The benign figure of Monju Bosatsu bearing the sword of knowledge and a sutra astride a fierce Shishi lion exquisitely painted by Takagi Shunrin in 1920. The compassionate being appears in royal regalia and white robes seated on a lotus shaped saddle upon the fierce creatures back. Pigment on silk in the original silk mounting with large ivory rollers enclosed in the original signed wooden box dated Spring of Taisho 9 (1920). The Rollers will be changed if exporting...

Single section Mizuya (kitchen buffet tansu) with a pair of sliding panels opening to an open space with a single shelf inside. Set of 5 pull out drawers with beautifully finished quartered sawn keyaki drawers. Hand forged iron hardware. Natural blond finish with fine carpentry details. Overall in very good condition. Ready to go! Age: Meiji Period (1868 - 1912) Dimensions: 71" long x 34 high x 20 1/4" deep

Unusual pair of black lacquer small traveling hinged boxes. Each box is the same size with three individually sized drawers located behind the hinged front door. All original hand forged iron hardware. Side handles swivel up allowing insert of a hardwood pole for ease of carrying them about.

Age: Early Meiji period (1868 - 1912)

Dimensions: 7 3/4" wide x 12 1/2" deep x 11" high Each

One of only five Imperial Court Artists of Meiji, ceramic pieces by Kōzan are highly prized by collectors and are ever more difficult to find on the market these days. Here we have a fantastic example of a guardian shishi from the Kōzan kiln crafted in fine celadon...

Antique Japanese tetsubin (kettle for heating water for tea) made of cast iron and decorated with a dragon in swirling clouds. The highly raised design depicts a dragon curling itself around the body of the pot. The clouds over hang in a ledge above the base. There is a large raised cartouche on the back underneath this ridge. The lid is made of bronze.

Age: Taisho Period (1912-1926)

Dimensions: 9 1/2" high including handle x 7 1/4" wide including spout

A very interesting ceremonial tea bowl produced by one of the oldest generational potting families in Kyoto. In excellent condition with one fine gold repair along the rim; apart from its obvious beauty, this piece is interesting as a conversation piece for its involvement of two generations of Eiraku, a Head Tea Master of Urasenke, and a former Head Priest of Daitokuji...

Japanese Taisho to early Showa period Satsuma earthenware charger finely decorated in polychrome enamel and gilt with a single large foliate form cartouche set against a black background that extends to cover the back walls. The cartouche features a landscape scene with temples set among high mountain peaks. A bridge over water holds a single figure. The decoration is set against a cream colored finely crackled glaze background. Koshida workshop mark to the base...

Considered auspicious symbols of wealth, status, and good fortune; foo dogs—commonly referred to as shishi or koma-inu in Japan—are often seen in pairs guarding shrines, straddling the doorways of shops, and protecting public buildings. Here we have a fierce guardian adorning an incense cady (kogo)...

This is an antique Japanese 3 section Isho Kimono Tansu made of Kirinoki (Paulownia) and Suginoki (Cryptomeria) woods. Each section interlocks by way of a dual carrying handle/locking bar connection. Constructed using Japanese straight dovetail joinery and hardened wooden nails. The top section features a shelf for additional storage while the center section has three Kimono trays behind the front doors with two large drawers for additional storage in the bottom section...

An antique Japanese low Tansu with two full width Kimono storage drawers made of Keyaki (Zelkova) and Suginoki (Cryptomeria) woods. Original Urushi lacquer finish and hand forged iron hardware with Warabite handles. Unique scalloped lock plates decorate the drawer fronts. Straight dovetail Japanese joinery with hardened wooden nail construction...

An antique Japanese low Mizuya Tansu made of Keyaki (Zelkova) and Suginoki (Cryptomeria) woods. Original iron handles on upper sliding doors. A pair of large sliding doors allows for spacious storage. Originally used in Japan as a kitchen chest for the storage of dry goods and cooking/serving ware, it would function well as a buffet or sideboard chest.

Age: Meiji/Taisho Era (1910-1920).

Dimensions: 47 3/4" Wide by 31" High by 14 5/8" Deep

A fine pair of matching square bowls on raised foot. Decoration: the inside, in the centre a gold takamaki-e medalion with a raised design of a couple of Reshiki stems in shakudo and hirame, on red ground, rim decorated with cloud pattern in gold on red lacquer...

An antique Japanese Mingei folding ladder made of Hinoki (Cypress) wood. Used by a landscaper or gardener for pruning Bonsai trees, large shrubs, or fruit trees. All through mortise and tenon Japanese joinery for strength and durability. Folds flat for easy storage. Timeless architectural design reminiscent of Kyomizu Temple in Kyoto.

Age: Late Meiji/Taisho Era (1910-1920)

Dimensions (Opened): 21 1/2" Wide by 34 5/8" High by 24 1/2" Deep

An antique Japanese Cha Kobako (tea storage and serving box) made of Kirinoki (Paulownia) wood. Upper open shelf for serving dish storage. Lift-out door behind which tea, teapot and teacups were stored for serving guests. Bottom drawer was used to store serving accoutrements. Lucky carved Pine motif representing longevity on either side of the chest.

Age: Meiji/Taisho (1900-1920)

Dimensions: 14 3/8" Wide by 12 5/8" High by 12" Deep

Antique Japanese lacquer suzuribako decorated with a pair of deer in raden (shell inlay) and lead on a black lacquer ground. The box opens to reveal a writing set including a lacquered copper rectangular water dropper, an ink stone with brush rests on either side against a background of black lacquer with Rinpa style gold maki-e designs of curling plant fronds.

Age: Meiji Period (1868-1912)

Dimensions: 10 1/2" long x 9 1/2" wide x 3 1/4" high

Antique Japanese cast iron figure of Bishamonten, chief of the Four Heavenly Kings and guardian of the north. Dressed for war, he stands on the back of an evil spirit. He holds a club in his right hand in association with his role as guardian. In his left hand, he holds a small pagoda representing the divine treasure house alluding to his association with wealth and good fortune...

Bertha Boynton Lum (1869-1954)
Kites
Date: 1912
Size: 14.375 x 8 inches.
Pencil signed and copyrighted 1913 by the artist.
Edition: "197" noted at lower right.
Reference: Gravalos/Pulin No. 29.
Medium: Japanese woodblock print.
Condition: Wrinkle in lower margin. Paper at a back margin.
"..the wind fills them up till they look like fish" - Bertha Lum: American Printmakers, (Smithsonian)

Kanban or shop sign. The sign indicates that the store would sell or manufacture ornamental pin holders for the oars on a boat (ireko), in the shape of dolls. According to the sketch pasted to the back of the kanban, this holder is mounted on the oar and is placed over a pin mounted on the boat edge. The oar pivots around that pin, so that the oar moves the boat through the water.

The pin holders are decorated as a male and a female doll in court style, their mouths wide open...