Introduced to Japan through the Portuguese in 1543. Intended for use by mounted samurai, these pistols where called horsemen cannon's (Bajo zutsu).
They proved however to be totally impractical weapons to fire, since the rider had to ignite a piece of chord to the lock, while aiming the chamber and at the same time controlling his moving horse. None the less, owning a pistol remained a symbol of a samurai family's power, rank, and wealth...

The Japanese matchlock was introduced to the Japanese by the Portuguese during the Sengoku period. Originally called teppo, it was known as the name tanegashima where its origins was founded.
The tanegashima rifle where used by the samurai class and their foot solders (ashiguru) and within a few years of the introduction of the munition it completely altered Japanese warfare. This long rifle gun has an octagonal russet iron barrel with a flat sighting plain on top and a bore of 3/4”...

Antique Japanese iron tomiodai candleholder. Includes full five tiered with twenty five iron prickets, used in traditional buddhist or Shinto rituals. Forged iron with age consistent to usage.

Meiji Period 19th Century

Size: 27.5" L x 14.5" W x 26.25" H

This superb helmet bowl is comprised of 64 iron plates that are slightly embossed between the suji, double front plates, and a washer underneath the top front riveted inside. The bowl has been given a very dark russet finish and fitted with a simple iron visor. The meadate is a forged iron hornet with gilt brass wings. The shikkoro of five - lames of false scale laced in blue silk and brown russet lacquer...

Antique Japanese tamba storage jar. Large open mouth with akadobe glaze, which consists of russet and blue runny glaze. Tapers in shape down to the base. This form is animated through the irregularities of the firing of the kiln.

Edo Period 19th Century

25" Diameter x 24"

Antique Japanese carved Keyaki hardwood Raijin, God of lightning, thunder, and Storm. A protector deity for the Shinto religion. The surface of the grain is raised with the original red rimpa paint still intact. Typically these sculptures would be very fierce with demonic features. Which in this case, is contrary which makes it more benevolent, compassionate, and sympathetic in its appeal. The condition of the piece is consistent of its age. Minor repairs on base with large iron staple...

A dark blue hemp fabric forms the base of these kote sleeve guards. The upper area is covered in iron chain mail with pair of double gourd plates, crest mon, gilt iron plates, throughout the kote. The shoulder edge has three hinge plates to fashion to the Do armor. Unusually mounted on a custom black iron stand.

Edo Period 18th Century

Size: 27.25" L x 12.5" H (17.5" H on stand)

Stunning antique Japanese two panel folding silver leaf screen. Oxidized silver leaf on layered gofun paper, mounted on Hinoki (Japanese cypress) wood lattice construction. Wonderful original condition with no tears or condition issues. Unframed to give a more deconstructed esthetic.

Meiji Period 1868 - 1912

Size: 65.5" L x 65.5" H

Japanese mingei hinoki water wheel. Complete 11 spokes with paddles used as a functional water wheel. Iron piston protrudes from the central hub for rotational function.

19th Century

Size: 47 1/2" x 6"

Wooden shishi carvings used as architectural elements placed under the eaves of Shinto and Buddhist temples to ward off evil spirits. Beautifully carved keyaki wood shishi with glass reverse painted eyes.

Mounted for wall presentation of custom iron stand.

Meiji Period 19th Century

Size : 18" L x 9" W x 11" H

Pair of Architectural corbels of mythological elephant baku’s are commonly placed under the eaves of Japanese Buddhist temple and Shinto Shrines to wore off evil spirits. The baku’s devour dreams and nightmares and protector against evil. The baku cannot be summoned without caution, however as ancient legions say that if the baku is not satisfied after consuming the nightmares, he may devour ones hopes and dreams...

The tatami armor was used by foot soldiers, archers, and spearmen. Its a lightweight armor which allowed the warriors to be more swift and fluid with their movements. It is also an economical munition armor as a alternative to the traditional lace scale construction. Going to battle was costly and this gave the clan army full protection from all levels of warfare.
The armors head gear covering has two flaps with a back slit...

Family name Kanō Morizumi, Gō: Tanrei. Japanese style painter. Studied under Kanō Tambi Moritaka. After the Restoration, active as a Kanō painter; showed at several exhibitions sponsered by the government, receiving prizes. Member of the committee of the Nihon Bijutsu Kyōkai and Nihongakai. Produced a number of paintings for imperial buildings. ( from ‘A Dictionary of Japanese Artists. Laurance P...

A gorgeous Japanese isho tansu (clothing chest) from the Sendai region, with a red lacquer Sugi (cedar) frame and Keyaki (elm) front drawers in its original, rich honey finish. Each drawer opens with mokko (melon) style handles on lotus back plates, and is adorned with elaborate scrolling vine iron locks. The bottom safe box holds three red lacquer front drawers, and hides away a secret back compartment.

Meiji period (1868-1912)

Size: 46.5" L x 23.5" W x 34.5" H

Unusual Japanese single section isho tansu (clothing chest), with dramatic Keyaki (elm) front drawers, opened by simplistic hirute style handle pulls and small, squared locks. Its bottom safe box opens to reveal three small drawers within, for the storage of smaller precious articles.

Meiji period (1868-1912)

Size: 42" L x 18" W x 42" H

Kawase Hasui
Asano River in Kanazawa
Souvenir of Travels, First Series
Size: Oban. Approximately 14.25 x 9.5 inches.
Date: 1920. Pre-1923 earthquake.
Publisher: Watanabe Shozaburo. Bears the black 6 mm seal, indicating a 1920 first edition. Blocks were destroyed in quake.
Condition: Margins trimmed. Otherwise excellent.

Antique Japanese unusual choba tansu (merchant's chest) with original red lacquer finish hardwood. A single long drawers runs along the top, with four small drawers along the righthand side, and two large, hinged doors on the left, with an interior storage area. Simplistic decorative iron plating of round locks, squared (kakute) handles, and scalloped corner hardware decorative the front and frame of the piece.

Meiji period (1868-1912)

Size: 32.75" L x 13.5" W x 26.5" H

Unusual Japanese two-section choba tansu (merchant's chest), made with Kiri (paulownia) front hardwood, Sugi (cedar) sides, and two large Keyaki (elm) sliding door panels with a roomy, shelved interior space. Each drawer opens with hirute style iron handles and a simple squared lock. Its sides are reinforced with horizontal slats.

Meiji period (1868-1912)

Size: 47.5" L x 16" W x 64" H