Fabulous celebratory Shinto Shrine gable carving Ca. 1850. Carved from keyaki wood, the sixteen petal chrysanthemum is the crest or mon (紋) of the Japanese emperor and is often seen displayed on Shinto shrines throughout the country. This chrysanthemum is framed by a 'Noshi" a celebratory wrapping for gifts. This carving must have been for a new shrine. Great condition. Length: 35";H: 12"; depth: 3". Ask for shipping quote from CA.

An expressive small figure of the long-haired Gama Sennin dressed in a leaf apron, standing on a plinth, with a small toad. Carved from boxwood, the eyes of the immortal are inset in glass. Unsigned. Condition: back with a large and few smaller age cracks (top of the head, arm sleeve), few tiny rim chips. Dimension: c. 15.5 cm high.

Magnificent, very rare wood Bugaku dance mask depicting the Dragon King, Ryo-o. Mounted on a round frame covered on silver leaf paper. Ca. 1820. The mask has a bristling moustache and beard, 4 teeth and a hanging moveable chin piece. The top has a dragon carved. All was lacquered. A similar mask is on exhibit at the British Museum. Bugaku is a courtly ritual dance which has survived in Japan since the Heian Period, Ca. 794-1185...

The androgynous Kannon sits in meditation under climbing rocks and tumbling waves deeply carved into the side of this bamboo incense container dating from the early 20th century (late Meiji to Taisho period). It is 34 cm long (13-1/2 inches) long and in excellent condition, a superb example of the genre. This would have been used to hold incense sticks.

A large Japanese transom temple carving framed in black lacquer with gold leaf edging. Temple ranma is masterful made up of a single slab of Keyeki (zelkova) hardwood, carefully carved to reveal there central blossoming lotus flowers along scrolling vines. Original finish showing off natural patina consistent with age. Few loses that have been sorted and stabilized with old repairs done at a high level. Ready to be mounted and installed...

Very rare carving of the Three Wise Monkeys, sanzaru in Japanese, sitting on two logs. The one who hears no evil (kikazaru) and the one who speaks no evil (iwazaru) are sitting together. A little separated from them sits the one that sees no evil (mizaru). Carved in facet-cut (abstracted style) in soft cedar wood (sugi).

Signature in the bottom: Masahide.

Japan, first half of to mid-20th century.

H 3.25 x W 8.75 x D 2.1 in...

JIZO BOSATSU

Aesthetically withered wood carving Buddhist image with depth, Edo period, 19th century, Japan, approx. 15 x 4 x 3cm (5.90 x 1.57 x 1.18in)...

This antique Japanese okimono was intricately hand-carved during the Meiji period (1868-1912) to portray a lifelike rhinoceros. The artist has skillfully captured the fine details of the animal's body, creating a rough texture that emulates the real hide of a rhinoceros. The material's natural color is brilliantly incorporated, particularly on the shoulders and head of the creature, lending it a strikingly realistic appearance...

Solid wooden folk art carving of a giant penis. Strapped around it are red and white twisted cotton cords (imenawash) with paper strips (gohei). Penises of this size were donated to Shinto shrines dedicated to fertility, in the hopes of getting pregnant. Or they were carried around during fertility festivals.

Cryptomeria (sugi) wood, red and white cotton, paper

Japan, 20th century

H 24.5 inches (62.2 cm)

Excellent condition

A horrifying image of a ghostly apparition accompanied by a Buddhist verse engraved into this long bamboo incense container by Ishii Matetsu. It is expertly crafted. The verse reads:
Katsu!
Dokusei Dokushi Dokko Dokurai
The literal translation sounds quite cold, but in Buddhist teaching it means: We enter the world alone; we depart it alone. Do not depend upon others for your happiness, rely upon yourself and live your life in your way to the fullest...

A one of a kind Edo period Buddhist censer of wood carved in the shape of a Baku, a mythical creature with the ability to eat nightmares, a brass basin inserted into the back. It is 23 x 16.5 x 27 cm (9 x 6-1/2 x 10-1/2 inches) and in fine condition. There is a strip of wood embedded in the form filling a crack in the wood.
The traditional Japanese nightmare-devouring baku originates in Chinese folklore and was familiar in Japan as early as the Muromachi period (14th–15th century)...

Antique Japanese set of 7 lotus leaves and blossoms. Carved of wood and lacquered gold. Made for a Buddhist temple altar, these leaves and blossoms symbolize the stages of the path toward enlightenment. The individual parts of the lotus are carved separately then joined in an arrangement. Sold separately or together. Each comes fitted with a custom metal stand.

Age: Meiji Period (1868-1912)

Dimensions: range from 35 1/2" high (including stand) to 19 1/2" high.

Antique Japanese theatre mask of a mujina, which could mean either badger or raccoon-dog (tanuki). Both creatures are famous in Japanese folklore for their shapeshifting abilities. One of his most popular appearances is in the story of a mujina yokai (shape shifter) who becomes a kozō (little monk) and stands by empty roads at night. The other is of a tanuki who turns himself into a teapot. Mujina can also take the form of a faceless ghost...

Pair of Japanese antique hibachis...

Antique Japanese carved bamboo kakehana, wall vase for flowers. This section of bamboo has been carved with the figure of Quanyin (Kannon). The Goddess of Mercy is seen floating amidst storm clouds, ribbons of lightening streaking across the sky around her. There is a small rectangular hole in the back of the vase so it can hang from a hook or nail in the wall.

Age: Meiji Period (1868-1912)

Dimensions: 8" high x 2" wide

Antique Japanese small ink stone. Carved with leaves and fruit on front and back. The front is accented with three tiny pieces of coral. The entire back side is carved with intricately interlacing vines, leaves and fruit. A small mouse sits off the the right side. Comes with kiri wood tomobako.

Age: Meiji Period (1868-1912)

Dimensions: 4 1/8" high x 3" wide

An antique Japanese corbel apprentice sample of a Shishi made and hand carved from one solid block of Keyaki (Zelkova) wood. Beautiful art sculpture that resonates the Japanese and Buddhist spirit. It would also make a wonderful plinth.

Age: Edo Period (1800-1850)

Dimensions: 9 3/4" Wide by 13 1/2" High by 8 3/4" Deep

Very unusual Late Meiji Period C.1900 cypress wood 'Kannon' bodhisattva. Great condition. Ask for shipping quote from CA warehouse.