A wooden sign of three golden characters carved into the surface of a solid slab of burled wood enclosed in a frame expertly carved with the four gentlemen, plum, bamboo, iris and chrysanthemum. It reads Yuraku-sai, A Place of Playful Enjoyment. The sign (with frame) is 11-1/4 x 21 inches (28.5 x 53 cm). It is signed Setsuyo (?) followed by two stamps. There is a chip into a hollow in the wooden plaque, lower left (see photos) otherwise is in excellent condition...

Cranes cut on the frosted surface rise from ice blue, their necks curling out as handles as they preen. A quintessentially Japanese subject executed with impeccable Japanese craftsmanship. The vase is 11 inches (28 cm) tall, 6-1/2 inches (16.5 cm) diameter and in perfect condition; enclosed in a covered wooden box.

A dragon wraps around the trumpeting form of this brilliant yellow vase by Makuzu Kozan II (Hanzan) enclosed in the original signed wooden box. A vibrant contrast between the yellow and blue is enhanced by the artists care and minute detail. The vase is 8-1/2 inches (21 cm) tall, 6-1/4 inches (16 cm) diameter and in perfect condition...

Japanese antique scroll painting of a group of three monkeys in persimmon tree, painted in colors on silk, school of Mori Sosen, Meiji Period (1868-1912). total size: 58" high x 38" wide

Japanese Fukagawa, Koransha baluster vase decorated in underglaze red with a leaping carp, on a shaded blue ground, Koransha orchid mark to the base, original wood box (13" x 9" x 9"). Dimensions of the vase are 12" in height and 7" in diameter (at the widest).

During the Edo period, the women of the Samurai class carried a pouch in their chest area (right above the obi belt) when they were dressed up in formal kimonos. The pouch was folded into a skinnier shape and accented with a nice tie. Carried inside were the beni ita (today's lipstick), a mirror, tissues, kanzashi, coins, etc. The chains were added to the kanzashi (hair ornament) sometime later...

Old Hakoseko (Japanese tissue holder or purse) for times when women wear formal kimono. They are placed in the chest area with the chains of the kanzashi hair ornaments hanging from the obi belt. The beautiful embroidery work (very delicate) on this hakoseko did not show up in the photos. The red color is a much softer tone; this is truely an elegant piece. The dimensions of the wooden box: 5 1/4" x 5" x 1 1/2" Early Showa, 1930 to 1950

Old Hakoseko (Japanese tissue holder) for times when women wear formal kimono. They are placed in the chest area with the chains of the kanzashi hair ornaments hanging from the obi belt. The colors of the embroidery are soft and shinier (silk threads) than shown in the photos. The background is in a soft creamy color (shioze silk). The color of interior is reddish orange. Kanzashi is gold plated, thick and heavy (approx...

A lovely and very attractive Japanese bowl, with four dragons in a circular pattern. This lovely specimen dates to the Meiji period 1868-1912 and is well over 100 years old. In perfect condition, it measures in diameter 5.25 inches and 2.25 inches high

During the Edo Period, there was a time when puppet play became the most popular form of entertainment among the common people. At one time, they were so popular that Kabuki actors even began mimicking the movement of the puppets.

The era of Ningyo Joruri (puppet play later called Bunraku) began in 1684 when Takemoto Gidayu, a narrator, opened a theater in Dotonbori...

Beautiful old Japanese woven silk uchikake gown in new condition. The size of this gown is small (much shorter) and light in weight. We are not sure how gowns in this style were worn but our humble guess would be that they were either made into jackets for upper class women (style is similar to kosode from late Edo period), Noh custumes or wedding gowns (though the sleeves are short). Subtle but beautiful, will make a great wall decoration...

Beautiful Japanese antique choba tansu (merchant's chest), made of keyaki (elm) with sugi (Japanese cedar) interior, beautiful heavy iron hardware, sliders on top, bottom with removable locking bar (bo) over two drawers, lower right side with safe box, interior of safe with two small drawers, all original deep red translucent lacquer finish, Mikuni area, late Edo Period (mid 19th century). Size: 33 1/2" high x 36 3/4" wide x18 1/2" deep.

A lurid landscape spreads across two two-panel screens by Shirakura Niho signed and dated 1929. Two colorful scholars share a quiet moment in the shelter of a thatched hut. On first examination it appears nonsensical, a chaotic collection of dashes and dots, however the closer one examines the painting the more one realizes the detail and planning that went into the imagery, It is performed with ink on paper framed in dark mulberry frame and has been recently re-backed with forest green paper...

A pair of Japanese lacquered iron abumi (stirrups) decorated with gold lacquer on a roiro ground. It has butterfly family crests (mon) in the center of a scrolling leaf and flower border, the interior in red lacquer.

The butterfly design was a favorite among the aristocrats and was seen in their belongings, ox-carts and attire during the Heian period (794-1192). They were also seen in armor of the Heike (Taira family) before power was shifted to the Genji (Minamoto family) samurai...

A pair of Japanese lacquered iron abumi (stirrups) decorated in gold lacquer on a roiro ground with Ni-o, also known as Kongo Rikishi with delicate scrolling background, the interior in red lacquer. Edo period (probably 17th century). 11 1/8" high, 4 3/4" wide, 12" long.

Large Japanese antique processional temple cart, base made of keyaki (elm) wood with copper hardware, drum is also made of keyaki wood with a large brass rooster on top, wonderful condition (wheels roll!), lovely carving and lacquer detail, unusual and striking! Meiji/ Taisho Period (early 20th century). Size: 90" high x 69" long x 42 1/2" deep.

A demure image of grace and youth; this is a fine full sized Bunraku theater puppet dating from the first half of the 20th century; one of two from a private collection we are currently offering. The eyes open and close, but are stiff, hands are flexible and fully operational. She wears a period red brocade kimono with kiku chrysanthemum patterns and a black obi featuring dragons and phoenix. A white silk lining and silver crown of flowers complete her outfit...

Japanese antique gift cover, fukusa, with the design of the Seven Gods of Good Fortune (Shichi Fuku Jin), tsuzure-ri tapestry weave with wide borders (1 3/4"). The liner is made of chirimen crepe silk, Meiji period (1868-1912), 26 1/4" W x 29 1/2"L

This is a beautiful fukusa even with obvious stains. It shows the quality and professional workmanship everywhere. This fukusa is woven in tsuzure-ori...