A mandala from the Main Kyoto Nichiren Sect Buddhist Temple Honnoji cut from a hardwood slab used in the rebuilding of the great hall in the Taisho period. Written on back is “Given in Taisho 14 (1925) to the temple supporter’s representative as a prayer for good fortune upon the occasion of the ceremonial raising of the roof beam of the main temple structure (Honden), the plackard cut from wood used in the rebuilding”. It is signed Nichijo-gan...

A troop of Shishi lion dogs sewn with couched gold thread. frolic among the blossoms and crashing falls embroidered on the re-purposed rich blue patterned Edo period silk of this altar cloth. The original form was likely an uchikake kimono, assembled as an altar drape as a tribute to the owner at a Buddhist Temple. Embroidered up high is the Mitsuba-aoi crest of the Tokugawa Shogun, indicating this was from an aristocratic family as the quality of the embroidery presmes...

An open basin in the shape of a tea bowl by female artist Okuda Tomoko enclosed in the original signed wooden box titled Raku Kohen Hanaire (Kiln altered Raku Vase). It has the feeling mas as if it has grown this way, out of some geologic process, than sculpted out of clay. Large and tactile it is 8 inches (20 cm) diameter, 5 inches (13 cm) tall and in excellent condition...

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.

Wisteria vines in gold and silver Maki-e lacquer decorate the natural body of this beautiful sake flask cut from a section of vine, hollowed and capped with natural wood and black lacquer, a pouring spout of brass bunged with bamboo. It is 9 inches (22 cm) tall and in fine condition, dating from the 19th century.

A very fine and detailed large 18th Century Japanese KANSHI Scroll Painting on Silk, skillfully depicting to minute details Mountains, Landscapes, Temples, People and Animals. This rare and outstanding scroll painting bears a Chinese poem in calligraphy, artist: YANAGAWA SEIGAN's signature as well as collector's seal. Good overall condition. Size of complete scroll: height 271cm x 107cm. (106" x 42"). Size of painting including silk border: 190 cm x 106 cm. (75" x 41.5")...

Ivy in colored maki-e lacquer drapes over the ro-iro polished black of this museum quality Tankei oil lantern dating from the 19th century complete with oil container, with both ceramic and lacquered-brass oil dishes; enclosed in the original wooden storage box. It is 22 x 18 x 54 cm (8-1/2 x 7 x 21 inches) and is in overall fine condition, with minor wear typical of age and use...

A signature work in gold Shino by Suzuki Tomio enclosed in the original signed wooden box titled Yohen Kin Shino Hachi (Shimmering Altered Gold Shino Bowl). It is 10-1/2 inches (27 cm) diameter, 5 inches (13 cm) tall and in excellent condition.
Suzuki Tomio was born in 1948 in Yawata, Kyoto, and has spent his life in the perfection of Shino glazing. He did not move for independence until establishing his own kiln at the age of 40...

A cloud of terracotta clay floats over rays of white emanating down through the gray body of this object by Kawasaki Chitaru enclosed in the original signed wooden box titled Light Cloud. The complete lack of glaze accentuates the rich color of the clay body, tiny “tombo-no-me” (dragonfly eyes) salting the surface. It is 20 x 12.5 x 23 cm (8 x 5 x 9 inches ) and in excellent condition, with the artist name and date engraved on the side...

Basket made of bark of hiba, a family of the Japanese cypress. It is used by a mountain worker, and tools, lunch or collected mushrooms are put in. In good condition except for a few breaks in the rim. The first half of the 20th century. W:28cm H:31cm

A young Maiko parts the curtains of an Okiya Tea-house entrance, perhaps on her way to training, or to begin a night of traditional entertainment through song and dance. Pigment and ink on silk in a fine brocade border with lacquered red wooden rollers. It is 25 x 78 inches (63.5 x 198 cm). There is some loss to the gofun in the center where it was obviously folded once before being mounted in its current state.

Wonderful distorted shoe shaped (kutsugata) tea bowl made of light, fine, unrefined Mino clay. Shape and style make it appear contemporary with the late Oribe bowls. The expertly thrown body is covered with the typical black oniita engobe inside and outside - with the exception of the bottom - over which a white, feldspatic Shino glaze has been poured.

Just the foot ring and its immediate surrounding was left unglazed...

Ohara Koson
Peafowl on flowering cherry
Size: ko-tanzaku. Approximately 7.75 x 3.75 inches.
Date: ca. 1900s-1923.
Koson seal at lower right.
Reference: AK.19 in Crows, Cranes and Camellias: The Natural World of Ohara Koson (Reigle Newland).
Compare with our large Ohara125 K38.13 published by Daikokuya.
Medium: Japanese woodblock print.
Condition: Excellent. Back lower corner has spot.

Japanese solid Keyaki choba tansu (merchant's chest of drawers). The unit sits on a platform base. Original finish solid Keyaki (elm) hardwood construction, detailed with hand forged iron pulls and other hardware.

Meiji period (1868 - 1912)

Dimensions: 36" L x 14 1/2" D x 39" H

Ohara Koson
Two Common Snipes Near Waterfront
Size: Ko-tanzaku. Approximately 7.75 x 3.75 inches.
Date: ca. 1910.
Koson signature and seal at upper right.
Publisher: Matsumoto (no. 108).
Reference: AK.13 in Crows, Cranes and Camellias: The Natural World of Ohara Koson (Reigle Newland).
Compare with Daikokuya K24.5.
Medium: Japanese woodblock print.
Condition: Excellent. Very faint line mark at left.

Ainu woman doll made of clay with cotton clothing which might be "ru-unbe" or "kaparamip". The Ainu pattern is hand-drawn. In excellent condition. 20th century. H:25.5cm

Beautiful example of SHowa Period C.1935 Japanese bronze craftsmanship. Two cranes in relief are flying in front of a Mt. Fuji also in relief against a patinated murashido mixed color finish. Great condition. With original paulownia wood box. 35cm tall and 8cm in diameter with wood stand. Ask for shipping quote.

Museum quality early Edo Period C.1690 buddhist temple dragon carving out of zelkova (keyaki). Just spectacular. 4ft. long and 2 feet tall. Excellent condition with minor age wear. See photos. Ask for shipping quote from California warehouse.