From our Southeast Asia Collection, this is the third offering from our four-part series of Burmese Hyper-Realism Masterpieces executed in charcoal. From a technical perspective, these are some of the most extraordinarily realistic renditions in charcoal that we have ever seen, from any culture and from any time period. The artistic talent reflected in the creation of these works is really nothing short of amazing, especially when considering the inherent limitations of working in charcoal compa...

This is a special old Japanese Imari bowl. The crane design and use of enamels is very attractive. The piece looks similar to some of the early Fukagawa pieces. Condition is very good and there is mainly wear to the gold trim on the top rim. This heavy bowl measures 7 inches across and stands 3 1/4 tall.

A set of 12 lacquered panels depicting scenes of the 12 months by 12 different and important artists including Living national Treasures Terai Naoji and Komo Kanzan as well as Pioneering female artist Tenno Bundo, all in the original wooden box signed individually by each artist and dated Showa 24 (1949) and stated to have been assembled under Honma Maika. A list of the artists by month follows: January-Katsuta Seisho, (1890-1975), February-Rokkaku Eiyu, March-Living National Treasure Terai Nao...

Japanese Edo period woodblock print by Toyokuni III (also known as Kunisada) depicting a kabuki actor portraying a samurai. His sword rests on the ground and his matchlock musket leans against the wall. Firearms were introduced to Japan by foreign traders in the 16th century. The maru-ni-chigai-Takanoha family mon is on his kimono. This crest, which consisted of two crossed hawk feathers, was used by two Edo period samurai families. This image was published by Maruya Seijiro in 1854. The ce...

Japanese Edo period woodblock print by Toyokuni III (also known as Kunisada) featuring a beauty serving tea to another beauty who is resting in a palanquin smoking a pipe from Act 6 of "Chushingura e-kyodai" (Matching Pictures of Chushingura) dated 1859. "Chushingura" is also known as the "Tale of the Forty-seven Ronin." The censor's seal and the seal of the publisher, Moriya Jihei, are at the lower left portion of the print. The signature of the artist (signed "Toyokuni ga" in a red cartouche w...

The inscription on the back reads: Inori (Meditation) by Kinugawa Masayoshi (born 1912 in Higemi, Hyogo) of the Bijyutsuin Inyuu art organization. Japanese Two Panel Screen painting of Kannon Bodhisattva, the Goddess of Compassion and Mercy. The painting is a masterpiece, using the technique whereby minerals and semi-precious stones are ground into the paint, creating the most spectacular effects. Also, gold and black lacquer add highlights. This marvelous piece will stand out in any environmen...

Japanese Edo Period Four Panel Screen Painting of a Court Scene. This elegant image is finely painted with floating gold leaf clouds, pine and willow trees, and brings the viewer into the intimacy of the court chamber. The figures are wonderfully animated with expressive faces. 100.5 x 36 inches, 255 x 91.5 cm.

Pair of Carved Wooden Koma Inu Temple Dog Figures, each seated in the traditional posture. These are a very rare find from the early Heain Period, and could be even earlier, possibly Nara Period. The wood is aged to a beautiful patina. There are not many works of art of the period that come up for sale. There has been some conservation and restoration to stabilize these fantastic and rare pieces. 18.75 and 17.5 inches (47.5 and 44.5 cm) H, 13 and 12 inches (33 and 30.5 cm) W, 10 and 9 inches ...

Japanese Needle Work Rozashi Technique Embroidery of the Interior of Asakusa Temple. Rozashi is embroidery using silk canvas and silk thread. A picture is created and outlined on the canvas and comes alive with the thread and stitching. The difference between Rozashi and other forms of embroidery is the use of the silk canvas called "Ro". The "Ro" is a special, uniquely woven fabric. Common embroidery stitching technique utilizes threading through holes but Rozashi stitching must always be s...

Rare Kamakura Period Sculpture of a of a Nio Guardian King exhibiting power and fierceness. According to Japanese tradition, they traveled with the historical Buddha to protect him. Within the generally pacifist traditions of Buddhism, stories of Niō guardians like Kongōrikishi justified the use of physical force to protect cherished values and beliefs against evil. It is rare to find such an early example. Carved wood and lacquer with some imperfection and losses, as with most works ...

Fine Late 19th Century Bunraku Puppet of a Sambaso Dancer. This rare Bunraku 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 beautiful Robin egg blue and Saffron orange robes. His head is adorned with a silver and black hat featuring a rising sun. He is holding bells and a fan. 24.5 inches, 62cm.

Next to the Kabuto (Helmet), one of the most expressive parts of the Samurai's Armor is the Face Mask. This Middle Edo Period metal "armor for the face" is known by many names: mengu, menpo, mempo, men yoroi, katchu men. Menpo means "face and cheek" and is generally used for masks with nose pieces. This menpo is covered with a high quality gold lacquer. The inside is a negoro-like finish of red lacquer. Sporting a fantastic horse hair mustache. Obviously constructed by a highly skilled craft...

Fine early example of a Jomon Period Dogu Clay Figure, the earliest known Japanese figures. The Dogu acted as effigies of people. They manifested some kind of sympathetic magic. For example, it may have been believed that illnesses could be transferred into the Dogu, and then destroyed, clearing the illness, or any other misfortune. Because of the ritual destruction of Dogu, they are quite rare. This primitive abstract fertility figure has a futuristic look. There are fun theories that st...

Late Edo Period Musha Ningyo of Ushiwaka- maru, a brave boy who grew up to be the great warrior Minamoto Yoshitsune. This is a Ningyo of the finest quality. He has a wonderfully carved face and hands and sports a fantastic hair style and has a beautiful costume of sumptuous brocades. 8h x 6.75w inches, 20.5 x 17 cm.

Extremely Rare Edo Period Isho Ningyo Pulling a Wagon with a Crane. Early 18th Century Ningyo like this very rarely come up for sale. This Isho Ningyo is special, as it resembles a Karakui (mechanical) Ningyo. This important Ningyo has a classic face with painted features, sumptuous embroidered textiles, and is pulling a cart that has a crane inside. It stands on a lacquered base. A similar example is in the Homa Museum in Japan. 14.5h x 9.5w inches, 37h x 24w cm.

Japanese Gosho Ningyô with Samurai Attire, Signed by the 10th Generation Ningyo Artist Rozon. This master work is the results of ten generations and three centuries of ningyo artists. Unfortunately, it seems it is the end of the line for this studio. The children are not interested in continuing, which we think is sad. This Gosho is one of the most amazing examples of 20th century Japanese art. It features so many wonderful examples of great Japanese art forms. The face is just beautiful w...

Late Edo Period Takeda Ningyô of Kabuki Actor Dolls Portraying Benkie and Yoshitune. It is rare to find this type in such fine condition. This wonderfully mesmerizing work of art is so striking in its posing and expression, positioned on a lacquered and wood platform. A fascinating find for the Japanese theater enthusiast. 14h x 23w inches, 35.5h x 58.5w cm.

Rare Edo Period Kokin-bina Style of Empress & Emperor. Minor wear, fading to textile, otherwise fine condition. A classic, very early example of a Dairi-bina Imperial Couple for the Hina-matsuri Girl's Day celebration. The Emperor and Empress are seated atop a woven ungenberi fronted dais. They are a very fine early example. The emperor is wearing a lacquered court cap and tail, holding a shaku scepter, the me-bina lady is wearing a spectacular crown, and has a fabulous painted fan. All formal...