This is a beautiful rare vase exported from Japan to a family in the states. Vases shaped like and similar to this are almost always 5 inches tall. This one at 7 1/4 by 7 1/4 inches is much larger and is covered with far more beautiful detailing. This vase is excellent condition. Inside the vase 3 old images of Japan were found from those that sent this a gift. These images have writing on the back and make reference to this vase being a gift. They stay with this vase.

From our Japanese Collection, a fine and rare early 18th century blue and white porcelain Arita bowl, Edo Period circa 1700-1730, painted in the Chinese style, depicting Shoulao (the Chinese god of wisdom and longevity) on a flying crane in the center well, with four alternating reserves depicting the Eight Immortals on the outer wall, separated by reserves of shou characters (Chinese good luck signs), and all executed in a slightly greyish underglaze blue typical of early 18th century Arita wa...

Rare Japanese circular jingasa with a gradual domed top, made of iron and decorated with a dragon flying in raised, billowing clouds. The dragon's eyes are of inlaid gold, the rim of the jingasa is bronze and the dome's top has a copper ring tama buchi. The underside is lacquered red. The samurai class in feudal Japan, as well as their retainers and footsoldiers (ashigaru), used several types of jingasa made from iron, copper, wood, paper, bamboo, or leather.

Age: Edo Period (160...

A rare and unusual Japanese cho bako ("cho" meaning small and "bako" meaning box). Made of Keyaki (elm) hardwood with its original lacquer finish. The upper region of the piece holds a pair of narrow sliding door panels, with a center locking pin to hold them securely shut, and vertical slats of branches. The middle region of the chest holds a large drawer, its corner hardware in motifs of raised seed pods, and its largest central lock plate a raised motif of flowers and leaves; The kakute (squa...

Antique Japanese deep small tansu made entirely of Kiri (paulownia) wood. All original finish with natural patina front and red lacquer top and sides. A variety of drawers in unusual formation provide neatly organized storage of small treasures.

Edo Period (1603-1868)

Size: 30" L x 22.25" W x 24" H

A small Imari porcelain teapot of rectangular form with an arch-shaped handle ending in a blossom. Beautifully decorated with a hare and a dragon in a cartouche between flowery motifs in iron red, green, yellow and gold, the top with auspicious longevity characters in underglaze blue. The flat base without glaze. Condition: fine, only the knob of the lid with a tiny loss. Dimension: c. 14.6 cm high, 12.5 cm long.

A rare example of an Karasu (raven) Samurai menpo (facial armour). Although not as celebrated today, the crow is a mark of rebirth and rejuvenation; the animal that has historically cleaned up after great battles symbolized the renaissance after such tragedy. Yatagarasu as a crow-god is a symbol specifically of guidance.
Known by many different names, Men-gu,Men-yoroiand Katchu-men, the face protection encountered with many suits of Japanese armour is a fascinating topic in its own r...

Pvt. Zentner Family Collection

Rare Japanese antique choba tansu made of keyaki (elm) wood. The top portion has a compartment with sliding panels and horizontal slats. The bottom portion of the chest has two safe boxes with heavy iron hardware, one opening to the left and one opening to the right. Inside each safe box is a series of four small kiri (paulownia) wood drawers. Between the safes are two keyaki drawers with heavy iron lock plates. This chest has 3 working keys and ...

Rare Japanese Edo Period Silver and Gilt Hair Ornament. Sterling and 999 pure Silver and Gilt hair ornament of magnificent quality made for an Oria, the highest class of geisha, featuring a crane in flight with flowers and branches and tassels. Presented on a museum presentation stand. 14 long x 6 wide x 10.5 inches high with base, 35.5 x 15.25 x 26.5 cm.

Rare Japanese Edo period woodblock print pentaptych depicting five 16th century Takeda warriors involved in the Kawanakajima campaigns against the forces of Uesugi Kenshin by Kuniyoshi (1797-1861) published by Ebisuya Shoshichi (Kinshodo) circa 1845. Each warrior is surrounded by biographical text written by Shotei Kinsui. From left to right, the seated warriors are Takeda Shingen wearing his horned helmet and holding his war fan, Yamamoto Kansuke Haruyuki in monk’s robes holding a closed fa...

Very rare tomesode with blue birds. A light to medium weight crepe silk decorated with yuzen dyeing techique and small touches of silk embroidery. On the front panels each bird’s head and throat is embroidered using satin stitch method. Some of the leaves are accented with fine gold threads at their edges and a small grouping of flowers are decorated with very small French knots. The back is plain, except for three white mon (family crests). The painted design is repeated in the lining. T...

Rare Japanese four drawer gyosho bako, or peddler's chest, constructed of Sugi (cedar) wood, with iron hardware and mounts, iron rings on the sides for carrying. The chest is trapezoidal in shape and tapers towards the top of the chest. Original finish and condition. With key included. Exhibited at the Palo Alto Cultural center

19th century Edo period (1603-1868)

Dimensions: 26" w x 12 1/2" d x 26 1/4" h

A rare Edo era Gyosho Tansu (peddler's chest) made entirely of Kirinoki (Paulownia) wood. All original hand made iron hardware and original dark wiped lacquer technique finish. Unusual features include the front to back swivel carrying handles and three secret compartment boxes. One box hides to the back of either shelf tricking a thief to think that he/she found the precious treasure. Behind each of the two bottom drawers also hides secret boxes where the real treasure is kept.

This ...

Extremely rare Japanese Haniwa clay bust of a young wealthy woman with a charming expression and wearing a stylish hair style, large hoop ear jewelry and a neck piece. 3rd Century, Kofun Period. She represents the most prosperous of Japanese society in the Kofun Period. A similar example, a National Treasure, belongs to the Tokyo National Museum and is published in Haniwa by Fumio Miki, published by Weatherhill. Well preserved on a presentation display pedestal. 7h x 5.5w x 6d inches, 17.75h x ...

Extremely rare 3rd to 7th Century Kofun Period Haniwa clay sculpture of a Horse, completed with the most fabulous trappings, a fine saddle, etc. Presented on a lacquered stand. The horse is a very important figure in the Samurai society. This figure possibly may have been found near the village of Motomachi, close to the port of Konjō in Musashi Province, in present day Tokyo. Pieces like this are usually found in private collections or museums, and rarely come up for sale. Well p...

A good quality large Japanese porcelain mug or tankard decorated in under-glaze blue with iron red, green and yellow enamels with Peonies and Chrysanthemums. It weighs 444 grams and has a capacity of over a Pint. It stands 15.5cm high and has a mouth diameter of 7.8cm, foot-ring diameter of 7cm and a body diameter of approximately 10cm. Tankards with a letter “B” are not unknown, they appear on mugs with applied floral applique, but examples of this plain form do not seem to appear in the ma...

Antique Japanese black lacquered cha tansu (tea display cabinet) with fabulous, intricate inlay designs of temple scenes, peacocks, and floral motifs. From the southernmost Japanese island known as Ryukyu.

Meiji period (1868-1912)

Size: 31.75" L x 12.5" W x 34.5" H

Rare Japanese kakiemon ware porcelain jar. Of a tapered melon shape, with circular floral enso motifs of bamboo, blossoming cherry branches, hydrangea, kiri leaves. The Imperial dragon and phoenix paired to represent the emperor and empress. With overglaze green, red, and blue on white bisque ground. The domed lid topped with karakusa (octopus vine) and kiri leaf pattern.

19th century

Dimensions : 7.5" W x 10" H