This is the upper part of a kamishimo; samurai's formal attire without the trousers. It was worn over a kosode (kimono with small sleeves) with trousers. The texture is hemp like; coarse, slightly translucent, thick threads (thicker than other kamishimo). The family crest is the feathers of a hawk. Kami-shimo (upper-lower) that we currently have are quite dandy and fashionable. The amazing thing is the work that is involved when making these fabrics...

Matching pair of Japanese Imari porcelain jars of inverted pear form covered with a high domed lid topped with a round chrysanthemum bud form finial. The vertically ribbed body is decorated in underglaze cobalt blue and overglaze rust-red enamel and gilt highlights. A large panel on the front features two shishi on opposing sides of a prominent floral pattern while the back holds a smaller cartouche with a bird and flower motif...

From our Japanese Collection, a fine and large eight-sided imari charger, Meiji Period 1868-1912, depicting a flower basket beautifully executed in traditional palette of iron red, orange, blue, and gilt on a white porcelain body, and as a lovely extra on this particular piece, the addition of Kakiemon-style greenish turquoise enamel highlights in the corners and tastefully interspersed throughout the design...

This is an old mitsuore ningyo (triple jointed doll) from the Meiji period (1868-1912) or possibly earlier (late Edo period). The body of this doll was made with the Ikkanbari method. In this method, layers of washi (Japanese paper) were glued (lacquered) together over a wooden mold to form the shape of the body parts. It was then coated with layers of gofun, the mixture of ground oyster shells and animal glue...

A rarely encountered limited edition Japanese woodblock print over gold leaf depicting a solitary blue, white, and gold tree set against a barren foreground titled simply "Tree" by Joichi Hoshi (1913-1979) dated 1974. Pencil-signed "J. Hoshi" and dated '74 at the lower right, with the artist's square red seal above. Pencil-titled in kanji at the lower left and marked with the edition number 6/95. Paper size: 10"V x 13"H (image: 7 1/4" x 10 1/2"). Very good overall condition...

During the Edo period, the daimyo (Feudal lords) from each region was required to live in Edo (today’s Tokyo) every other year. This type of Kamishimo (official attire for samurai) with small repeated patterns (komon) was like their uniform when they attended official function in the Edo castle or others. Each region had their own design made. The characteristic of kamishimo komon was that it looked plain (one color) when it was looked at in the distance...

Rare and beautiful Japanese antique isho tansu from the area of Sado Island, made all of kiri (paulownia) wood with original deep reddish brown lacquer finish and nice patina. Extensive iron hardware covers most of the front of this piece with large rectangular lock plates and elaborate cut out and incised designs throughout. The top 2 drawers has hardware depicting figures of Japanese folk lore and pine trees. The bottom two drawers have a large crane and turtle...

A very good pictorial reference book focusing specifically on Imari and Kakiemon wares featuring about 95 color photos and some good overview text. In our candid opinion, it's not enough of a reason to purchase an antique merely for the sake of a free book, but any client already seriously contemplating a purchase can enjoy this as a free extra...

An excellent pictorial reference book with an interesting specialty focusing exclusively on figures: The book covers figures from virtually all the Japanese ceramic disciplines including Imari, Kutani, Sastuma, Hirado, Banko, and Sumida, with a very nice and useful final section on Japanese marks. There are over 200 color photos all of which are quite excellent...

An excellent pictorial reference book specializing entirely in Japanese Imari wares. The pieces span the gamut from the earliest Imari wares of the late 17th century, all the way through the Meiji Period Imari wares of the late 19th century. There are over 100 high quality color photos. In our candid opinion, it's not enough of a reason to purchase an antique merely for the sake of a free book, but any client already seriously contemplating a purchase can enjoy this as a free extra...

Old kasuri (Japanese ikat) kimono worn on celebratory occasions. The fabric, which is woven with asa(hemp) and dyed in indigo (aizome), is coarse and stiff yet lustrous with an almost transparent look. The pattern is geometrical and pictorial; with flowering wisteria branches, stylized pines, Chinese style clouds, fans and phoenix-like birds...

This is an antique men's silk juban, an undergarment worn under a kimono. For today’s standards, it is very odd to see such an extravagant hidden personal item.

During the Edo period, which ended in 1868, common people were not allowed to wear silk. The growing economical power of merchants came along with social disorder and corruption. Tokugawa government issued many sumptuary laws to limit the spending of the general people on luxury items. One way to avoid the punishment was to...

Rare and Spectacular Edo Period Musha Ningyo of Toyotomi Hideyoshi (circa 1780). A musha ningyo (Warrior doll or Boy's Day doll) modeled after the seated Toyotomi Hideyoshi in armor with an eboshi winged hat and a sword, holding a gunbai-uchiwa (military fan). This is the first one found by the same maker as the Hideyoshi in the famed Ayervais collection (cf. "Ningyo, the Art of the Human Figurine " Japan Society 1995 page 34, and "Ningyo, the Art of the Japanese Doll" by Alan Pate publis...

Late Edo Period Musha Ningyo of Minamoto no Yoshitsune. This wonderful example of high quality has an extraordinary presence, sumptuous brocades, gold lacquered armor, a spectacular helmet, and many other fine details. His face is gorgeously and masterfully carved with finely burnished gofun. Figure height: 20 inches (51cm), with arrows: 25 inches (63.5 cm). Excellent Condition.

Late Edo Period Japanese Bronze Turtle. A fascinating, finely casted bronze turtle, it has a wonderful attitude. The beautifully rendered form shares the feelings of the turtle with the viewer. 14.5 inches (37cm) long, 7.5 inches (19cm) across, and 5.5 inches (14cm) high.

Magical, richly sculpted and beautifully formed Pair of Blue Kutani Porcelain Cats. Meiji Period. 8 inches (20cm) high.

This is an antique men's silk juban, an undergarment worn under a kimono. For today’s standards, it is very odd to see such an extravagant hidden personal item. During the Edo period, which ended in 1868, common people were not allowed to wear silk. The growing economical power of merchants came along with social disorder and corruption. The Tokugawa government issued many sumptuary laws to limit the spending of the general people on luxury items. One way to avoid the punishment was to spend t...

A fine silver kiseru (kizeru) pipe with natural bamboo body, the ends finely engraved with a dragon and tiger in the bamboo grove. The color of the central bamboo section is dark (almost black) with purple tint. The eye (eyes) is inlaid with gold (very small though). Circa 1900. 7 1/4” (18.8cm)