DESCRIPTION: A rare and quite old Japanese lute, or sanshin, originating from the island of Okinawa. The sanshin (literally meaning "three strings") is an Okinawan musical instrument, and the precursor of the Japanese shamisen. Often likened to a banjo, it consisted of a snakeskin-covered body, neck and three strings, and was known for its calming tune. This sanshin, dating from the late 18th C...

DESCRIPTION: A large and delightful carved wood figure of one of the seven Japanese gods of good fortune, Daikoku, the deity of prosperity. Here he is seen in his traditional pose, standing on two bales of rice with his wish-granting mallet in his right hand, and a bag of riches slung over his left shoulder. Daikoku is also venerated as the deity of the kitchen where such carvings were traditionally displayed, sometimes in the ceiling rafters for good luck...

Height: 8.7 cm (3.4 in)
Width: 5.5 cm (2.2 in)

Fine pair of Japanese Satsuma vases, the upper section showing four panels of alternating figural and rural scenes; finely worked and gilded throughout, the base stem is decorated with polychrome millefleur work; the finest of diaper work radiate out from the central throat; signed Kozan on the bases; good condition

This striking chawan is a fine example of “Oni Shino” (carbon trap and natural ash glazing) that Tsukigata is so well-known for. Coining the term in the mid-50’s after countless failed experiments—which ultimately culminated in the discovery of this unique style of pottery—“Oni” translates roughly to demon or ogre...

Japanese antique indigo dye soft Choma Ramie tsutsugaki katabira kimono of echigo-jyofu.There are thin Stain and discoloration and small holes. It is a Kyoho era(1716-1736). Shochiku Umebun's bamboo is reminiscent of flowing water, and there is movement, and a delicate and flowing pattern is expressed throughout. Sprinkling sparrows here and there and adding moving sparrows to bamboo that looks like running water is a good combination of "bamboo sparrow" and "Shochiume" pattern...

Small blue Japanese cloisonne vase with traveling scene. The body of the vase is cool blue with a dark blue mountain behind a building surrounded by trees. Three travelers approach as they pass a cliff with a cypress tree. Showa period, 1920-1930. It measures 2" at the base5.25" tall,1.5" wide mouth.

Exceptional bronze lantern with nengo dating on the bottom from Meiji Period 4 (C.1872). With the crest for gold `kin` on the panels and beautiful diaper vine patterns, this is a stunning piece of workmanship from the early Meiji period. Excellent condition. Ask for shipping quote.

With a design reminiscent of mineral deposits on Martian rock, this bold and visually captivating tea bowl is the creation of one of Japan's more controversial and revolutionary-minded potters. 

Nakamura Kimpei (b. 1935) was born in Kanazawa but later—after a period of residency abroad— made his way to Tokyo where he established a kiln...

Over 100 years old, this exquisite lacquered box set was crafted in the fourth year of Taisho (1915). On the underside of the lid are painted butterflies and the sides and top of the box set feature Chrysanthemum flowers in gold, sumi, and mother-of-pearl. Long considered an auspicious symbol of longevity and rejuvenation in Japan, when first introduced to the island nation during the Nara period (710 – 793 AC), the Japanese Royal Family was fascinated with the Chrysanthemum...

This lovely Shino tea bowl fashioned from coarse Mino clay is covered in feldspar glazing, has a classic ferrous abstract painting across the front, and shows nice age—most likely from early to middle Edo.

Shino-ware dates to the Momoyama period when potters were attempting to recreate white porcelain-wares that were being imported from China at the time. Originally they were made in a single-chamber anagama style kilns set into the hillsides...

Kawase Hasui (1883-1957)
The Nikko Highway (aka. The Road to Nikko; Nikkokaido)
Date: 1930.
Size: Oban. Approximately 15.25 x 10.25 inches.
Publisher: Watanabe Shozaburo. Watanabe red 6mm seal at lower left corner, indicating a lifetime edition printed between 1946 and 1957.
Signed and sealed by the artist.
Reference: Hotei #211.
Medium: Japanese woodblock print.
Condition: Excellent. Removed from original folder...

Japanese large three(3) section Kimono Tansu with ornate decorative simple hardware, Ca. 1920, 60" high, 47" wide, upper section has two(2) sliding doors reveals open space with shelves on the right side, and two(2) small drawers for lady's necessary assortment and jewelry in the left side above three(3) large drawers horizontally next each other and middle drawer has lock compartment with very pretty flower shape metal lock backplate...

Antique Japanese wood carving of a pair of celestial maidens. From the group of heavenly beings known as Tennin in Japan, these beautiful female figures, Tennyo, or Apsaras, are similar counter parts to the western angel. These crowned women, floating in intricately carved swirling clouds, represent heavenly attendants of the Buddhist realm...

Ishiwata Koitsu
Ikegami Honmonji (Niomon) (Nio Gate of Honmonji Temple, Ikegami)
Size: Oban. Approximately 15.25 x 10.25 inches.
Date: 1932.
Publisher: Watanabe Shozaburo.
First edition with Watanabe C seal.
Medium: Japanese woodblock print.
Condition: A conservator has repaired margin in two places. Pencil note on back. Crease at upper right corner.
- A rarely see design.

Antique Japanese single section todana tansu made of sugi (cryptomeria) wood. This todana is divided into two large upper and lower compartments, each with two sliding door panels. Each panel in reinforced with horizontal wooden slats. Natural wood finish.

Age: Meiji Period (1868-1912)

Dimensions: 69" high x 63 1/2" wide x 20 1/4" deep

An antique Japanese Kotansu (personal storage chest) made of Kiri (Paulownia) and Sugi (Cryptomeria) woods. All original hand forged iron hardware including the Kakute style handles. Locking bar secures 3 drawers behind it and the center design is the family crest of the family who commissioned this chest to be made...

Hiroshi Yoshida
Garden in Summer
Series: Four Garden Scenes
Date: 1933.
Paper size: Approximately 15.625 x 10.5 inches.
Image size: Approximately 15.5 x 7 inches.
Signed and sealed in the image...

Hiroshi Yoshida
Tansui (Danshui, China)
Date: 1941.
Print size: Chuban. 10.625 x 8 inches.
Brush signed and sealed in the image. Titled and signed in pencil in lower margin.
Jizuri seal at upper left margin indicating a first edition self-printed by the artist.
Publisher: Hiroshi Yoshida
Medium: Japanese woodblock print.
Reference: Abe catalog #244.
Condition: Some toning and fading. Tape at top back margin.