Fine Meiji Period (circa 1870) Bunraku Puppet of a Sambaso Dancer. This rare puppet is operated by three Puppet Masters, who make it come to life to present a magical theatrical experience. He is carved of wood and covered with Gofun. He wears a rich blue and red robe with white under robe, and his head is adorned with a gold and black velvet hat. An embroidery Crane graces his back. The bells on his feet sound when he dances. 35 inches (89cm) height.

Late 18th Century Gonin-Bayashi, Five Japanese Musicians displayed on a Hina stand. This set was made as an addition to those Ningyo already displayed on a tiered stand. They imitate a Noh orchestra. This set has very finely carved faces, covered with burnished Gofun. Because of their size and age, these are highly desired by collectors. Average height of figures is 4 inches (10 cm).

This is a stunningly beautiful Hakata ningyo (doll) made by a Hakata ningyo artist. It is not one of the mass produced Hakata dolls. The softness of the colorings and detail in her kimono (in Kyoto Yuzen dye) did not fully come out in the photos. This doll was modeled after oiran, a courtesan from the Edo period, or we may simply call her Genroku bijin (a beautiful woman from Genroku era in Edo)...

As the enlightened man is a product of this world so too the Lotus grows in the mire, a symbol of the attainable state of Nirvana. Here is a breathtaking hand-made bronze Koro in the shape of a blossoming lotus in deep red patination dating from the late Edo to Meiji period (mid to late 19th century). Consisting of 30 individual pieces, each petal is uniquely incised with veins by the hammer and chisel of some long lost craftsman...

Gorgeous Pair of Meiji Period Japanese Cloisonné Enamel Vases with Spectacular Phoenix and Cloud motif on a rich yellow ground. circa 1890. 6 inches (15cm) tall. From a widely renowned and published collection that has been exhibited at the Metropolitan Museum and Japan Society. Pristine Condition.

Exceptional 19th Century Kyodai (Japanese Mirror Chest) beautifully constructed of very fine elm root. Japanese artisans ceased use of this expensive wood many years ago. Japanese antique mirror boxes like these are honestly undervalued and underpriced. They are the last bargains in the Japanese antique world, relative to their true worth and rare beauty. We strongly suggest buying one now, as we really don't expect this to be the case for too much longer...

19th Century Kyodai (Japanese Mirror Chests) of this size are rare. Well constructed of a very fine mulberry and pine. Japanese antique mirror boxes like these are honestly undervalued and underpriced. They are the last bargains in the Japanese antique world, relative to their true worth and rare beauty. We strongly suggest buying one now, as we really don't expect this to be the case for too much longer. 38 x 19 x 10 inches, 96 x 48 x 25 cm. Excellent Condition.

A woven antique Japanese men's wallet decorated with geometric design created with brocaded silk ribbon. Inside, hand stitched with Sashiko stitches on silk. The shakudo clasp is tomo-e shaped and inlaid with copper and silver. Silvered metal (brass?) netsuke in the shape of a tongue cut sparrow attached with three colored metal chain. Circa, early 1900s (Taisho period). Dimensions: 5 1/4" x 3 1/8"

Beautiful Katazome stencil dye work on thick, lightweight, coarsely woven cotton. It is decorated with auspicious motives; crane and long-tailed turtle in the framework of sho-chiku-bai (pine, bamboo, plum blossoms), the symbols of longevity and happiness. Bamboos, canes and pines are hidden, actually all over here in the form of scrolls. Three rolls of 13.1/2" (width) x 123 1/4" (long), roughly 98cm wide x 313cm long...

This panel was taken from Japanese "futon" bed cover. It is decorated with a chagama and other utencils used in the tea ceremony. They are drawn in the paste resist dying technique called tsutsugaki. The green area appears to be dyed with two colors, "ai" indigo blue first then yellow dye. The fabric (cotton) is loosely woven with one repair as shown in the photos. Meiji Period(1868-1912). Dimensions: 61" x 48"

Japanese wood zuishin figures probably from early 1900s. They are figures of the Toneri, the imperial guardsmen from the Heian period (794-1185). Later in the Kamakura period, they became the gate keepers of the Shinto shrines. Zuishin are sometimes called sa(left)-daijin and ya(arrows)-daijin (arrow-minister). The first character 'dai' means large or great and the second character means 'god'...

Takeda dolls are modeled after the characters from 17th to 19th century Japanese theater. They are known for exaggerated postures and often with a vivid facial expression of the Kabuki actors or Jyoruri puppets on stage from the period.

This doll is holding up a "takafuda" bulletin board in one hand and a brush in the other. "takafuda" was an official bulletin board for Tokugawa government (1603-1868) to announce any regulations, or changes etc...

Japanese armor Yoroi and Kabuto helmet in classic style, wearable, adult size from early to mid Showa period (1926~1989). The armor is lined with hemp in most area. Dimensions: 67" tall. Box: 16 1/2" x 16 1/2" x 24"H

Unlike in the west, the rat has long been a symbol of fortune in Asia (it is after all one of the animals of the Zodiac). Here we see an interesting play on the animal. He stands on his back legs pulling a sack of treasure and magic mallet, perhaps having relieved these two articles from Hotei and Daikoku, two gods of fortune always pictured with them...

Taisho Period Japanese Bronze Tear Drop Vase with original box. A classic shape with a gorgeous caramel patina. 8 inches (20.5cm) tall. From a widely renowned and published collection that has been exhibited at the Metropolitan Museum and Japan Society.

19th Century Edo Period Japanese Clay Mask of Tengu, the mischievous God of the Forest. A wonderful example of Mingei used as decorative art, with an underglaze of red and white fired to give a wonderful presence. 8.25 inches (21cm) tall) x 6.25 inches (16cm) wide. From a widely renowned and published collection that has been exhibited at the Metropolitan Museum and Japan Society.

Japanese Antique Bronze Rabbit Sculpture in a natural form. It has a rich dark patina, and a wonderful alert presence. A classic Japanese image of a Rabbit, and a charming Meiji Period Bronze. circa 1890 - 1900. 6 inches, 15 cm height.

Japanese Antique Bronze Horse in a classic galloping pose. A solid, strong image with rich patina, finely rendered detail, naturally executed. A fine addition for horse fanciers. Signed, circa 1920. 12 inches (30.5cm) tall x 15.75 inches (40cm) long. From a widely renowned and published collection that has been exhibited at the Metropolitan Museum and Japan Society.