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

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...

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"

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.

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.

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...

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 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...

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).

Finely detailed bronze tea house koro or incense burner. Very unusual daruma window in relief. Taisho Period c. 1920. Roof is superb. Condition excellent. 5" tall by 4 1/2 " wide. Ask for shipping quote.

Antique Japanese bronze sutra container of a pagoda form with very tall finial and calligraphy inscription. The bronze shows beautiful green patina inside and on the foot and the lid shows old corrosion. The burial of sutras in sutra mounds began in 1007 when Fujiwara no Michinaga had a gilt bronze sutra container inscribed upon its burial at the Kinpusen sutra mound in Yoshino. It is apparent that a variety of reasons lay behind the creation of these sutra mounds...

Antique Japanese large bronze suiban, or shallow dish for the display of viewing stones and small plants. The legs have been wonderfully casted to resemble gnarled vines, or perhaps a Buddha's hand citron fruit. One side of the suiban displays a raised dragon flying through incised winds. The other side shows two lounging tigers...

Antique Japanese low bronze suiban, or shallow tray to be filled with suiseki or viewing stones, sand and bonsai. It has an interesting shape with sides decorated by waves and sea shells. The feet are also sea shells. Size: 2" height, 14.25" length

Wonderful unusual round bronze suiban or ikebana flower vessel from the late Taisho Period c.1920. Subtle silver inlay fence and small flowers in relief. Excellent condition, no dents or cracks. 10" diameter and stands on tripod legs 2 1/2" tall. Ask for shipping quote.

Elegant signed Keisen bronze vase with carp undulating and frolicing about. With original paulownia signed box. Characters on box read: "Daruma seiyu koi bori doki kabin" meaning daruma holy playing carp bronze flower vase. C. 1950. excellent condition. Ask for shipping quote.

Antique Japanese bronze ikebana vase, meant for artistic flower arranging, with unusual curling handles reminiscent of spiraling vines. Artist's signature incised in the bottom.

Size: 12.5" W x 9" H