The painting depicted court musicians playing divine music called Bugaku. Bugaku is a Japanese court music accompanied by dancing. Here one of the players plays shen (a bamboo instrument first produced in China in 7th century) and the other one sounds a massive drum with mitsudomoe crest (three comma-shaped figures in a circle). Bugaku carries a ritualistic implication and is usually played at the start before dance performance begins. Bugaku purifies the stage. Painted with ink and pigments...

A male dancer dressed in massive and splendid Noh attire. The painting is attributed to Iwasa Matabei (1578–1650), a renowned Japanese painter who is often considered originating ukiyo-e genre painting...

A female dancer dressed in massive and splendid Noh attire. The painting is attributed to Iwasa Matabei (1578–1650), a renowned Japanese painter who is often considered originating ukiyo-e genre painting...

Beautiful antique painting of a scene taken from the Japanese novel The Tale of Genji (Genji Monogatari), written by Murasaki Shikibu during the Heian period (794-1185 AD). The painting depicts chapter 4, in which Genji, 17 at the time, goes to visit his old wet-nurse, Koremitsu ,who had fallen ill. He notices some moonflowers growing in the adjacent yard, and he orders his servant to pick one...

Beautiful antique painting of Hotei (also known as Budi or the Laughing Buddha), possibly depicted in his Dharmalaya body. He is shown sitting comfortably on a wooden bridge as men and women in gold straw hats walk by. Hotei is one of the Seven Lucky Gods in Japanese culture and is revered for his happiness and the luck that he brings. Set in glass and framed, 17th/18th century. Size: (entire frame) 19" height, 16.5" width (painting only) 9.5" height, 7.5" width

Antique painting of Hotei/Budai/The Laughing Buddha, standing with a walking stick, and four seated people. They are all observing the sky as what appears to be another Buddha or deity floats on a heavenly cloud, who wears a beautiful robe with gold detailing. Set behind glass and framed, 17th/18th century. Size: (entire frame) 19" height, 16.25" width (painting only) 9.5" height, 7.75" width

Antique painting of a scene from one of the poems in the Kokin Wakashu or "Collection of Japanese Poems of Ancient and Modern Times", dated from the Heian period (794-1185 AD). It was invented and published by Emperor Uda and his son, Emperor Daigo in the year 905, and was compiled by four of their court poets: Ki no Tsurayuki, Ki no Tomonori, Oshikochi Mitsune, and Mibu no Tadamine...

A fine 18th Century Kano school painting depicted peony flowers. Behind the scene is a stream. It is painted with pigments of green (rokusho), which has been richly used. The combination of red and white flower symbolizes good fortune. This subject was painted in life size and a very good example of Kano school peony painting.

It is in good condition with patina...

The painting depicted a samurai met an old man at night. In Japan there are many legendary tales of ogre extermination where samurai fights with ogre to protect people and their town. Some folklore says that the ogre turns into human and attacks people go around. Here, the samurai was prepared for the fight by the torii, which is a traditional Japanese gate commonly found at the entrance of or within a Shinto shrine, where it symbolically marks the transition from the profane to the sacred...

A samurai and his retainer helping his load to dress in armor. Painted with ink and pigments on silk. During Warring States period (sengoku period), samurai had a specialist retainer who can put armors on them before going to a war. The specialist stylists were familiar with armor and well aware of the order of dressing up so that samurai did not waste their time to join the war. Signed Hogan Eishin and sealed...

A group of samurai won a victory in a battle. Hanging scroll Circa Edo period, 17th century. Painted on paper with ink and pigments. The samurai on the far right is holding a stand with the head of their enemy’s general. In Japanese history the enemy's head was to prove the samurai's feat in a war. If the opponent defeated was in a higher position, the better rewarded. There is an inscription on the scroll reads Tosa Mitsuoki hitsu, means painted by Tosa Mitsuoki...

Samurai Helmet depicted respectfully displayed on the stand. Painted on silk with ink and kindei, which is gold pigments. The kabuto was an important part of the equipment of the samurai, and played a symbolic role as well, which may explain the Japanese expressions, sayings and codes related to them...

A Japanese painting of a pair of songbirds perched atop a Peony Tree. Mounted single panel using a colored Sumie technique. Silk bordered on a silver leaf background.

Age: Taisho Period (1912-1926)

Dimensions: 70" High by 28 5/8" Wide

A beautiful image of a massive swimming carp - a noble fish. Finely painted on silk with ink. The signature reads shikibuno sato yusen hironobu. Kano Hironobu(1778-1814) was active in the late Edo period. He inherited the hamacho kano family and became a court painter. In 1808, he granted an important title Hogen, which was given to extraordinary artist.

There are some light marks and crease present, otherwise the piece is in good condition. It is accompanied by a paulownia wood storage...

A tiger sits tensed on a pine tree. The fearsome advance of the beast is suggested by the powerfully hunched shoulders, the placing of its feet, which all emphasize the animal's size and strength. Painted with ink on silk. The signature reads Ganryo and sealed. Kishi Ganryo (1798-1852) was a Kyoto based painter active during late Edo period, 19th century. He was trained under Kishi Ganku, who was a noted Japanese painter of the late Edo period and founder of the Kishi school of painting. Kishi...

Antique Japanese painting of a Goju-no-to, five storied pagoda of the typical Japanese Buddhist temple. The pagoda is decorated using Kanji with a repeated sutra and other passages. Horin, the nine rings atop the pagoda are each a symbol. It measures 21.25" by 10.13". Some signs of age. Painted in sumi ink on paper. Meiji period 1868-1912.

Regal pair of bronze buddhist temple altar lamps with hexogonal middle sections. Quite rare. Showa Period C.1945 they have electric bulbs and are lined with rice paper. Perfect condition. h;35cm x 15cm wide. Ask for shipping quote.

Magnificent set of Kamisugi Sake Brewery bronze doors from the Taisho Period, C.1920. One door has gold gilt wood letters reading 'Kamisugi' the other 'Shikishima', both sake brands. Kamisugi Sake Brewery was established in C.1805. 42" wide by 67" high. Great condition. Back with some wear. Ask for shipping quote.