Bronze vase with reddish-brown patina, oblong shape with small hemmed neck and rust-colored marks.
Unidentified signature under the vase.

Japan – Meiji era (1868-1912)
Height: 8.1 in. (20.5 cm) – diameter: 6 in. (15 cm)

Japanese bronze cast in imitation of a Chinese zun form ritual wine beaker. The archaistic style ritual vessel appears to have been cast in three sections, each of which is divided by vertical openwork flanges into four panels of relief cast and carved decoration. The flared trumpet-shaped neck holds bands of upright blades containing flowering plants. The mid-section is cast in relief with four Buddhist shishi set against a geometric ground...

Japanese Meiji carved bamboo okimono figure of a standing Daruma (also known as Bodhidharma), the body wrapped in a draped robe covered in folds. A fly whisk emerges from the hidden folded arms and extends along the side of the head between one of the elongated earlobes with hoop earring and the furrowed brow. 8 3/4" high. Very good overall condition with typical minor wear. There are a few short cracks and one small chip at the base. From the Phoenix estate of a former Daruma collector.

Japanese Meiji period three-case boxwood inro carved on the front with two oni or animal creatures peering out from the trunk of a tree. The back holds a bearded man holding a sword or knife. All three have inlaid eyes. A wood ojime bead and a netsuke in the form of a smiling tiger is attached to the string. A two-character “Nissho” signature within a circular cartouche is embedded on the bottom. 19th century...

Japanese cast iron sake kettle (choshi) with the characteristic flattened spout decorated in low relief on one side with prunus blossoms and on the other side with bamboo. The wooden lid is covered with stippled lacquer. These iron kettles were used to heat sake during the cold winter months. Flower form finial. Meiji period (19th century). Measures about 7 3/4" to the top of the handle and about 9 1/2" across to the tip of the spout. The kettle is in very good overall condition...

Japanese Meiji period cast iron tetsubin in lotus form with a Chinese inscription dating 1702 on one petal. The inscription reads “Kangxi forty-second year, 9th month, 6th day, auspicious day made.” Lotus form lid. Measures about 8 1/4” in length by 4 3/4” high (8” including handle). 19th century. Very good overall condition. The handle can stand upright, but it does not balance easily. There is rust to the interior. From a Scottsdale, Arizona collection.

Japanese Meiji Cast Iron Tetsubin with Signature - Hailstone Pattern

The cast iron tetsubin (teapot / kettle) is of course the central feature of the tea ceremony. This example was made during the Meiji period (1868 - 1912) or possibly a little later, the pattern to the upper part of the kettle known as the hailstone or nail head pattern. It has a copper cover that is a perfect fit. There is a signature to the right of the spout and there also appear to be seal marks to the base...

Japanese Meiji period barrel form cloisonne enamel vase with three panels decorated in butterflies, flowers, and birds set against a powder blue ground. The cartouches are placed against a brown background covered in dense abstract and floral patterns. There is green counter enamel on the base and interior. Circa 1880s. 7 1/8" high x about 4 1/2" wide. The barrel form suggests it is possibly an early Namikawa piece. Very good overall condition with no chips, cracks, or repairs...

Bronze dropper (suiteki) representing a chubby guardian lion, called komainu in Japanese or shishi in Chinese.

The komainu is inspired by the Chinese guardian lion shishi, which dates back to the Tang dynasty (581-618). Supposed to repel evil, it appears on both sides of the entrance to the doors or gates of shrines and temples.

The suiteki is a small container used to hold water that is added to the ink stone during the grinding of the ink stick, used for calligraphy...

Late 19th C Japanese copper cloisonné vase with superb decoration depicting, on a glossy black ground, a group of 3 cranes on one side and a pair of cranes on the opposing side. Has an open bottom. Vase measures 6.5" high.

An exceptional Japanese cloisonne enamel cigarette case with gold washed interior. A floral scene on each side features a chrysanthemum, or kiku, symbolizing perfection, long life, power and nobility. Enameling is rich and vibrant, exhibiting very little or no wear. In excellent condition, this beauty measures 3.5" x 3"

A golden brocaded basket suspended in air and filled with flowers. A bird resting on a branch while another flutters about surrounded by the joy of spring. This cup and saucer is one of my personal favorites, delicate and translucent and without flaw; the gold accentuates the weaving of the basket, the flowers well arranged, and every detail seems to spring to life. Our treasure is perfect in every way, except for very minor wear along the raised spines of the foliated saucer...

The most unusual and unique Japanese soba (noodle) cup that we have encountered, with very beautiful contrasting colors and a garden scene that is breathtaking, a plethora of flowers and a bird swooping down from heaven will delight the senses of the discriminating collector. The footed feature of this soba cup along with the color combination is almost rarely never encountered, as I have never seen another in years...

A Japanese totai cloisonne (on ceramic body) bottle vase. Blue, white, rose, green, red and yellow enamel decoration of flowers. A silver rim encasement original to the vase. Good condition. Height: 5 inches

Wooden netsuke representing a frog whose eyes are inlaid with horn. It is lying on a water lily folded on itself.

The frog (kaeru) is associated with luck and wealth. Kaeru means both "frog" and "coming home" in Japanese. This extension of meaning is due to the ability of the frog to return each year to the pond of its birth...

Wooden netsuke representing two frogs with horn eyes. They are hanging on a round water lily, on and under it.

The frog (kaeru) is associated with luck and wealth. Kaeru means both "frog" and "coming home" in Japanese. This extension of meaning is due to the ability of the frog to return each year to the pond of its birth. A frog-shaped gong can thus sometimes be used as a door hammer or to protect a house.

Signature near the holes for passing the cord, unidentified. ...

Japanese Meiji period bronze model of a striped tiger standing on rockery preparing to attack a coiled striking snake. Square form Genryusai Seiya mark to base. Custom lacquered wood stand included. Circa 1890. Measures about 15”H x 16”L x 9 ½”D (excluding wood stand). Very good overall condition with excellent naturalistic detail and a nice dark brown patina. This bronze sculpture is from an old Scottsdale, Arizona collection.

Japanese silk and gold embroidery depicting two cockerels and peonies. The peonies are a symbol of wealth. This imagery can also be interpreted as a father and son motif of passing on knowledge with a moral compass symbolism.The gold thread is 24-karat gold hand-hammered onto the thread.

Meiji period Circa 1860's.

67-1/2" high, 44-3/4" wide