Based on a classical tale adapted into a popular Kabuki performance in late Edo, the story of the Fuji Musume or “Wisteria Maiden” is an often employed motif in Japanese art. In the story, the Wisteria Maiden is depicted in a painting holding a wisteria branch, until one day she becomes smitten with a young man passing by and steps out of the painting in an effort to capture his attention. Unfortunately, her attempts are futile...

A finely painted water colour , with gold leaf overlay, depicting a scene from the 11th Century classic "The Tale of Genji" written by noblewoman and lady-in-waiting Murasaki Shikibu. This item was made in Japan in the 19th Century during either the late Edo or the Meiji period (1868-1911). Condition: there is very minor "foxing" to the paper which probably predates the framing of this picture during the 1920s or 1930s. Frame: 32.5cm (12.75 inches) wide; 29cm (11.4 inches) high...

A French porcelain octagonal vase and cover after a Kakiemon original by Samson of Paris, 19th century. This is very close to the original as can be seen when compared to a pair of vases on ormolu stands in the Tokyo National Museum.

Approximately 21.5cm high. The top of the neck has been damaged and pieces glued into place. The stopper is also glued into the neck...

A nyoi scepter (in Chinese: ruyi) made of a natural branch of lacquered wood. For the scholar’s table. Late Edo to early Meiji. L 42 cm. Condition: Fine all-over.

A finely carved female mask netsuke, showing Otafuku or Okame. Unsigned. Provenance: a gentleman's collection, Geneva - Switzerland. Condition: fine. Dimension: 4.8 cm x 4.1 cm.

A healthy round-faced, plump figured, seated boy wearing a typical high hat of boy doll figures of the period. He is also wearing a checker-patterned loincloth. His hands are positioned under his chin, where he is holding his hat ties together. The stoneware was formed with a mold (you can see the faint molding line on both sides and underneath--it is not a crack.) The surface has a natural patina from age. Age: Late 19th Century. Size: H. 10.5cm. W. Base. 7.5cm...

Antique Japanese nagamochi karuma storage trunk. Made of kiri (paulownia) wood and solid Keyaki hardwood wheels with iron hardware and mounts. A large high relief embossed iron locking plate in the form of a phoenix created a lock and latch system on the front of the trunk. The phoenix bird represents justice and Sun obedience...

A carved female mask netsuke showing Okame. Unsigned. Back partially covered with black lacquer. Provenance: a gentleman's collection, Geneva - Switzerland. Condition: few tiny rim chips. Dimension: 4.1 cm x 3.6 cm.

A finely carved female mask netsuke, showing the smiling Okame. The himotoshi edged with bone rings. Signed Shugetsu and with written seal "kakihan". Provenance: a gentleman's collection, Geneva - Switzerland. Condition: fine, only the green bone ring with chips. Dimension: 5.0 cm x 4.3 cm.

Unusual large pair of antique giboshi (bridge finials). Made of bronze mixed with a substantial amount of copper. This can be seen in areas of where people's hands have rubbed back the finish. A lovely almost black patina with areas of green. Very heavy and solid. Unusual to have a matching pair this size. Mid Edo Period (circa 1800's). Size: 16 1/2" high x 8" wide diameter.

Weighty, yet smooth and even in the hand, this Kuro Oribe bowl is quite attractive and unique in its construction. The jet-black glaze nicely highlights the Chrysanthemum flowers (Kiku) on the front and back of the bowl which are auspicious symbols of longevity and rejuvenation in Japan. When first introduced to the island nation during the Nara period (710 – 793 AC), the Japanese Royal Family was fascinated with the Chrysanthemum...

Antique Japanese jingasa helmet, made of riveted iron panels in black lacquered, with the inside of the helmet is lacquered in red. On the front is a large ume (plum blossom) mon (family crest) belonging to the Maeda Family (ruler of the Kaga). Since the helmet is made all of iron it attests to the wealth and influence of the Maeda clan. It is more than likely that this particular helmet was worn in battle showing ware that is consistent of its age. Original lacquer and patina...

This is a finely carved 19th century Japanese Netsuke depicting Fukurokuju, one of the Seven Gods of Fortune, the God of Wealth and Longevity, holding a staff on his left hand, and placing his right hand on top a seated Karako's head...

This is finely carved, Late 19th century, Japanese Netsuke depicting a jovial looking Entertainer who is making music with a Hand Drum that he is holding in his hands, and Fan looking instrument that he is working with his feet. Excellent form and detail on this piece. It is signed Yoshiyuki in a rectangular reserve posted over the man's rear end...

This extraordinary piece depicting what appears to be a learned scholar (possibly of foreign origin?) being escorted by a young vassal, is done in fine white porcelain from the Hirado region of Japan. Hirado wares—alternately known as Mikawachi wares in some contexts—are known throughout Japan and also abroad for their high quality and fine craftsmanship and date back at least as far as the mid-18th century when they were produced exclusively for powerful lords and their families...

Massive Japanese Meiji period Kyoto Satsuma earthenware deep scalloped rim bowl with 17 lobes densely painted on the interior and exterior with a profusion of gilt and enamel flowers...

This rare and interesting ceramic work was done by one of the most renowned and loved waka poets of the 19th century, Ōtagaki Rengetsu (1791-1875). In fact, if you look closely at the attached images, you will see her finger imprints clearly preserved in the molded clay.

Born into a Samurai family but soon after adopted by the Ōtagaki family, from the age of seven to sixteen Rengetsu was a lady in waiting at Kameoka castle where she was trained in the arts and courtly graces. Due...

Beautiful Japanese antique 2-section Keyaki isho tansu (chest on chest for clothing). Wonderfully dramatic kayaki (zelkova) grain on front. Enhanced by the Original finish in translucent lacquer. Black iron hardware including warabite shaped drawer pulls, safe box in lower right hand corner with 2 small interior drawers. Round iron lock plates with mixed metal raised motif of implements of the Lucky Gods. Original condition and finish. Early Meiji Period (1868 - 1912) . Size: 47 1/2" hig...