Antique Japanese jizai-kagi in the form of swirling clouds. In a Japanese home, water in a kettle or pot is heated over an irori (sunken hearth). The jizai hook hangs from a strong ceiling beam. From this, a long device is suspended with a hook on the end that can be adjusted up or down by moving the jizai-kagi. Often these are carved in the form of a fish. This unusual jizai-kagi is carved of kayaki (zelkova elm) wood with a dark patina from hearth smoke...

A bag for backpack made of Miyama Kansuge, "hiroro" by dialect which is a group of carex. It is made in Aizu region in Fukushima prefecture. It has purple and dark indigo cotton cloth interknitted in the cord. 20th century. In excellent condition. 40cm x 39cm.

An antique Japanese bamboo Ikebana basket reminiscent of an outdoor garden fence. Bicolor bamboo strips in an open weave design. The handle is intertwined with young and old mature bamboo symbolizing a family's support over many generations. The old bamboo has segmented root nodes often referred to as Eyes. The overlapping slats on top of slats in the main body represents both support in numbers as well as the idea of abundance. The foot is woven bamboo in a low profile...

An antique Japanese Bamboo Ikebana basket with a natural robust soot patinated rich chestnut color. It features a twisted Bamboo rope base with diagonal cladded interwoven slats. The gnarled Wisteria branch handle evokes the feeling of a scholarly ancient Pine tree that symbolizes longevity. Its ovoid shape has a wide open mouth...

An antique Japanese Bamboo Ikebana basket woven in a traditional form with an elegant loop handle. It features a woven foot, with a star split base that was signed by the artist. The woven sides have terminating two through five layered spacers. The three Bamboo loop handle has caterpillar styled reinforcements at the base with five auspicious turtle style woven reinforcements along the top. Natural soot patina acquired over years of loving use...

An antique Japanese Bamboo Ikebana basket in a Sea Urchin shell form with fine weave and two woven ring handles. Often incorporated into the art of flower arranging, it also doubles as a sculptural table centerpiece.

Age: Meiji Era (1868-1912)

Dimensions: 11 1/2" High by 14" Diameter

An antique Japanese large Taiko Drum with a Keyaki (Zelkova) wood body and strong leather ends. Beautiful rich deep sound when struck. All original hand forged iron hardware including the very large Taiko nails and the four carrying rings.

Age: Late Edo Era (1950-1860)

Dimensions: 30 1/4" Long by 26 1/2" Diameter.

A bag for backpacking made of rice straw. It has indigo dyed hemp thread ornament. The cord is cotton. In excellent condition. The first half of the 20th century. W:41cm H:37.5cm Thickness:5cm

Ema (pictorial offering) with a pair of "Aka Oni and Ao Oni"(red and blue ogres) which is hand-painted. It is an offering at Kijin Shrine in Saitama prefecture next to Tokyo which is the one of four shrines worshipping ogres in Japan. In good condition. The first half of the 20th century. 14cm x 8cm x 0.8cm

A pair of wooden tabi-kata, patterns for tabi socks. In good condition. The first half of the 20th century. L:21cm W:8cm H:5cm

A small bag made of ohyo fiber, one kind of elm. It is made in Asahikawa in Hokkaido. Warps and wefts are hand-plied. It has a wood carved decoration. In excellent condition with an original carton box. 20th century. 20.5cm x 10.5cm x 5cm

Japanese Samurai Warrior in full Armor on Noma Uma Black horse, special small tough Horse in Japan on black wooden stand, Ca. 1910, 15 1/2" high with stand, Samurai on Horse Doll is 12" high, 10" x 5" wide, fully dressed with typical Samurai Warrior outfit, with brocade cloth and some metal and paper decoration on the Armor outfit. Horse and Samurai have glass eyes, one eyebrow on left side lost some thick black hair...

Beautiful small wooden jizai, or pothook. This type is called Daikoku, after the shape of Daikoku’s hat. These hangers were suspended with a rope from a heavy beam, over the sunken hearth. From the hanger an adjustable hook was hung that held the kettle. Good piece of mingei.
Zelkova wood with rests of smut, especially in the grooves.
Japan, 19th century.
H 9.5; w 9.25; 2.75 inches.
Slight traces of usage, very good condition.

Keyaki (zelkova) wooden pulley, used to scoop water out of a well. Wooden wheel with forged iron block. The inside of the wheel groove (where the rope would run through), lined with a thin sheet of copper...

A Tamasudare-ami Hanakago Basket by Yamamoto Chikuryusai I of round bamboo strands enclosed in the original signed wooden box lacquered in translucent red. The basket exudes a deep respect for the tradition, every knot perfect, the proportions exquisite. It is 19 cm (7-1/2 inches) diameter, 37 cm (14-1/2 inches) tall and in excellent condition.
Yamamoto Chikuryusai I (1868-1945) was a bamboo artist of the early modern era in Osaka...

A lovely genuine full sized Bunraku theater puppet of a mature female character dressed in a blue silk kimono with elagent head dress. The doll is fully mobile, controlled from within by switches on her neck and poles extending from her arms. The hands are flexible as seen in the photos. She stands almost 4 feet (117 cm) tall, and comes complete with a bamboo display stand as pictured. All is in excellent condition, with a few stray hairs in her coiffure...

Unusual Japanese antique standing pendulum clock with reverse painted landscape scene on glass, with carved pair of dragons and wishing ball on rounded top frame casement. With double-ended winding key for chimes and movement.

Age: Meiji Period (1868-1912)

Size: 17.25"H 11"W 5"D

Antique Japanese jizai-kagi in the form of a catfish. In a Japanese home, water in a kettle or pot is heated over an irori (sunken hearth). The jizai hook hangs from a strong ceiling beam. From this, a long device is suspended with a hook on the end that can be adjusted up or down by moving the jizai-kagi...