This large and expressive sculpture is made, as expected, from joined segments, each separately carved. This technique is a diagnostic "telltale" which helps to date the piece. The figure sits in a devotional posture, leaning slightly forward with hands joined in a gesture of worship. Extensive remains of gesso and pigment. The piece measures 14-1/2" in height and is free of re-carving or repair. Kindly examine the photographs, as they are part of the description...

A pair of antique Japanese folding keyaki doors with iron mounts. The door is constructed with mortise and tenon joints. The panels are divided into 7 parts framed with carved decoration and hinged with iron mounts. The carved decoration is finely painted with polychrome mineral pigment with gold gilt accents. The subject matter of the temple doors is a scrolling lotus motif and 8 phoenixes.
The phoenix represents power sent from the heavens to the Empress...

A Japanese wood carving of a seated figure, probably the poet Matsuo Basho (1644~1694), the most famous poet of the Edo period. 19th century or earlier. Fine old patina.

Approximately 14.5 cm high...

A sublime and very rare 10th-12th century Heian Period Japanese Jizō Bosatsu wood sculpture. 8 inches (20cm) high x 6 (15cm) inches wide.

A large figure of 24 armed seated Kannon, gold gilt over wood carving of the bodhisattva of compassion, seated in meditation atop a lotus pedestal, two of her arms clasped in prayer, the other pair of front hands with palms pointed upwards and thumbs touching, in a meditation mudra...

Stunning original 17th century Japanese Amida Buddha statue, gold gilt over wood with inlaid crystal on his third eye and his crown chakra. He stands on an open lotus pedestal atop a circular step base, his hands performing the virtaka mudras. Behind him is a canopy of lingzhi smoke and 7 boddhisatvas seated in the heavens...

Japanese antique large censer depicting the fisherman Urashima Taro from the fairy tale, Otogi Banashi. In the story, the fisherman discovers some children on the beach toying with a turtle. Urashima Taro buys the turtle from them and sets him free. The turtle grows in size and carries Urashima Taro down beneath the sea to the Dragon Palace (Ryugu-jo) where he is met and thanked by the Princess Otohime. After a few days, Urashima Taro decides to return to the world above the sea...

Large two-door shrine holding inside the figure of Kujaku Myoo sitting on a lutus dais on the back of a peacock. Kujaku means peacock and is revered for transmuting the "poisons" of greed and anger and for eliminating karmic hindrances. The peacock (in India) eats poisonous plants and snakes and is thus thought to guard against evils from poisoning or calamity. Kujaku has four arms, holding a pomegranate, peacock feather, and either a lotus flower or a Buddha-fruit (one attribute is missing)...

Zushi, shrine used in Buddhist temples, containing a statue of Aizen Myoo. He sits on his typical lotus throne carried by a vase full of jewels, surrounded by a circular, red, flaming nimbus. He has six arms and on his head he wears a crown in the shape of a lion’s head flanked by two gilded sharito reliquaries. In his lower hands Aizen holds a ghanta and a bell, the secondary hands hold arrows and formerly held a bow, the upper pair of hands used to hold probably a rope and a jewel...

Antique Japanese natural burl root stand or stool. Interesting natural burl form shape with bold woodgrain surface.

Dimensions: 17" x 18" x 15.5" H

Antique Japanese ikebana (flower arranging) basket, very finely hand-woven with thin strips of bamboo. Its form is narrow towards the mouth of the basket and flutes slightly towards the squared base, with four knot-woven feet, and the frame of the basket is reinforced with thicker bamboo sections, secured with tight coils. The handle is formed by natural Wisteria burl root. With hand inscribed signature on the base.

Dimensions : 9" x 7" x 19.75" H

Kokeshi made by Takahashi Akinori at Takahashi Hashime Studio in Sendai in Miyagi Pref. The body has beautiful urushi design. In excellent condition. 20century. H:37cm Diameter of the bottom:7.5cm

Antique Japanese set of 4 wagon wheels. The smaller wheels have 12 spokes while the larger ones have 14. The central hub and outside edges of each wheel is lined with iron.

Meiji Period (1868-1912)

Size: 21.75-24" L x 7" H

Fine Edo Period Sho Bosatsu Kannon in Rare Excellent Condition, gilded wood sculpture seated on a lotus and holding a lotus in the left hand. The Bodhisattva of Compassion has never been more beautifully rendered. Height: 27 inches (68.5 cm), Width: 14 inches (35.5 cm).

Japanese mingei hinoki water wheel. Complete 11 spokes with paddles used as a functional water wheel. Iron piston protrudes from the central hub for rotational function.

19th Century

Size: 47 1/2" x 6"

Antique Japanese keyaki (elm) wood temple carving of a fu-dog. Beautifully carved with mane of swirling curls and mouth full of sharp teeth, this fierce guardian would have once graced the eves of a buddhist temple roof. Edo Period. With contemporary black metal stand. Size: 15 1/2" high total (10 1/2" high not including stand) x 15" wide x 7 1/2" wide.

Japanese wooden shop sign. Well-carved with large lettering and small chop signatures in corners. Very heavy in weight. The entire sign has been hand carved down, exposing the kanji lettering. Natural design. Edo Period (circa 1800's) Size: 18" H x 76" L x 1.5" D

Pair of Japanese Meiji Period Wood Kitchen Gods, Daikoku and Ebisu. 8 inches, 20 cm and 7.5 inches, 19 cm. Daikoku, God of Earth and Agriculture, stands on bales of rice and wields his magic mallet. Ebisu, God of Ocean and Prosperity, holds a large red sea bream tucked under his arm. This fish is an ancient symbol of good luck in Japan. Daikoku and Ebisu often appear together in the Japanese kitchen...