Antique Japanese half section Mizuya (kitchen tansu) made of Hinoki (cedar) and Sugi (cypress) hardwoods in a dark lacquer finish. The tansu has two sliding front doors with horizontal slats and side bracing, with very roomy storage interior complete with middle shelf.

Meiji period (1868-1912)

Size: 47.5" L x 17" W x 32" H

Antique Japanese two section kimono tansu made with all natural finish Kiri (paulownia) hardwood. Adorned by handles and middle round metal lock incised with floral motifs. The upper section houses six long, shallow drawers for folded clothing, while the lower section holds three large drawers.

Taisho period (1912-1925)

Size: 42" L x 17.75" W x 67.5" H

A stunning Japanese two-section choba tansu (merchant's chest), made from solid Keyaki (elm) wood, originating from the Mikuni region. The upper section holds a roomy, shelved interior with two bold Keyaki grain sliding door panels. The bottom section holds a long top drawer, with elongated lock plate typical to Mikuni tansu. Below are two small drawers with iron Warabite handles, with old labels in Japanese on the fronts, and a smaller set of sliding Keyaki panel doors. The very bottom of the ...

Antique Japanese single section isho tansu (clothing chest), made with Kiri (paulownia) wood front and Sugi (cypress) sides. Copper hardware with lovely original patina on handles, and locks are complimentary to the original warm finish.

Taisho period (1912-1925)

Size: 35.25" L x 15.5" W x 40.5" H

Pair of Antique Japanese ranma, or transom, carved with flying frames and clouds with black lacquer frames. Original patina and finish.

Meiji period (1868-1912)

Size: 73.5" L x 1.25" W x 16" H

Antique Tibetan silver statue of Padmasambhava, or Guru Rinpoche, an 8th century Buddhist master in India. He is said to have lead the first Nyingma traditionalist teachings in Tibet, the oldest of the four major schools of Tibetan Buddhism. He sits on a lotus throne, holding a vajra in his right hand and, in the other, a kapala (skull cup) filled with the elixir of life, the vase of longevity, topped with a small tree to grant wishes. The long staff weapon at his side is a khatvanga, his main a...

A koro incense burner by Teishitsu Gigei-In Suwa Sozan I decorated by his friend the famous scholar artist Tomioka Tessai and enclosed in a signed double wood box. The silver lid is by Nakagawa Joeki. It is 3-1/2 inches (9 cm) tall (plus the lid), 5 inches (12 cm) diameter and in excellent condition. The box is titled Daibutsu Sozan zo Juhana Koro Tessai Dai and signed Sozan Yakisei.
Tomioka Tessai (1837-1924) was a scholar artist trained from age seven in the traditional Confucian manne...

A Teapot by Teishitsu Gigei-In Suwa Sozan I decorated by his friend the famous scholar artist Tomioka Tessai and enclosed in a signed double wood box. A custom pad between the pot and lid protect it during storage from chipping, and it has a silk bag in which it is wrapped. . It is 4-1/2 x 7-1/2 x 6 inches (11 x 19 x 15 cm) and in excellent condition. The box is titled Daibutsu Sozan – Chossen – Suichu and signed Hachiju Okina Kyuso Tessai Dai, Sozan Yakisei.
A strikingly similar ...

Vairochana's mudra is the dharmachakra mudra. It is the gesture of teaching which is divided of turning the wheel of the law. (There are many variation of this mudras) One form, Tibetan use is to hold both hands at the level of the heart. The right palm face faces outward and the left palm faces inward. One circle is forming by the thumb and index finger of the right hand and the second circle is formed by the thumb and the index finger of the left hand. The two circles touching at the ti...

Chinese wood carving of Quan Yin, the compassionate female bodhisattva. With pigments of red, black, and gilt lacquer. She stands posed with her arms crossed, holding a scroll close to her chest.

Republic period circa 1920

Size: 9" x 7" x 26" H

An unprecedented musuem quality seventeen piece Sencha Tea Set, each piece decorated by Zen Preist Hashimoto Dokuzan, each piece of pottery made by ceramic master Miura Chikusen I, the others made by masters in their felds, all enclosed in their original signed wooden boxes. The set consists of a Ryoro brazier, Ryoro dai tile for under the brazier, Kogo for incense, Fukin Tsutsu for a towel, Kensui for spent tea or water, two bisque fired teapots, a porcelain tea pot, a set of 5 tea cups, a set...

A carved White Jade Gourd from the Qing Dynasty.

Antique Korean porcelain bottle of an octagonal faceted form, with long neck fluting slightly at the rim, covered in a translucent crackle white celadon glaze. The foot is deeply recessed with buff edges.

18th/19th century Chosun Dynasty

For a similar piece, see reference :
Bonhams New York Catalogue "The Korean Aesthetic: The Collection of Robert W. Moore, Wednesday March 15, 2017" pg. 22

Size: 6.5" W x 11.5" H

Antique Japanese Sakata region choba tansu (merchant's chest) made of Kiri (paulownia) hardwood, with original red lacquer finish. The top drawer and safe box door are covered in more elaborate iron hardware than the other drawers, with motifs of lingzhi mushrooms, bamboo stalks, and other floral elements. Two small drawers are hidden away inside the safe box. Three plain drawers are on the lefthand side, the middle drawer has a center divider inside. Two smaller drawers sit between the top and...

Antique Japanese temple carving, beautifully carved with remnants of red and black pigments. The imagery of a fu dog between large peonies represents protection (fu dog) over wealth and prosperity (peonies).

Edo period (1603-1868)

Size: 55.5" L x 5" D x 19.5" H

Antique Japanese two section Kannon Biraki tansu, made with Kiri (paulownia) wood, original red lacquer finish. The top section houses two large drawers behind a pair of double hinged doors. Decorations of iron hardware include a charming heart shaped lock within a single iron ring and strips of iron across the front of each door, with chrysanthemum shaped studs. The lower section also holds two drawers with iron locks, as well as a safe compartment in its bottom corner. Inside its safe are thre...

Chinese hardwood altar table, made of solid elm wood with its original red lacquer finish. Carved with dramatic scrolling legs on elevated feet. Five panel carvings in front depict various scenes with auspicious elements, dragon carvings in archaic style, the underside with scalloped edges. The altar style edges curl upwards in a scrolling fashion, with reticulated carvings of dragons below either side.

18th Century

Size: 83" L x 21" W x 35" H

Antique Japanese cotton woven futon cover, dyed with a paste resist technique called Tsutsugaki on an indigo ground with the mythical creature Baku, devourer of dreams and nightmares and protector against evil. The Baku should not be summoned without caution, however, as ancient legends say that if he is not satisfied after consuming one's nightmares, he may instead devour their hopes and dreams.

Meiji Period (1868-1912)

Size: 64.5" x 53"