A subtle bisque figure of Kwan Yin done by the Rengetsu studio. A seal and signature is found on the back of the statue. Statue comes with a box with the inscription stating: Byakue Kannon (white robed Kwan yin) Rengetsu zo ( Produced by Rengetsu) Age: Late 19th century -early 20th century. Size: Height: 8.75" Length: 6.75" Width: 4.8"

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.

Amazing reticulated oni gawara (Japanese roof tile). The cloud pattern is unusual that it is reticulated and a brush is placed on the bottom of the tile. A mark is found on the bottom of the piece. Age: Edo Period c. 1850. Size: Length" 16.25" Wdith: 5.25" Height: 10.25

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".

A cute Japanese gosho ningyo doll in the form of Ebisu, one of seven fortune gods. Handpainted detail work, red and brocaded fabric is used for the clothing of the doll. Meiji to Taisho period. Size: Length: 5.5" Width: 6" Height: 9.5".

An exceedingly rare ancient Japanese Heian (794-1185) or Nara Period (710-794) Engraved Bronze Tortoise. The entire shell, front and back, has engraved artistic images of the people and symbols of the era. The tortoise is a symbol of wisdom, and is able to defend itself on its own. It personifies Water, Moon, Mother Earth, Time, Immortality, and Fertility. Creation is associated with the tortoise and it is also believed that the tortoise bears the burden of the whole world...

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 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...

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...

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.

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.

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...

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.

This is a rare, well-modeled and detailed 19th Century Japanese Arita Porcelain Elephant. It is based upon an outstanding 1680 Japanese Kakiemon model, which in turn, was derived from Chinese prototypes. This piece is enameled in red and cobalt with yellow accents. It is a beautiful and striking work of art. Width: 17 inches (43cm); Height: 8.25 inches (21cm).