Japanese small amber carving of a frog resting on a leaf. The golden yellow amber has natural inclusions.

Dimensions: 1 3/4" x 1 3/4" x 1" H

Among popular Japanese symbolic animals are frogs. There are many species of frogs in Japan as a result of flooding rice fields in Japanese agriculture. These creatures are often used in poetry and art, and are sometimes carried by travelers to make sure they return home safely from their journeys. The word "frog" in Japanese means "return" which is why the frog is considered a Japanese lucky animal and seen as good fortune in things returning...

A pair of powerful Shishi guardian carvings dating from the later Edo period, 18th-19th century, in the Ah-Un expression (Exhaling and inhaling). Ah-Un has many allusions, it is the beginning and end of the alphabet, summarizing all in between, and is said to be inhaling good fortune, and exhaling bad. Glass eyes inset into very human faces. They are 10-1/2 inches (26.5 cm) tall, 9-1/2 x 5-1/2 inches (24 x 14 cm)...

An antique Guardian mask used to ward off evil hand carved from a rough slab of hardwood. It is 14-1/2 inches (37 cm) tall and in fine condition. Usually hung under the eaves of a house, it shows weathering typical of age. Late 19th to early 20th century.

Japanese okimono boxwood carving of Ashinaga and Tenaga. Old Japanese folklore tells that Tenaga (with his very long arms) would climb onto the back of Ashinaga (with his very long legs) and would work to catch fish together. Dates from Taisho Period c1920.

Dimensions: 2 1/4" x 8" H

Charming Japanese kanban (shop sign) hand carved from solid carved Keyaki hardwood with gold gilt lettering. Carved with the image of a snarling bulldog in red lacquer and beige pigments. Shop sign for Bulldog sauce shop.

Meiji Period (1868-1912)

Dimensions: 36" L x 1" D x 23" H

Japanese temple carving depicting a dragon (Ryu) and a tiger (Tora), with background of bamboo forest and blossoming plum branches. The dragon is a sacred creature representing great power, strength, and good luck for people that are worthy. The imagery of the dragon fighting the tiger is symbolic of the opposing forces of yin and yang.

19th Century Edo Period (1603-1868)

Dimensions: 26" H x 16" x 2 1/2"

Mingei jizai with Keyaki wood carved folding fan, hard-wrought iron chain, and a clover ring and hook. Unusual small size making for a charming sculptural item. Originally used to hold and suspend tetsubin (tea pot) over coals for heating.

Early 19th Century Edo Period (1603-1868)

Chain hanging 35".
Fan Dimensions: 12" x 3 1/8" x 2"

A diminutive carved wooden Shishi, used as architectural elements placed under the eaves of Shinto and Buddhist temples to ward off evil spirits. Carved Hinoki wood with glass reverse-painted eyes. Mounted on custom steel metal display stand.

19th Century Meiji Period (1868-1912)

Dimensions: 8.5" x 7.5" x 4.25". Mounted on a step metal base 5 x 7".

18th century consecrated Japanese dragon (Ryu) temple carving. Its serpentine body reveals his 3 appendages with classic three claw anatomy. The high relief carving engulfs the dragon in flames. The rendering of the dragon's face exudes power and compassion.
The dragon carving was part of the architectural decoration of a Buddhist temple. It has been sanctified with sutras, located in the dragon's eye during the "Eye Opening Ceremony" (Kaigen-Kuyo)...

Exceptional lacquered traveling altar with a bodhisattva riding an elephant inside. The carving is finely detailed and unbelievable. Late Meiji Period C.1900. Copper metal fittings on zushi. Excellent condition. Ask for shipping quote. Height:9" by 4" (when closed).

Rimpa paint on Hinoki wood carving of Daruma. With polychrome hooded robe, decorated in tessellating pattern of gilt dragon mon and scrolling clouds on red ground. His face is painted in a fleshy tone, with painted mustache, beard, and exposed chest hairs. The iconic eyes are reverse painted glass. He stands on a blue ground painted cloud platform.

Late Edo Period (1603-1868)

Dimensions: 15 3/8" x 10 3/4" x 29" H

A boxwood sculpture of the elephant deity Shoten embracing the female Kangiten. In Esoteric Buddhism, they signify matrimonial peace and bearing of offspring. Shoten is derived from Ganesha and is regarded as a wild one. Kangiten is an incarnation of the Eleven Headed Kannon. She appeases and converts him to Buddhism. Shoten and Kangiten are usually kept in a closed shrine as "secret sculptures" or Hibutsu (because of the sexual allusion)...

Fabulous cypress wood dragon carving from a zen temple. Well preserved. Stands upright. Excellent condition. When the carp swims up a waterfall and makes it over the top it becomes a dragon and resides in the celestial realm protecting the buddha`s teachings. 34" long bu 11" wide. Ask for shipping quote.

Beautiful Japanese carved Noh theater mask of Zo-onna (beautiful woman). Carved out of hinoki (Japanese cypress) wood and painted with seashell and natural pigments. This mask is masterfully carved and painted with subtle detail like her very slight smile and the small dimple just above her chin. The mask is signed and has it's original tomobako (also with the same signature).

Taisho Period (early 20th century)

Size: 8 1/4" long x 5 1/4" wide

A Japanese Buddhist temple wall carving / transom, with red and gilt lacquer pigments. Carved with the image of an instrument against a ground of heavenly clouds. Professionally framed to be mounted and displayed on the wall.

Dimensions: 42.24" L x 27" H

Fairly large zushi hand shrine in the shape of a lotus petal. Double sided, made of sandalwood.
Inside each half is a deep relief carving of Buddhist deities. On one side the three-eyed Aizen Myoo with a lion crown, sitting on a lotus base in the clouds before a red mandorla. His six hands hold Vajra and ghanta, bow and arrow, and lotus bud and pouch. On the other side the two-armed Kannon bosatsu, holding a lotus bud in the left hand, sitting on a lotus base in the clouds...

Original large antique Japanese jizai, used for suspending a kettle over a fire to boil water. Made of solid Keyaki (elm) wood, carved in a hooked style, and topped with an iron hook for hanging.

Edo Period

Dimensions: 17.5" x 5" x 20" H