A bronze Tanuki dressed in robes and holding a Nyoi (priest scepter) sits yelping into the air, as if surprised at being discovered for his true nature. Dating from the Meiji or possibly Taisho period, it is 10 x 8 x 9-1/2 inches (25 x 21 x 23 cm) and on the base has written in red “4th year” followed by a series of letters to which I have yet to discern a meaning. Likely Meiji 4 (1871).

Antique Japanese bronze okimono, animated in a recumbent pose. The tanuki clothed in Buddhist monk robes, curled and withdrawn for rest. A strand of prayer beads is visible out from underneath his crossed front legs. The sculpture is skillfully cast with a bronze dark russet patina, essentiated by the chasing of the hair and the smooth surface of the folds...

Superb Taisho Period C. 1915 Japanese tea ceremony bronze flower vase. Placed in the tokonoma of a Japanese Tea House with a single flower it evokes the essence of wab sabi and the soul of the tea ceremony. Lovely art deco bulbous shape with wave diaper on the base. The lip is contoured simply but elagantly. Excellent condition. 11" high and 6" in diameter. Ask for shipping quote.

Antique Japanese bronze temple bell, or "bonsho", with a handle of dragon heads called a ryuzu, protrusions called "chi chi" or "nyu" to improve resonance of sound, the "tsuki-za" striking panels, and the "mei-bun" inscription of the bell's history...

Antique Japanese bronze temple bell known as a "bonsho", with a handle of dragon heads called a ryuzu. Protrusions called "chi chi" or "nyu" to improve resonance of sound, the "tsuki-za" striking panels, with lotus shaped "tsukiza"...

Antique Japanese Bronze Temple Bell (Bonsho). Inscribed on body with name of location, temple and date...

Very rare and unusual bronze zen temple gong Ca. 1930. 26cm tall x 34cm long. excellent condition. Very good sound with striker. Ask for shipping quote.

Remarkable and exceedingly rare bronze life-size kannon statue. From a buddhist temple, c. 1920. Holding a lotus about to blossom. Had a halo but had damage so we are selling without it. We feel the proportion of the halo was too big for the piece regardless. In excellent condition. Shipping from CA warehouse. 5ft. tall by 23" wide.

A large Japanese bronze tripod censer decorated with various auspicious motifs. Dragons and phoenix-like birds are set within a wave pattern known as seigaiha. The feet of the vessel are shaped like scrolling clouds. A censer such as this would have been used for incense at a temple.

Age: Early 19th century

Size: diameter 29.25" height 16.5"

Here is a fine example of a scholarly pursuit of finding the accoutrement for the use of calligraphy. A Japanese bronze tsuteke water dropper, in the form of an old sage or "Sennin" riding on the back of a turtle with its flowing hair-like tails. The turtle is lifting its head so that the angle would allow to pour water from its mouth. The hole is located on the back top of the turtle's shell, allowing for water to flow in...

Antique Japanese bronze usubata with small birds done in silver overlay, and silver inlay of ocean waves. The handles are of an unusual shape. Nice patina. Deco period c1930. Size: 10.5" height, 12" diameter

Japanese bronze usubata, used for ikebana flower arrangements. With tripod cabriole legs. The interior of the usubata shows verdigris patina from age. The casting is very heavy and shows simple elegance.

Dimensions: 9" w x 4 1/2" h

Antique Japanese bronze vase with a rectangular form, a raised horizontal line running along its very middle with the image of a taotie motif (jawless face/ogre). It has long, slender side handles curling at the bottom and forming into a face at its very top and its neck and base are fluted outwards. Meiji period (1868-1912) Size: 11" height, 5" width

Antique Japanese large bronze vase with raised koi fish swimming through incised water ripples and waves. The vase sits on three bronze elephants with excellent form. Made during during the Meiji period (c1900). Size: 17.25" height, 15" width

Antique Japanese bronze vase with a wood-like pattern, large areas of deep red pigment, and a stout mouth with inner ridges. Taisho period (1912-1925) Size: 11.5" height, 9" width

An antique Japanese bronze vase called Kabin designed with a 3 claw dragon hugging the shoulder and neck. The lower part of the vase is surrounded by waves of water. Standing on 4 legs each portrayed and protected by a mythical beast. Fine metal detailing to the head and body of the dragon.

Age: Meiji Period (circa 1870-1900)

Dimensions: 17 3/4" High by 7 3/8" Diameter

Rare bronze Japanese vase with cranes in exceptional relief flying amongst buddhist clouds. Signed on bottom with stamp. Late Meiji Period C.1910. Gold yellow color achieved by smoking with rice straw repeatedly. 11" high by 6" diameter. Ask for shipping quote.

Small Antique Japanese vase. Mottled brown patina with variation in color. Shiny finish. Marked on bottom and beautiful condition. Vase comes with own wooden box with japanese inscriptions.

Taisho period

Dimensions: 7.5" Tall X 4" Diameter at base