Edo Period Japanese woodblock print by Toyokuni III (also known as Kunisada) depicting a half-length portrait of an actor portraying a samurai. This is one of a number of half-length portraits of actors designed by Kunisada in 1852. Signed at the right "Toyokuni ga" (in a red cartouche with yellow snow) with the seal of the publisher Yamazakiya Seishichi below. Fresh color and nice impression quality with fine delineation of the hair and lacquer highlights...

This is “kataginu” (shoulder cloth), only the upper vest of kamishimo without a trouser. Kami-shimo simply means top and bottom in Japanese. It was a high ranking samurai’s formal attire when they attended official meetings at the Edo castle. It was worn over kosode (kimono with small sleeves) with trousers. The shoulders are arch shaped and this was the style that developed in the late Edo period (1603-1868). Longer trousers (approx...

This is “kataginu” (shoulder cloth), only the upper vest of kamishimo without a trouser. Kami-shimo simply means top and bottom in Japanese. It was a high ranking samurai’s formal attire when they attended official meetings at the Edo castle. It was worn over kosode (kimono with small sleeves) with trousers. The shoulders are arch shaped and this was the style that developed in the late Edo period (1603-1868). Longer trousers (approx...

18th Century Edo Period Saga Ningyo of a young boy holding a rooster in one hand and a scepter in the other. His head bobs while his tongue goes in and out. Carved entirely of wood, his robes are built up with pigments in a technique called 'moriage'. He has a gorgeous blue outer robe decorated with foliate scroll slightly raised in relief. His inner robes are brown with shaped roundels of geometric patterns and cloud shapes...

Very decorative and impressive Japanese Bronze Censer bearing dark red-brown patina, comprising of distinctive pedestal base with dragon’s heads, ovoid vessel carved in relief with birds and trees, dragon-form handles and surmounted by a pierced cover with a crane, Meiji Period (1868-1912).
MEASUREMENTS: 30 inches (76 cm) tall...

Japanese Edo period woodblock print from a small series featuring bust portraits of actors portraying two opposite charactors in old and current plays set against calligraphy by Toyokuni III (also known as Kunisada) collaborating with Torii Kiyomitsu II (1788-1868) dated 1852. The lower right corner bears the signature cartouches of both artists, censor and date seals, and the seal of the publisher Joshuya Juzo. The paper measures 14 3/4"V x 9 7/8"H...

Edo Period Japanese woodblock print triptych by Kunisada (also known as Toyokuni III) depicting actors portraying a scene from the kabuki theater. Published by Yamazakiya Seishichi in 1855. Each panel bears the signature "Toyokuni ga" in a red cartouche with yellow snow, a publisher's seal, date seal, and censor's seal (see enlargement 5). Each panel measures about 14 1/2"V x 9 3/4" - 10"H. Very good overall condition with margins...

Edo Period Japanese woodblock print triptych by Kunisada II (1823-1880) titled "Moon" from the series "Snow, Moon and Flowers" published by Yamamotoya Heikichi in 1852. Each panel bears the signature "Kunisada ga", a publisher's seal, date and censor's seals (see enlargement 7). Each panel measures nearly 14 1/4"V x 9 7/8"H. Very good overall condition. The triptych is not backed and the baren marks and image are clearly visible on the back. No tape or tape stains...

Japanese woodblock print depicting an actor portraying a seated samurai. The image is signed at the left side "Ichiyusai Kuniyoshi ga" (1797-1861). The red Yoshi Kiri seal is beneath the signature. The print was published by Ibaya Senzaburo between 1847-1848. The paper measures 14 1/2"V x 9 7/8"H...

Japanese woodblock print titled "Poem #68" from an untitled set of women compared to the one hundred poets by Toyokuni III (also known as Kunisada). Signed "Kochoro Kunisada ga" at the lower right. This series was published by Sanoya Kihei (Kikakudo) circa 1844-1848. The print depicts a beauty in a kimono kneeling and holding a lacquer tray of snacks. Above her is a book-form cartouche containing the poet with whom she is being compared. Floating in the background are three blue decorative flow...

Edo Period Japanese woodblock print triptych by Kunisada (also known as Toyokuni III) depicting an actor portraying a samurai sitting on a veranda overlooking a garden with a beauty in the center panel. Published by Joshuya Kinzo prior to 1842. Each panel bears the signature "Gototei Kunisada ga", a publisher's seal, and the kiwame censor's seal used from 1790-1842 (see enlargement 5). Each panel measures about 14 1/2"V x 9 1/2"H. Very good overall condition. The triptych is not backed and the b...

Japanese baby's first formal kimono (miyagi), hawk on a pine tree hand painted in sumi-e (black ink) on silk, 32 1/2" W x 41" L.

This type of kimono is used during a newborn's first visit to the shrine. The ritual takes place about one month after his birth. Traditionally, the kimono was sent by the mother's side of the family to their daughter's new family, bearing the family crest of the husband's side. The newborn will be held in the arms of his mother-in-law and accomp...

A pair of exceptional and extremely rare dramatic antique 17th century Japanese bronze lanterns from a prominent Tokugawa temple courtyard. Each lantern is made of 10 individual cast bronze sections. Heavenly creatures and symbology are abundant and include: fu-dogs, apsaras (Heavenly People & Celestial Beings).
Apsaras a symbol of beauty, good fortune, fertility, heaven. A feminine shape-shifting spirits of the waters and clouds. They were created to pleasure heroes and the gods. A...

Antique Japanese maiwai, katazome stencil dye on cotton, padded and in excellent condition, 51"(4'2") x 51", circa Meiji (1868-1912) to Taisho period (1912-1926). This maiwai is old but has been well maintained, pretty clean condition without any odor. One damaged area (did not go through to the liner) was repaired with very small stitches (photo #9). The photo #10 shows the area before it was repaired with stitches and filled with red color.

Maiwai was the pride of Japanese fisherme...

Lovely antique Japanese 4-panel gold leaf screen painting with scene of 3 geese in grasses by water's edge. Beautifully hand painted with fine detail in mineral colors on ground gold leaf paneling. Overall very good condition.

Late Taisho - Early Showa age C. 20th Century

Size: 43" high x 88" long

Huge (36 inches, 91.5 cm across!) Japanese Meiji Period (1868-1912) Cloisonné Charger with Flower and Bird motif. This is one of the most fantastic 19th Century Japanese Cloisonné works we have ever seen. The colors are magnificent and most vivid on a Robin Egg Blue field framed with a gorgeous pattern. The size is amazing and with the stunningly rendered flowers and birds, it makes for a rare, breathtaking exhibitor work of art that will be a spectacular center piece for any home or office. E...

Unique old Japanese yogi (kimono-shaped futon bed cover) from Kaga, a weeping willow tree with a butterfly family crest, 57" x 72", Meiji Period (1868-1912).

Kaga, located in today's Kanazawa prefecture area, was known as "Kaga One-million Koku", the wealthiest domain next to the Tokugawa Shogun family during the Edo period (1603-1868). Each domain was assessed its wealth measured by "koku." Most samurai received stipends in koku. One koku was equal to the amount of rice to feed a m...

Japanese antique 2-section mizuya (kitchen tansu), from the Niigata area of Japan, made with keyaki wood on front and side bracing, deep orange / red original translucent lacquer finish with wonderful deep pantina, iron side hardware, unusual lacquered wood carved drawer knobs, each compartment with one long original shelf, Edo Period (18th/19th century). Size: 68" high x 68" wide x 20 1/2" deep.