Cast iron teapot. Very deep decoration. Nice quality of cast iron. Unusual interesting decoration, meticulous details (fineness of the dragon ties of the handle). Signed in relief on the back and under the lid. Difficult to date. Meiji or Edo ? only the translation of the signature could tell us the artist and the period. The handle inlaid with plants in silver. Good condition. Height without the handle: 15,5 cm with the handle 25 cm

Very rare antique Japanese cross and Buddha made of cast iron. Extremely unusual as most pieces at this time where in bronze. This is a secret object of the Kakure Kirishitan, "Hidden Christians", devoted Japanese members of the Catholic Church who went into hiding during the beginning of the Edo Period. Brought to Japan mostly by the Portuguese, the practice of Christianity was forbidden when Japan closed itself off to the world in the early 17th century...

A rare example of an Karasu (raven) Samurai menpo (facial armour). Although not as celebrated today, the crow is a mark of rebirth and rejuvenation; the animal that has historically cleaned up after great battles symbolized the renaissance after such tragedy...

An exact miniature version of a Tanegashima matchlock rifle in the form of a Netsuke with a little gilt metal loop as himotoshi. The match-lock rifle was introduced by the Portuguese in 1543 and is rarely seen in Netsuke art. The rifle is iron with brass and black lacquer and gilding. In good condition with minor wear to lacquer and gilding...

Japanese hand-forged iron jizai, used for suspending a tea kettle over a fire pit within the home. Made with a charming iron fish with incised details of scales, face, and separately attached fins.

Edo period (1603-1868)

Dimensions: 8" w x 48" - 53" long

Hand-forged iron Jizai Okimono articulated spiny lobster. Each iron plate is carefully repousse hammered, creating a natural realism. The lobster is fully splayed on steel plates and armature wire. All ten legs and long antenna and articulated with multiple joints on each leg. Exquisitely crafted, showing off a very high skill of the metal worker. With artist signature underneath the lobster.

Meiji Period (1868 - 1912)

Dimensions: 13" x 7" x 5" (8 1/2" on stand)

Antique Japanese Shinto tomyodai candle holder, in the shape of a hoju or precious stone from a Buddhist temple. Made of hand forged iron, with a beautiful aged patina.

Early Meiji Period (1868 - 1912)

Dimensions: 17 1/2" x 8" x 26" Height

Japanese hand-forged iron tsuba, used to protect a swordsman's hand from sliding up the blade during use as well as to provide balance. The front depicts two joyful festival performers, one holding a drum and the other holding a fan, the figures in relief with gilt accenting throughout. The backside of the tsuba shows a large mallet and mortar traditionally used for pounding rice into mochi.

Dimensions: 2 3/4" x 3"

Japanese iron tetsubin, or tea kettle, with finely cast decoration of a bird seated on lifelike branches with berries in high relief. The handled and lid are made from bronze with a flower and orb shaped finial. The side of the tetsubin is signed with 4 character artist's mark.

Dimensions: 7" x 6 1/2" x 10" H

Japanese tetsubin or tea pot, typically constructed from iron with a large handle to be hung over a fire pit. The tea pot has a bronze lid with a flower shaped finial. Its body is covered in small protruding studs, incised rings around its widest point, and its foot has old patina.

Meiji Period (1868-1912)

Dimensions: 9" x 8" x 9 1/2" H

Antique Japanese iron tetsubin. The body is wide and short with a small water spout, its sides flared out and tapered back in at the center with flattened base. The bronze lid features a cherry blossom with decorative ball finial and tall bronze handle. The piece is in exceptional condition. Dates from Tiasho period c1920.

Dimensions: 7.5" W x 8.25" H

Antique Japanese iron tomiodai candleholder. Includes full five tiered with twenty five iron prickets, used in traditional buddhist or Shinto rituals. Forged iron with age consistent to usage.

Meiji Period 19th Century

Size: 27.5" L x 14.5" W x 26.25" H

Unusual original Japanese flint lighter netsuke. Constructed of iron and brass, this piece would have been used to create a steady fame in less then perfect conditions. The striker would create contact friction and create a spark igniting the fuel source. Firearms at this time required a flame in order to ignite the fuse. Original russet patina with all parts still intact.

Edo period (1603-1868)

Size: 2" L x 1" W x 1.5" H

Antique Japanese bronze temple bell, or "bonsho", with a handle of dragon heads called a ryuzu, protrusions called "chi chi" or "nyu" to improve resonance of sound, the "tsuki-za" striking panels, and the "mei-bun" inscription of the bell's history...

A Myochin iron forged Jizai Okimono articulated spiny lobster. Each iron plate is carefully reppouse hammered iron creating a natural realism representing the spiny lobster. The amount of fine detail that goes into this piece is equal to that of one of his most well known helmets. The lobster is fully splayed on a well mounted bronze stand.
All ten legs and long antenna and articulated with multiple joints on each leg...

Unusual and original antique Japanese cast iron zen panel gong, or "umpan" meaning "cloud plate", usually hung outside of the kitchen area. Stylized decorations on the front include characters meaning both "sun" and "moon", a lucky bat, gourd medicine bottles, and lotus petals.

Mid to Late 18th century

Size: 25" W x .75" D x 26.5" H

Antique Japanese pair of iron abumi, or horse stirrups, with inlaid designs of leaves and scrolling vines. Beautiful natural patina, inlaid with silver, shakudo and other precious metals. Edo age 19th century. Size: 12" L x 5" W x 10" H

Antique Japanese wrought iron lantern with lattice work panels. The lantern would have been placed in a temple with a candle that would have been lit. It is supported by four feet. It measures 9" x 9" x 12" tall. Meiji period: 1868-1912.