Printed in 1884, this fine woodblock depicts Hideyoshi Toyotomi blowing a mouth organ as well as other famous warriors, before the attack on the fortress/castle of Tottori in 1581. By TOYONOBU UTAGAWA (1859-1896), woodblock from SHINSEN TAIKOKI, new biography of the Taiko (Toyotomi Hideyoshi) 1883. Publisher: Morimoto Junzaburo. Very good condition/colors. Has vertical crease where it was folded. Size: 35.5 cm. x 47 cm. ( 14" x 18.5").

Toyonobu Utagawa (1859-1896), depicting observing Future Bride. Woodblock from SHINSEN TAIKOKI, new biography of the Taiko (Toyotomi Hideyoshi), 1883. Very good condition/colors. Has vertical crease where it was folded. Size: 35.5 cm. x 47 cm. ( 14" x 18.5")

Antique Japanese small very fuctional storage box made of kiri (paulownia) wood with a warm brown lacquered finish. The style of handle on each of its drawers is called 'hirute'. Meiji age (1868-1912) Size: 14.5" height, 12" width, 15.75" depth

The creator of this extraordinary work, Shibuya Deishi, is best known for his works of “Oni-hagi”—typically made with rough clay and heavy dripping glazes. This piece by contrast seems delicately crafted and has a very soft and warm quality to it. The outside is covered with overlapping molded flower petals done in an almond glaze with ivory accents at the tips of each petal...

This is a 19th century finely hand-carved Hidemasa-styled Netsuke depicting a seated Hotei, carrying a large bag of fortune over his shoulders while holding a fan with his right hand. Two Karakos are with the God of Happiness, one is seated over the edge of his robes, while the other is on top of the bag right next to the deity's head. The garments of Hotei and Karakos are decorated with spiraling scrolls in the style of Hidemasa...

A katchushi (or armorer's) tsuba, probably Myochin, with pierced decoration of ship's rudders (the significance being a comparison of rudders steering a ship to values guiding a Samurai's life choices.) The strong, homogenous, dense iron plate with only light tekkotsu and smooth to the touch. Dark patina. Momoyama to early Edo. Good condition: Lamination folds with openings evident on the surface of one side. Ex Skip Holbrook collection. 3 3/32" x 3 1/16" x 1/8" (7.8 cm x 7.7 cm x .32 cm)

A healthy, plump, round & gentle-faced, "Kintaro" doll holding a lively carp (also considered a symbol of strength and good luck). In folklore, Kintaro grows up to become a famous warrior. He represents the wishes of parents to have a brave, strong, yet gentle son. Size H: 23 cm W: 13.5 cm. Period: Early Taisho. Condition: Some wearing off of pigment on fish. Short rope that goes in front of hat is detached on one side, but can easily be re-attached (we've kept it as is)...

Signed and unusual incense burner with two cloisonne floral designs mixed with some repousse work. Size: W. 11.5 x 11.5 cm. H. 3 cm. Condition: No repairs. Some loss of enamel on one of the floral patterns from age.

An unusual-shaped Kutani vase with panels of birds and landscapes on a background scrolling tendrils surrounded by a thickly applied blue-green glaze. All symbols (phoenixes, birds, chrysanthemums, etc.) are symbols of good luck, strength, and prosperity. The stamp on the bottom is a "Fuku" character which means wealth and good luck. Age: 1900 or earlier. Size: H. 16cm. W. 12cm. Condition: No repairs, chips, or breaks.

Japanese limited edition sosaku hanga “kappa-ban” (stencil print) on crumpled hand-made momigami paper by Sadao Watanabe (1913-1996) titled “Entry into Jerusalem” depicting Christ on a donkey riding over a flower strewn path and surrounded by a crowd of followers. Set against a light grey background. The print is signed and dated 1978 at the lower right and numbered 17/70 at the lower left, all in black ink. The paper measures about 27”V x 21”H (22 ½” unfolded)...

Judging by the tomobako, the shifuku, and the patina of the bowl, this piece was likely fired in early Showa (1926 - 1936) when Sosen was thought to be most active.

Perfectly formed and resting firmly on a well-grounded kodai (foot/ pedestal), this chawan is vivid, light in the hand, and has a calming presence. The artist, Asao Sosen (1897 - 1978), was known for making chagama furo (Japanese ornamental brazier used in tea ceremony) as well as “Unge” stoneware of various forms...

The name “Tobe-ware” first appeared in historical documents in the mid-18th century, though the tradition itself dates back well over 1,000 years. Within this style can be found an abundance of fine porcelain and celadon works as well as works painted with dark ferrous glazes—such as the piece featured here.

The creator of this fine work Sakai Yoshito (b. 1931) has been the main figure in maintaining the Tobe-ware tradition in modern times...

An elegantly hand-crafted cloisonne obidome of a double-gourd form. The burgundy-colored glass enamelling of the gourd is thickly applied and translucent. The cobalt blue "rope" around gourd has pure gold highlights. Can be used as a pendant. Size: L. 5cm. W. 3cm. Condition: No repairs.

Like many pottery traditions in Japan, Karatsu takes its name from the city where it originated. As early as the 15th century, Korean potters heavily influenced the development of this form—helping to endow it with the earthy, simple, and natural qualities it is so appreciated for. This small dish fashioned from coarse clay and covered in a silky ash glaze. Slightly oblong with one edge gracefully arching upwards, both sides of the dish have been traditionally repaired using lacquer and gold...

Looking something akin to dragon skin with gilded beads glistening between the scales, this recent creation by young artist Hiramatsu Ryoma demonstrates his creative imagination and challenges the traditional boundaries of what defines a tea bowl...

18th Century, Japanese finely hand-carved boxwood Netsuke depicting one of the scenes from the Ten Oxen parables; The Return on Ox-back. The character on this parable is shown playing a flute while sitting on the back of an Ox. Chimney himotoshi that starts on the bottom of the irregular platform where the Ox stands, and continues through any of the spaces made by the legs of the animal. Rich patina, lustrous surface. Unsigned...

According to the potter who crafted this fine piece, “The clay from our area in the north is alive. We listen to it in order to divine the most suitable objects to create.” Here we see the clay wished to become a well-formed ceremonial tea bowl with an impressionistic rendition of a Japanese Iris. Simple, well formed, and with a soft rusticity; a cup of tea becomes a meditation on the charms of quiet country living.

Originally from Iwate (b...

Tsuchiya Koitsu (1870 - 1949)
Tokaido Numazu Harbour.
Date: 1940.
Size: Oban. Approximately 17 x 11.25 inches.
Publisher: Doi Hangaten. Publisher's watermark at upper left margin.
Carver: Harada. Printer: Yokoi. This seal combination indicates an early post-war edition.
Reference: TK-DH-63.
Medium: Japanese woodblock print.
Condition: Paper is slightly toned.