A set of old Japanese wooden combs with a cloth comb holder. These are hair styling combs used when most women had the hairdo of today’s geisha. Each comb had a different function which was basically to comb, style and clean the hair. The combs here are all hand cut and it appears that some were added later. All combs are cleaned.

The outside of the folder is covered with a fabric called sarasa...

Japanese antique hand-carved keyaki wood badger with tally book, sake bottle and wearing a monk's hat, standing with enlarged scrotum, nice color and grain pattern, Taisho Period circa 1920s, Size: 15"H 16"W 11"D

Perhaps the best dragon carving we have ever owned, here is a solid Keyaki carving taken from the interior of a temple with glass eyes glaring fiercely out at anyone who threatens the sanctity of Buddhism. Flames leap from the body blown by fierce winds as it rises from the Churning ocean. The carving practically roils out from the wood panel, fully in three dimensions. It is 78 x 26 x 10 cm (31 x 10 x 4 inches)...

Lidded crystal eyes gaze serenely down from the Rakans purchase high on the lofty temple walls. The face is expertly crafted, with a distinct Chinese air reflecting the fact the Rakan (Arahat) were all from the Continent. The robes of green, white and red are patterned with scrolling vines and dials. A dedication on back Appears to be Made for/by Konoike-mura Hachiuemon and is dated Ho-Ei 7 (1710). The new wooden base on which it stands states the piece was restored in 1993...

An unusual chato (tea room sword) in the shape of an octopus, its 8 legs stretched out in uniform with one curled back exposing the suckers. Eyes are intimated on one side, with an old chip where the breathing hole is opposite. About the neck is wrapped a faded silk chord. It is 22 inches (56 cm) long. It is said that these wooden swords were produced from the mid to late Edo period, in lieu of swords for those not allowed to carry weapons (all but samurai)...

Noh Mask (noh-men), Hanakobu Akujyo (Akujou), bumpy nosed fierce old man. Besides the distinctive nose, he has a deep V-shaped crease between his eyebrows and the veins on his temples to his forehead, piercing bulging eyes, teeth painted in gold, with a tan colored horsehair beard and mustache. Not an ordinary face of an old man, he appears to possess something supernatural. This men(mask) is very lightweight. Written on the reverse side is "Hana kobu Aku jyo" in gold...

From our Japanese Collection, a large and attractive pair of bamboo carvings, late Meiji - Taisho Period, depicting a continuous battle scene of fighting samurai, with some on horseback and some on foot, all well-carved and with a good patina. This pair makes a strong decorative statement. There are several age splits to the base of each piece, ranging from a half inch to an inch long, but none threaten the structural integrity...

Black lacquered double door zushi portable shrine opening to a well-carved and polychrome painted image of Jizo Bodhisattva, sitting in repose on a lotus throne, his hand holding a staff with sacred rings, framed by a gilt metal mandorla. Accompanied by two attendants in a rocky grotto setting. Size:14.5"W closed, 29"W open x 11.5" D x 20"H. Edo Period, circa pre 1850s.

Antique Japanese Noh mask of the character Okame, a young moon faced woman, pleasant rounded features and smile with blackened teeth, very beautifully worn lacquered and painted kiri wood, remnants of old mouth piece on back, Edo Period. Size: 8" high

Antique Japanese Noh performer's mask, carved, lacquered and painted, wrinkled features beautifully rendered and sensitively painted, good patina, white beard and eyebrows, mouth grip, worn circular chop on back: "_____munae", Edo Period (early 19th century). Size: 6" high x 4 3/4" wide

Japanese Sushi Restaurant Plaque carved of hinoki wood with carved and lacquered characters, details of swirling carved clouds, middle with carved characters lacquered in gold, The bold lettering in the middle says: 鮨 木戸由 Sushi Kidoyosh, one at the far right, for example, it says: 堺静 Sakashizu That's the name of a wholesaler at the famous Tsukiji fish market in Tokyo, so they're likely suppliers or patrons of some kind...

Rare Bamboo and Bamboo Root Antique Japanese Fishing Pole converts to a Cane carved with a playful Monkey and Snake and auspicious symbols. The 35 inch ((89cm) walking stick extends to an 83 inch (211cm) fishing pole! A unique find for the collector of Japanese art.

Japanese Antique Walking Stick of Bamboo and Bamboo Root with a wonderfully carved Shangri-la scene depicting a goddess' arms extending to reach the Heavenly Peaches of Immortality. A fun and delightful work of Japanese art that you can take with you anywhere you go. 35.5 inches (90cm).

Antique Japanese pair of lively koma inu (temple fudog guardians), carved of keyaki (elm) wood, left hand creature has mouth open showing teeth and has a curly mane, right hand creature with toothy grin and wavey mane, wonderful detail carving, fain remnants of pigment (mouth, eyes, and whiskers), Meiji Period. Size of each: 17 1/2" high x 18" deep.

Large Japanese antique processional temple cart, base made of keyaki (elm) wood with copper hardware, drum is also made of keyaki wood with a large brass rooster on top, wonderful condition (wheels roll!), lovely carving and lacquer detail, unusual and striking! Meiji/ Taisho Period (early 20th century). Size: 90" high x 69" long x 42 1/2" deep.

An intricate age darkened Keyaki (elm) carving of two dragons vying for dominance in a sea of clouds, glass eyes glowing softly in the rich red wood. Dating from the later 19th century, the carving is 49 inches (125 cm) long, 4 x 1-1/2 inches (9.5 x 3.5 cm). It is overall in fine condition with some inevitable abrasions due to time. The tennons on both ends indicate this was made to be inserted between two pillars, and was likely the transom over a Buddhist altar.

A 19th century (early Meiji) period Buddhist image we believe to be a thousand armed version of Yakushi Nyorai accompanied by two sages carved entirely of fragrant sandalwood on a gilded wooden base. The group is in total 15-1/2 inches (39 cm) tall, the image alone 5-1/2 inches (14 cm) tall. Both sages are missing an arm, as well as one lotus blossom rising from the wave patterned base. The holy figure itself also once had a greater number of arms, which have been lost over the last 150 years...

A Japanese bamboo pipe case with a cut relief design of a bearded old man with a fan, Okina from Noh play, Meiji period. Length 9".