Small bronze flared muzzle cannon of this type where made for shooting flaming arrows at ships. For launching fireworks at festivals and for signaling purposes. The example of cast bronze with a bore that is described as at the breach and the bore is reduced to a half round section to form a chamber for the powder mount for use.
The gun would be imbedded into a wooded block such as the lower half of the barrel and the entire breach end is covered...

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

A 19th century (Edo to Meiji periods) gilded bronze branch bearing three golden fruits, each of which opens to reveal a small compartment. It is 19 cm (7-1/2 inches) long, 6 cm (2-1/2 inches) tall and comes enclosed in an age darkened kiri-wood box. Certainly of Buddhist connotations, it likely held some small sweets or incense.

Japanese cigarette case, damascened with silver and gold on steel, c 1930's. Decoration in Komai style of a temple gate, pagodas and Mt Fuji. The back with a Fukui mark under butterfly and 24K. In addition two marks resembling stylized birds’ wings on a sgraffito ground. Width "3 ¾ / 9,2 cm, height "3 ¼ / 8,2 cm. Condition: some wear to the black surface, otherwise fine (cf pics).

A nicely designed water dropper with floral design relief on both sides. Comes with the original bronze lid. Size: L. 11cm. W. 8cm. Condition: No repairs with a nice patina.

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...

Antique Japanese bronze temple bell known as a "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, with lotus shaped "tsukiza"...

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...

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 bronze ikebana vase, meant for artistic flower arranging, with unusual curling handles reminiscent of spiraling vines. Artist's signature incised in the bottom.

Size: 12.5" W x 9" H

Antique Japanese bronze vase, of wide, round, and shortened form, its edges sculpted with dragons flying through clouds. Beautiful original aged patina.

Early Meiji Period (1868 - 1912)

Size: 12" W x 7.5" H

A dragon rides in a swirl of movement atop this silver and damascened Koro incense burner by Chosa Yoshiyuki. The sides are decorated with images of plum and pine. The bottom is signed Yoshi-saku, and bears the stamp 900 delineating the silver content. It is 5-1/2 inches (14 cm) tall, 3-1/2 inches (9 cm) diameter and in fine condition, enclosed in a period heavy kiri-wood box.
Chosa Yoshiyuki (1915-2002) was a bronze artist and recipient of the Japanese Order of Cultural Merit...

Signed and unusual incense burner with two cloisonne floral designs mixed with some repousse work. Size: W. 11.5 x 11.5 cm. H. 3 cm. Condition: No repairs. Some loss of enamel on one of the floral patterns from age.

Antique Japanese bronze hibachi, or brazier, with silver inlay geometric scroll motifs along its outer edges, wide rim with pair of handles, four stout legs, affixed to hardwood base. Natural patina from oxidation over time. Side is incised with artist's signature.

Size: 14" L x 14" W x 12.5" H

Antique Japanese archaic bronze vase, with geometric imagery incised into the outer body, cloisonné taotie motifs in blue, green, red, and white enamel along upper section, long medallion motifs with enamel along the lowermost section. Old, natural patina with signature on base.

Size: 4" L x 4" W x 11.25" H

Japanese bronze usubata in the form of an open natural lotus, standing on a coiled stem with a lotus bud. Usubata are used for beautiful flower arrangements, an art form known as ikebana.

Size: 9" L x 9" W x 6" H

Japanese bronze suiban, or a dish to be filled with viewing stones called suiseki, as well as small plant arrangements. The rim has flower petal incision motifs while the sides are decorated by medallions and a pair of handles shaped like elephant heads. Artist's signature on bottom.

Size: 17" L x 9" W x 4.5" H