Kohai, a halo made of metal (copper). Very little bit of gold plate is left. 19th century. L:38.5cm, W:13cm

This little guy is just about the cutest thing I have ever seen. A tiny mouse rests atop a bulging white radish, bristling blue leaves in full detail attached as if pulled fresh from the ground. Dating from the 19th century (later Edo to early Meiji period), it comes enclosed in an age darkened wooden box titled Daikon Nezumi Futamono (Radish/Mouse Lidded Receptacle). I confess in over 25 years dealing in Japanese art and antiques I have never seen one like it. It is in excellent condition...

Large incense burner made for a Buddhist temple. Square format with beautiful curves and two handles on the upper rim. Cast bronze with brown patina (sentoku), the shoulder decorated with butterflies in the clouds, done in gold and silver nunome zogan and silver wire inlay.

Japan, Edo period, 19th century

H 8.5 x W 11.75 x 11.5 in.

Unfortunately badly abused as a planter, causing water damage on the patina on the outside, and with numerous small and unobtrusive dents...

Fine earthenware vase of satsuma decorated with excellently drawn dancers. The positions of the bodies, the volumes and the perfect impression of movement announce a very good painter. Unfortunately it is anonymous because there is no signature. Good condition. Height about 40cm.

A pale glazed Kyo-yaki ceramic figurine of a rabbit by Takahashi Dohachi III decorated across the back with a poem by the poet-nun Otagaki Rengetsu. The poem reads:
Usagira ga Rabbits
gamanoho-iro no kegoromo wa Fur robes the color of cattails...
kamiyo nagara ni ki kae zaru ran. Remain un-changed since the age of Gods...

An antique Japanese Sakata Kotansu (Japanese personal storage chest) made entirely of Kirinoki (Paulownia) wood. All original hand forged iron hardware and Urushi lacquer finish. 5 Drawers with 3 drawers secured by a locking bar. Hinged door behind which lie 3 small drawers where valuables were kept. Constructed using thick wood with straight dovetail joinery and hardened wood nails. A beautiful elegant chest that is perfect for a night stand or a side table...

Bronze okimono with brown patina of a mouse lying down. The coat, the tail and the legs are chiselled. The details of the head are particularly detailed, such as the moustache hairs and the long eyelashes.
In Japan, the term nezumi refers to both the mouse and the rat. They are regarded as the messenger of Daikokuten, the deity of trade and wealth...

Bronze sculpture of a giraffe beetle (Prosopocoilus girafa). The top of the abdomen is raised, revealing a perfume burner. The lucanus, in Japanese kuwagata mushi, is highly valued for its playfulness and aesthetic value.
Insects (mushi) have a very important place in Japanese culture. Insect hunting is a popular pastime, especially among children. Using nets and cages, they catch cicadas, beetles and other insects to observe them...

Okimono in bronze of a frog.
Seal of the founder or of his factory on its belly, not identified.

The frog (kaeru) is associated with luck and wealth. Kaeru means both "frog" and "coming home" in Japanese. This extension of meaning is due to the ability of the frog to return each year to the pond of its birth. A gong in the shape of a frog can thus sometimes be used as a door hammer or to protect a house.

Japan - Meiji Era (1868-1912)
Height: 1.4 in...

Okimono in bronze of a frog.
Seal of the founder or of his factory on its belly, not identified.

The frog (kaeru) is associated with luck and wealth. Kaeru means both "frog" and "coming home" in Japanese. This extension of meaning is due to the ability of the frog to return each year to the pond of its birth. A gong in the shape of a frog can thus sometimes be used as a door hammer or to protect a house.

Japan - Meiji Era (1868-1912)
Height: 0.9 in...

Japanese Edo period woodblock print kakemono (vertical diptych) of a full figure samurai walking in an elegant kimono by Utagawa Kunisada (1786-1865) published by Sanoya Kihei between 1844-1845. Signed Kochoro Kunisada at the lower right corner with the publisher's seal and Tanaka censor seal beside it. The assembled size is about 28 1/2” x 9 9/16" (top sheet: 14 1/8" x 9 1/2"; bottom sheet: x 14 9/16" x 9 9/16." Very good clean overall condition...

An antique Japanese chest called Tohoku Kasane Tansu made of Kirinoki (Paulownia) wood...

Antique Japanese carved wooden ranma (decorative transom). Beautifully carved with blossoming lotus flowers on a background of swirling water. The lotus flowers range in different stages of blossoming, a Buddhist symbol for the different stages of enlightenment. Carved of keyaki (zelkova Japanese elm) wood and framed in brown and gold lacquered wood.

Age: Meiji Period (1868-1912)

Dimensions: 8 1/2" high x 46 1/2" wide

An antique Japanese small tansu chest called Kotansu made of Kirinoki (Paulownia) and Suginoki (Cryptomeria) woods. All original hand forged iron hardware including the Hikute handles. 5 drawers of varying sizes and a hinged door that hides 2 additional drawers where valuables were kept hidden for security. Constructed using Japanese joinery and hardened wooden nails. It makes a perfect night stand or side table in today's contemporary home.

Age: Meiji period (1880-1890)

Dimens...

An antique Japanese tansu chest with Biraki hinged doors made entirely of Paulownia wood. Original hand forged iron hardware including the Warabite style handles. The doors secure two large drawers where kimonos were stored. Constructed using Japanese joinery and hardened wooden nails. It would make a functional dresser in today's contemporary home or a side table that would be perfect under a window.

Age: Meiji period (1880-1890)

Dimensions: 38 1/2" Wide by 20 1/2" High by 17 ...

An antique Japanese Kansai Choba Tansu (merchant chest) made of Hinoki (Cypress) and Suginoki (Cryptomeria) woods. All original hand forged iron hardware including the Hikute style handles. Two sliding doors behind which the merchant stored business books and records. 9 drawers of varying sizes for business storage and organizing. Through mortise and tenon joinery and side ribs for added strength and support.

Age: Meiji period ( 1880-1890)

Dimensions: 35 7/8" Wide by 37 1/2" Hi...

An antique Japanese Katana Small Chest and Stand made of Keyaki (Zelkova) and Suginoki (Cryptomeria) woods. Original hand forged iron with cat bronze hardware and Urushi lacquer finish. Upper area holds 4 Katana and lower section has a locking bar with key that secures 4 small drawers where polishing tools and Katana parts were kept. Note: Katana is for example and display purposes only.

Age: Late Edo Period (1800-1850)

Dimensions: 18 3/8" Wide by 14 3/4" High by 11 1/4" Deep

Classic Shino yaki matcha chawan (tea bowl) for Tea Ceremony made during Meiji Period in late 19 century.
The seal of the potter is stamped on the bottom.
The fine crackle look with natural kiln vivid cracks gives the bowl an authentic wabi sabi feel .
Overall it is lovely example of an old, professionally crafted Shino tea bowl.

Shino ware pottery is produced in today's Gifu prefecture since 16th century and it is distinguished by thick white glazes, red marks and the...