Japanese tabako-ire (tobacco pouch) decorated with an embroidered dragon chasing a flaming pearl. The dragon's body extends around the front and back of the pouch. The fierce head with open jaw is located on the front above the silver alloy dragon-form kanemono (clasp). An ivory accent adorns one of the two interior compartments. A circular ivory and repousse metal dragon kagamibuta netsuke is attached by 10 strands of metal chains secured by a dragon decorated squared silver guard...

Noh Mask (noh-men), Hanakobu Akujyo (Akujou), bumpy nosed fierce old man. Besides the distinctive nose, he has a deep V-shaped crease between his eyebrows and the veins on his temples to his forehead, piercing bulging eyes, teeth painted in gold, with a tan colored horsehair beard and mustache. Not an ordinary face of an old man, he appears to possess something supernatural. This men(mask) is very lightweight. Written on the reverse side is "Hana kobu Aku jyo" in gold...

Japanese antique Jizai or "J" hook, made for hanging a large kettle by rope from rafters over fire pit, made of keyaki (elm) wood, wonderfully rough hewn and sculptural, carved with eight sides, great patina from smoke and use, Meiji Period (1868-1912). Size: 30 1/4" high x 15" wide x 4" think (10" wide including small cross beam at top).

Japanese Edo period round-form bronze kagami (mirror) decorated in high relief with a finely detailed motif of crane and its young among pines. The perforated boss in the center, which holds a tassel, is in the form of a minogame (tortoise). There is an inscription at one side (see enlargement 6). We are unsure of the precise dating, but confirm it dates no later than Edo period (pre-1868). 4 3/4" diameter with a 3/4" high rim. Very good overall condition with typical wear for its age...

A variety of saya lacquer-style samples enclosed in a set of stacking boxes titled Nuri-Hon. Thirty samples covering inlays, various techniques such as nejiri, powdered shell, byakudan, wakasa, and tsugaru techniques. Each sample is roughly 3-1/2 inches (9 cm) lng, the boxes 7-1/2 x 4 x 1 inches (19 x 10 x 2 cm). Very rare and overall in fine condition, dating from the later Edo...

Japanese carved wooden NETSUKE. Beautifully carved wood figure of FUKUROKUJU resting against his money bag. Unsigned. 1 1/4" length, 1 3/8" width by 1 1/16" tall.

From our Japanese Collection, a very fine and early Gosu Blue satsuma vase, late Edo Period circa 1840-1860, signed Gyozan. There are four separate gilt-framed panels: Two depict shi-shi, one depicts scholar's table objects, and one depicts a flowering plant. Each panel is surmounted by birds in flight on the upper shoulder, probably phoenix...

Japanese late 19th century sleeve from a stage costume. The sleeve has design hand embroidered on front and back. The front has a large pearl with 3 dragon claws showing around the edge. There are also plum blossoms, bamboo leaves and stylized clouds. The reverse has the 3 friends, bamboo, plum and pine with cloud designs. There is also a fabric handle for the piece. This type of sleeve was not actually worn, but held against the body during a performance...

Japanese Satsuma cup and saucer finely decorated in overglaze enamels and heavy gilt highlights with alternating reserves featuring various activities of the noble classes and Buddhist arhats. The inner rim is decorated with a hanging lantern motif and the interior bottom with Buddhist arhats. The base of each piece bears a gold rectangular Satsuma mark and circular Satsuma family crest. Saucer: 4 7/8” diameter; cup: 2 1/2” diameter x 2 3/8” high. Meiji period (late 19th 20th century)...

From our Japanese Collection, a superb Kinkozan satsuma vase of tapered ovoid form, Meiji Period 1868-1912, most likely 1880-1890, depicting a finely painted bijin on one panel along with finely painted roosters and flying birds in a garden setting on the other panel. Both main panels are separated by reserves of elaborate gilt work set against a rich cobalt blue ground. Kinkozan signature and impressed mark on the bottom...

Japanese Satsuma foliate form bowl decorated in overglaze pigments and gilt highlights with a large bird in a cherry tree at the foreground set against a landscape scene with beauties in a pavilion at the right and a waterfall at the left. The exterior features three flying female mythological figures. The base bears a gold on black square “Satsuma Hotoda” mark and circular Satsuma family crest...

Japanese sagemono (hanging object) tobacco pipe set consisting of a wood kiserutsuzu (pipe holder), kiseru (pipe), and wood tonkotsu (tobacco box) in the form of a humorous yawning Daruma with arms overhead grasping the two cords with his fists. The cords hold an ojime (sliding bead), which is attached to the pipe holder. Daruma’s body is kiri (pawlonia) wood and his eyes are inlaid with mother of pearl. His face lifts and functions as a cover for the tobacco box. A badger (tanuki) standin...

Japanese keyaki bar tansu with original finish, kiri leaf shaped lock on top drawer, bar opens with one key. Dimensions: 24.25" High x 29.5" Long x 20.75" Deep

Beautiful and unusual Japanese antique kuruma tansu (storage chest on wheels), made all of heavy keyaki (elm) wood with iron hardware, front has sliding panels with horizontal slats, sides and back all have wooden bracing, interior left side has 4 drawers of different sizes with iron hardware, right side interior has hidden compartment that opens to reveal 2 secret boxes.

Late Edo Period

Size: 36 1/4" high x 38" wide x 23" deep.

Rare and beautiful Japanese antique kura tansu (storage chest), all keyaki (elm) wood front and framing, iron hardware, top portion has 3 drawers and lower portion has sliding panels with horizontal slats, bottom right interior has two small drawers also made of keyaki wood, deep brown translucent lacquer finish with wonderful patina, Edo Period. Size: 41 3/4" high x 38 3/4" wide x 21 1/4"deep.

Beautiful Japanese antique storage tansu with locking bar, made with all keyaki (elm) wood front and frame, iron hardware, top portion has three drawers covered by a vertical locking bar, bottom portion has sliding panels with horizontal slats, bottom right side opens to reveal two small interior drawers, deep red translucent lacquer finish, Edo Period. Size: 41" high x 38" wide x 19 1/2" deep.

Perhaps the best dragon carving we have ever owned, here is a solid Keyaki carving taken from the interior of a temple with glass eyes glaring fiercely out at anyone who threatens the sanctity of Buddhism. Flames leap from the body blown by fierce winds as it rises from the Churning ocean. The carving practically roils out from the wood panel, fully in three dimensions. It is 78 x 26 x 10 cm (31 x 10 x 4 inches). Please notice the yellow arrows in the last photos, as the whisker of the creat...

Unusual Japanese antique gyosho bako (peddler's box), made of sugi (cryptomeria) wood, iron hardware including loops for rope so that peddler could carry box on his back, 4 drawers and a safe box, three interior drawers, Meiji Period. Size: 35 1/4" high x 11" wide x 16 1/4" deep.