A Japanese tissue or cloth holder for a tea ceremony, finely woven with a diamond design, the interior lined in leather, all held together with an ivory clasp carved as a lion's head (shishi) mask, Taisho period.

Nobori banners, carps, warrior's Yoroi and Kabuto helmets, samurai dolls and swords were all a part of the display used for Boy's Day (renamed Children's Day) on May 5th in Japan. They reflect the parents’ wish to inspire their sons in manliness, discipline, bravery and the honor codes that are associated with them.

Toyotomi Hideyoshi has been one of the popular characters for Boy’s Day. He was born in a peasant family and worked his way all the way up to top commander of Japan. His wa...

A pair of ceramic Cormorants by preeminent early 20th century Master Miyanaga Tozan enclosed in the original signed wooden box. The cormorant has a special place in Japanese art. Like the hawk is a bird used in hunting, the cormorant is a bird used in fishing. A rope would be tied around the long necks of any number of the birds, them then taken out into the water with huge torches burning on the prows of the fishing boats. When the birds dive for and down a fish, they cannot swallow it, and...

Gorgeous antique Japanese Kuruma tansu (wheeled chest), made of keyaki (elm) wood with all original finish and original heavy iron hardware, from the Etchu Area of Japan (ref. "Wadansu-shusei" by Kodansha), Edo Period c. 1830's. Size: 48 1/2" high x 56 1/2" wide x 29" deep. Exhibited: "Moving Cabinetry: Tansu from The Zentner Collection", Palo Alto Art Center, 2005.

A fine embroidered purse, probably made to hold tissues at a tea ceremony. The exterior is embroidered with Sagara embroidery (Peking knot), and has a sarasa design of stylized butterflies, birds and flowers. The sarasa (Indian Chintz), first came to Japan through the Nanban trading in the late 16th century and was tremendously favored by the tea masters and some daimyo (regional lords) during the Edo period. The colorful and exotic fabric originated in India (spread to Java, other parts o...

Waves lap at the dark shore crowded with cranes on this elegant 18th century paper screen embellished with clouds of gold flake signed Hokkyo Shunboku (O-oka Shunboku, 1680-1763). A bramble of dried bamboo hides one sleeping form, the others strut about oblivious to the frigid winter air. Turgid blue water rolls slowly behind, waves licking at the near shore. A fine example of the mid-Edo aesthetic; the screen is 67-1/2 by 148 inches (172 x 376 cm) and is in excellent condition, recently full...

Very fine Ayutthaya Bronze Buddha subduing Mara, mother of pearl inlaid eyes, dark patina, size: H.32 cm x W. 21 cm x D. 11 cm. very good condition, 17/18th Century, Siam

Gilt Lanna Thai Wooden Buddha, 19th Century, good condition, size: H. 16cm x 5cm x 4cm

Unusual ethnic gilded Lanna wooden Buddha from Northern Thailand, subduing Mara, 19th Century, size: H. 13cm x 4cm x 2cm

Northern Thai Lanna Wooden Buddha subduing Mara with nice gilding, condition: good, size H. 26cm x 11cm x 8cm

Nice Lanna Buddha from Northern Thailand with gilding, subduing Mara, hand carved from single piece of wood, 19th Century, good condition, size: H. 17cm x 7cm x 3.5cm

Bronze Ayutthaya Period Buddha subduing Mara, back of Base imperfect, 17/18th Century, Thailand, nice dark patina.

Chinese late Qing dynasty (late 19th century) woman's rank badge embroidered with a central satin-stitched silver pheasant with very nicely detailed feathers. A single bat hovers below the sun at the upper right. This Mandarin square would have been worn by the wife of a 5th rank civil official. The badge is backed with stiff paper covered with blue silk and is bordered on the front in red silk. This rank badge measures 8 3/8"V x 9 1/8"H. It is in very good overall condition with some minor...

This is an old Japanese silk purse, or a tissue holder in a wallet style with a silver clasp. It is truly a beautiful piece. The detail photos show the intricate weaving pattern, Sagara embroidery (Peking, French knot) and deep color of genuine gold. The light reflects on the silk in such a beautiful way. They bounce between the delicate indentions that were created from the weaving pattern. Antique silk and gold looks best in dim light, but the luster and glow that accompanies them ende...

Chinese Qing dynasty (19th century) Daoist priest’s robe densely embroidered in a pattern of complex iconographical symbols set against a pale celadon silk background created entirely from satin-stitch embroidery. The style is the traditional rectangular front-opening form which rests on the shoulders and has the lower part of the sides sewn together to form armholes. The center back is embroidered with a flame-bordered circular cartouche containing a pagoda flanked by flying birds. Fifteen...

Large Chinese porcelain jardiniere or fish bowl with wide mouth and flattened rim decorated with gilt crabs and fish swimming among aquatic plants on a powder blue ground. Unglazed foot and base. Qing dynasty (late 19th century). 12 ¼”H x 14 ¼” diameter. Weighs about 18 lbs. Very good overall condition with no chips or cracks. Some soiling to the interior from use and typical wear to the gilt decoration. This piece was purchased from an Arizona collection.

Two characters on this Japanese banner are Yoshitsune (Minamoto family) and Noritsune (Taira family). It was towards end of the Genpei War (1180-1185), Yoshitsune (Minamoto family) flying high on the top escaping the attack of Noritsune (Taira family). Yoshitsune was said to hopped eight boats at this scene. With the victory of the Minamoto clan here in Dan-no-ura concluded the decades old fuel between the two clans; almost all the members of the Taira family, including six years old Emperor ...

A Japanese silver kanzashi (hair pin) with pierced and engraved circular design of peacock, original box with printed seals, Taisho period. Length 6 9/16", 1 1/12" in diameter.