This is a Superb 1800's hand-carved boxwood rendering of a muscular blind masseur or Totsuka Beggar netsuke, an excellent example of this popular Japanese character, who is crouching and lifting a heavy Stone. He is wearing only a fundoshi. Outstanding detail, clever use of the materials, and patination; His left eye and teeth are inlaid with a natural material. Very nice uneven himotoshi. Signed Gyokkei in a red stained rectangular inlaid natural material reserve...

This elegant work of Karatsu pottery has an unglazed foot, showing the rich ferrous clay, and displays a beautiful ashen glaze with hues of blue, grey, green, and a dark glossy ring encircling the top.

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...

Kawase Hasui (1883-1957)
Evening at Soemon-cho, Osaka
Selection of Scenic Views of Japan II, Kansai Edition.
Date: 1933.
Size: Oban. Approximately 15.5 x 10.5 inches.
Publisher: Watanabe Shozaburo.
Watanabe red 6mm seal at lower right corner, indicating a lifetime edition printed between 1946 and 1957.
Signed and sealed by the artist.
Reference: Hotei #318.
Medium: Japanese woodblock print.
Condition: Pristine. Removed from original folder.

Antique Japanese red lacquer trunk. Hardware is made of copper and ornately incised. Papered on the inside.

Meiji Period (1868-1912)

Dimensions: 14" high x 24" wide x 16 1/4" deep.

Ohara Koson
Eight white-fronted geese in flight, a full moon behind
Size: O-tanzaku. Approximately 14.5 x 7.5 inches.
Date: 1920s-30s.
Reference: K11.10 in Crows, Cranes and Camellias: The Natural World of Ohara Koson (Reigle Newland).
Publisher: Daikokuya/Adachi.
Koson signature at lower left.
"Made in Japan" stamped on back.
Condition: Excellent.
Provenance: The estate of Robert O. Muller.

Takahashi Shotei (Hiroaki)
Cold Winter Wind.
Size: Mitsugiri-ban. Approximately 15.0 x 6.5 inches.
Date: pre-1936 (Mid-1920s).
Publisher: Watanabe Shozaburo. No. 204 in 1936 Watanabe catalog. M-4 in Shotei catalog.
Medium: Japanese woodblock print.
Condition: Excellent. On the back, there is clear tape along the top edge.

Ohara Koson
Wading Egret
Size: O-tanzaku. Approximately 14.5 x 7.5 inches.
Date: Early 20th century.
Reference: K14.14 in Crows, Cranes and Camellias: The Natural World of Ohara Koson (Reigle Newland).
Publisher: Daikokuya
Signed and sealed by the artist.
"Made in Japan" stamped on back.
Condition: Excellent.
Embossing on face, tail, and body.

A pair of small gold doors depicting Asian Civets (Jakoneko) in a flower strewn garden dating from the early to mid Edo period (17th to 18th century) reminiscent of the famous pair of screens heralding the same image by Kano Yukinobu (Utanosuke, active Muromachi period). The handmade bronze handles are in the shape of hollyhock leaves, intimating connection to the Tokugawa clan, head of the Shogunate...

This is a finely hand-carved netsuke in Kurogaki (Black Persimmon) wood of a Lotus Seed Pod, made as a Karakuri or 'trick' Netsuke in that the seeds rattle and peep out of the seed holes. Netsuke was carved by an unknown artist from the Iwami Province sometime during the Early 19th centuries. The carving exhibits similar material and carving characteristics of a netsuke (Photo #6) made by Seiyodo Gansui (1809-1848)...

A two section antique Japanese Isho Biraki Tansu (stacked clothes chest with hinged doors) made entirely of Kirinoki (Paulownia) wood. Original bronze hardware and a center Kuwanoki (Mulberry) wood door decorative overlap. Very well constructed with thick wood, straight dovetail joinery and hardened wooden nails. The doors open to four removable kimono trays.

Originally used for kimono and clothes storage, the classic design works well in any home decor...

Antique Japanese Buddhist Pilgrim's coat. Buddhist monks associated with the teachings of Kukai (or Kobo Daishi) would embark on a pilgrimage to visit the 88 temples on the island of Shikoku. Upon arriving to each temple, the monk would bathe before giving offerings and reciting prayers as well as receive a stamp distinctive to each temple. Normally a monk would carry around a special stamp book however it is not unusual to stamp the monk's coat as seen here...

Hiroshi Yoshida
Temple in the Wood
Date: 1940.
Size: Oban. Approximately 16.0 x 10.75 inches.
Signed and sealed in the image. Titled and signed in pencil.
Jizuri seal at upper left margin indicating self-printing by the artist.
Medium: Japanese woodblock print.
Condition: Toned paper. Corner margins have heavy creases.
Dedicated in top margin: "Captain and Mrs Tibbitts, Wishing a Merry X'mas and a Happy New Year - Gozo and Shiori"

An antique Japanese bamboo Ikebana basket in a barrel shape with dual double arm connected handle. The body is woven with multiple layered bamboo strips in a horizontal pattern which gives strength and tenacity to the piece as well as the symbolic nature of bamboo. The base is a bamboo rope foot with a star patterned bottom. Natural soot patina contrasted against chestnut brown highlights.

Early Meiji Era (1870-1880),br>
Dimensions: 17 1/2" High by 9" Diameter

Being based in Kyoto we occasionally come across fine Chinese and Korean tea-ware to mix in with our Japanese offerings. Here we have an example of a ceremonial tea bowl from the Shinragi kiln in Korea. Pieces like the one seen here are baked in a traditional wood-fired “climbing kiln” at a temperature of over 1,300 degrees for 5 days...

Antique Japanese bandori, peasant's woven back pad for carrying heavy loads. Woven of re purposed cotton cloth, this bandori is outfitted with shoulder straps and is folded on the bottom for extra padding. The back pad is made of cotton from two different textile: a brown striped cotton and light blue and white pattern on cotton. A bandori is made specially for the person carrying the load so it is beautifully unique in it's materials and construction...

An antique Japanese Chobako (merchant storage box) made entirely of Kirinoki (Paulownia) wood. All original hand forged iron hardware. Eight drawers of varying sizes for the storage of paper, writing brushes, inkstone, money, receipts and other merchant paraphernalia. Constructed using straight dovetail Japanese joinery and hardened wooden nails...

An antique Japanese Ikebana bamboo basket designed as a baluster shaped vase. Large bamboo slats interwoven with other delineated free form smaller slats. The mouth opening has some decorative bamboo rope matching the all rope footed base. Three slats at the base forms a star shape while the body is strong with a wide sweeping design.

Age: Meiji Era (1890-1910)

Dimensions: 14" Wide by 14" Deep by 18 1/2" High

Circa 1920's hand carved Japanese ivory okimono of a long tailed rooster on a wood perch. Excellent antique condition.