a raised paste made from ground oyster shells. The surface of the usagi mask is carefully textured so that every hair is visible and some areas are polished from wear. The eyes of the hare are a pink color, similar to those of an albino snow rabbit.

Usagi is the creature most closely associated with the moon...

Japanese bronze of a mouse holding a hazelnut between its paws, wax cast in Takaoka.

The mouse or the rat are both referred indistinctly by the term nezumi in Japanese. It is a zodiac sign and a symbol of wealth.

On its right side, seal “Taka” (孝).

Comes with its original carrying box...

Lovely vintage reclining solid cast image of the Buddha lying on his deathbed about to enter Parinirvana, circa mid-20th century, from Japan or possibly Korea. He has serene expression and the multiple folds in his robe are particularly well done. L: 14.5cm/5.8in.