A very unusual Katana held in a saya (scabbard) made to look like a gnarled branch cut into a poor man’s cane. When pulled a spring-loaded mechanism releases two iron flanges creating a very effective tsuba hand guard. The blade is unsigned, measuring Nishaku nissun nibu {26-1/2 inches (67.3 cm)}. The remnants of a piece of paper remain glued to the saya with the name Masaaki Noma (?) written in cursive Roman letters, followed by UZUMASA, an area in Kyoto city...

A very fine Japanese framed embroidery from the renowned Sozayemon Nishimura Silks and Embroideries, depiction of a row of cherry trees along the edge of a large lake with boats. Absolutely stunning condition and incredible hand-embroidered details with tasteful framing. Late 19th/early 20th century.

Size: (entire frame) 35" L x 1.5" D x 28" H (artwork only) 26" L x 19" H

Stunning Antique Japanese choba tansu (merchant's chest) from the Matsumoto Area in Japan. Adorned with a red lacquer Keyaki hardwood frame, along with Keyaki (elm) front panels of a golden honey original finish. Highly functional design with many drawers of various sizes, including an unusual long shallow one below a set of sliding door panels with a shelved interior.

Great original condition with fine details. Meiji period (1868-1912)

Size: 34" L x 14.5" W x 36.5" H

A lacquered and iron bound round lidded box called a kubi-oke made to carry the head of a man taken in battle or that of a man after committing ritual suicide for offering to the lord. It is 13 inches (33 cm) diameter, 11-1/2 inches (29 cm) tall with large handles from which it could be carried on a pole. There is mouse damage on one part of the bottom, but has not eaten through to the inside.

A matching Edo period Myochin signed Go-mai-do Gusoku yoroi lacquered black and threaded with blue chord emblazoned with a seven star crest. It features a 24 plate suji kabuto with elaborate tehen kanamomo signed Myochin Ki Munemasa saku. The blossoming Shikoro features large back-turned Fukigaeshi and mabizashi covered in leather and also emblazoned with the seven star crest. Inserted in front is a sharp kuwa-gata maedate...

Original, Signed, 1967, Watercolor by famous Japanese Artist YASSE TABUCHI (YASUKAZU), 1921-2009. Professionally Framed and Matted, Gallery LEFEBRE, 47 East 77th Street, New York 21, NY. Excellent condition. Size: 51 cm. x 41 cm. (20" x 16")

A whimsical tiger exhales incense smoke, his body glimmering with gold on black ripples; an antique oki-koro incense burner enclosed in the original Kikko signed wooden box. The tiger bears the Kikko mark on his butt...

A very large container of this artist's signature textured gray clay by Koinuma Michio enclosed in the original signed wooden box titled Chomon Tsubo (Sculpted Tsubo). Impressive, it is 28 cm (11 inches)diameter, roughly the same height and in excellent condition. For a simiolar piece see the second illustration in "To" volume ten.
Koinuma Michio is a compelling figure unique among contemporary artists...

Camellia blossom on this flattened form by Ito Motohiko enclosed in the original signed wooden box titled Nunome Tsubaki Mon Kabin (Cloth Texture Vase with Camellia Design). It is 10 inches (26 cm) tall and in excellent condition.
The artist is a famous Kasama potter, best known for his nunome pattern and exceptional designs. Motohiko was born in Fukuoka prefecture, 1939, and graduated the Tokyo University of Art in 1964, then moved on to advanced courses there, finishing in 1966...

An important work in the oeuvre of 20th century avant-garde oil painter Nakamura Yoshitane, his first exhibited work at the 1938 Dokuritsu Tenrankai (Independent Painters Exhibition) titled Canna and Cypress retaining the original gilt frame and published in Nakamura Yoshitane Gendai no Ningen Fukei (page 81). Thick application of pigment and very heavy texturing are key features to the work giving it a three dimensional quality. A copy of the book is included with the sale...

A dragon rides in a swirl of movement atop this silver and damascened Koro incense burner by Chosa Yoshiyuki. The sides are decorated with images of plum and pine. The bottom is signed Yoshi-saku, and bears the stamp 900 delineating the silver content. It is 5-1/2 inches (14 cm) tall, 3-1/2 inches (9 cm) diameter and in fine condition, enclosed in a period heavy kiri-wood box.
Chosa Yoshiyuki (1915-2002) was a bronze artist and recipient of the Japanese Order of Cultural Merit...

Antique Japanese pair of beautifully carved wooden temple fu dogs, with red and gilt pigment remains, each on its own carved pedestal. Fantastic detail in each. One has its mouth open while the other's is closed, representing life and death.

Edo period (1603-1868)

Size: 17.5" L x 10.5" W x 24" H (19"H w/o pedestal)

Old (1930's) Japanese Awaji Dragon Pottery Ceramic Studio Vase with Dragon Marked

It is 7.4 inches (18.7 cm) tall by 8.3 inches (21 cm) wide. It is 3.5 Lb.

It has repair at the bottom, manufacture defect of firing cracks and skip glaze (as seen in the photos).

Our Guarantee: We stand behind all of the items that we sell. That is to say, if you purchase an item from us and are unhappy with it for any reason, return it for a 100% refund of the amount you originally paid...

A ghoulish character from the Otsu-e pantheon, the Oni no Nenbutsu, a devil in priests robes, stands grinning, hammer in one hand to bang his bell and a ledger in the other in which are noted all the peoples sins. This figure is carved of wood and covered in lacquer and mineral paints. Dating from the 19th century (Later Edo period) it is 13 inches (33 cm) tall. There are some losses to the pigments accentuating the antique feel.

Autumn in the Mountains by Shirakura Niho Pigment on silk in a fine brocade border extended with beige and featuring ivory rollers enclosed in the original signed double wood box (nijubako). It is 26 x 56 inches (66 x 143 cm) and is in excellent condition. This is signed with his later art name Kanyu. We can see in the style as well, here he has adopted a very western watercolor approach, that this is one of his post-war works...

A single bead of green glass hangs like an emerald earring from the “mimi” on this Shigaraki vase by Takahashi Shunsai enclosed in the original signed wooden box. It is 10 inches (26 cm) tall and in fine condition...

A large framed woodblock print by artist Ouchi Makoto (1926-1989) titled "Snow", numbered 47/100, and signed in pencil, with red chop. Professionally framed in Hong Kong.

Size: (entire frame) 29" L x 23.5" H (print only) 22.5" L x 16.5" H

Impressive Japanese ink and color on paper horizontal handscroll measuring over 30 feet in length depicting an Edo period genre scene of a large daimyo procession passing through the center of a village. The villagers are engaged in all manner of activities. As the scene unfolds, there are also scenes of battles and encampments. Scroll: 19 3/4” x approximately 32 feet in length...