This is a very attractive Japanese cloisonne vase by a rare artist. The vase is not signed but the work is very unique. A signed Goto vase with very similar work can be seen on page 79 of the book Japanese Cloisonne by Coben and Ferster. We used to own that vase and the mate that went to it. This vase we believe was created by Goto. It is larger with more of the flower and branch decorations. This vase is very heavy and has very thick layer of high gloss enamel...

An unusual large Japanese bowl featuring three light purple elephants in ceremonial attire resting among many flowers. The bowl is excellent condition, except for some wear to the gold around the rim. Measures 11.5 inches in diameter. Dates late Edo, late 1840's.

A good, large murashido patinated bronze vase. Raised geese and irises decoration including some katakiribori details. The bottom may have been reversed when reattaching it at some later time. From inside the vase can be seen on the bottom a 16 petal chrysanthemum overlaid by Kashiwa (oak leaf) mon and on a bed of same - all in relief...

The Katchushi style of this tsuba gives it an earlier look and feel. But it is probably an Edo period work (might expect more wear on the seppa-dai or more conspicuous tekkotsu on an older example.) The thin body nonetheless resilient. Strong, sparse, decorative file marks on the vertical add to character. Adept use of the file, thin plate and slight taper toward the rim could support argument a swordsmith may have made the tsuba...

This remarkable tea bowl is from the kilns of Yoshida Shuen (1940-1987)—an apprentice of Miwa Kyusetsu (1910-2012) who was awarded the status of Living National Treasure in 1983. It features a warm crackled glazing with a white translucent overcoat that beads in areas.

Hagi-yaki has a tradition stretching back over 400 years and is a high-fired stoneware type of pottery...

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...

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.