A set of five E-Karatsu Mukozuke by Nakazato Tarouemon XIII enclosed in the original signed wooden box. Radically brushed birds rise up into the sky, framed by a vertical bars of iron; inside soft earthen white. Each is roughly 3 inches (8 cm) diameter, 2-1/2 inches (6.5 cm) tall and in excellent condition, bearing the Tarouemon three star mark on the base.
Nakazato Shigetoshi was born in 1930 the third son of Living National Treasure Tarouemon XII (Muan) of Karatsu fame...

Japanese choba tansu (merchant's chest), Keyaki wood, beautiful grain and lacquer finish, heavy iron hardware with elaborate lock plates and warabite shaped drawer pulls. Top portion has two medium sized drawers, a small drawer and a safe door, the bottom portion has two full width drawers, nice side handles, Shonai area. Size: 28" high x 30" wide x 15 1/2" deep.

Ohara Koson (Shoson)
Praying Mantis and Bees (Wasps)
Size: O-tanzaku. Approximately 14.25 x 7.75 inches.
Date: ca. 1910.
Publisher: Daikokuya.
No. K.40.9 in "Crows, Cranes and Camellias: The Natural World of Ohara Koson (Riegle Newland)." Illustrated on page 101.
Condition: Excellent.
Very rarely seen.

Antique Japanese bronze hibachi decorated with dragons and chickens. The chickens have their wings spread as they give the illusion they are flying out of the body. The dragons walk across the body of the vessel. There are three small feet with incised scrolling designs. It measures 9" tall, 13" wide at the mouth, 18" wide from handle to handle. Meiji period, 1868-1912.

A fine embroidery depicting a group of chickens. Embroideries, known as shishu in Japanese, were done on various fabrics and clothing. It was only later during the late 19th century that embroideries were appreciated for their artistic quality and were often framed or mounted on scrolls. The embroidery on the back contains an inscription which reads: Present ( or gift) September of the tenth year of Taisho (1921) (Presented by) the Imperial government of Japan...

A rather unusual fan painting (senmen) portraying an image of a dragon rising above the clouds done using fingers. The tradition of finger painting is thought to have originated from China. Eccentric literati artists used their fingers instead of the brush to become one with the painting. Work contains a signature and seal by an artist named Sonsen. Additionally, the inscription on the fan reads: finger painted by Sonsen. Age: Early 20th century Size: Height 55.5" Length 27.5"

Japanese lacquer box form the Meiji/Taisho period circa 19th century. Decorated with gold flowering clematis vines on dark brown lacquer interior with gold rim inset and shallow tray. Accented with gilt fittings with paulownia decoration and ring handles. Dimensions: 5 1/2'' X 6 1/2'' X 5"

A painted lacquer panel decorated with carved bone, ivory and "composition" figures depicting a farmer and a boy in a mountain landscape...

A large Kansai area issho tansu made from keyaki and sugi woods. Copper handles are used on the sliding door panels and a special cabinet with a lock is set on the bottom area of the chest. Tansu such as these were often placed in the private quarters of the home and clothes, family documents, and important objects were placed inside. Age: Meiji Period Size: Length 45.75" Width 18.25" Height 60"

Beautiful Japanese antique highly carved butsudan panel, carved with scene of two dragons in swirling clouds and crashing waves, black and gilt lacquer with details in red, the eyes of the dragons are made of reverse painted glass, framed in black lacquer frame with copper hardware. This piece was once a ranma or transom over the interior doors of a large Buddhist butsudan shrine. Meiji Period. Size: 9" high x 44" long. Carving is up to 3" deep.

A JAPANESE EXPORT DISH, LATE 17TH CENTURY.

This fine dish is decorated with designs taken from Ming Chinese Wanli 'Kraak' wares and came about as a result of a disruption of Chinese production during a period of unrest. Dutch traders who found their Chinese trade stopped resorted to ordering from Japanese makers. The Japanese versions of these Kraak style pieces are usually thicker than the very thin Chinese Kraak wares and this has ensured their survival in often pristine condition...

A pair of superb cloisonne vases with fine decorations of cranes flying in the evening sky. Cranes are an auspicious motif in East Asia, often a symbol of longevity and fortune. Has original box. Age: early 20th century Size: Diameter: 2.5" Height: 7.25"

An interesting Japanese cloisonne hexagonal vase decorated with motifs of chrysanthemums. The cloisonne is done in a technique aka-sukashi, ginbari, where the metal base contains a pattern which is showing through the red cloisonne glaze. Above the metal base is the cloisonne work of chrysanthemum flowers with a bird flying in the distance. On the rim of the foot, two marks can be seen...

A beautiful pair of Japanese cloisonne vases decorated with a pair of roses set on a grey celadon colored background. The vases have silver rims on the mouth and foot of the vase. Age: 20th century Size: Diameter 3.8" Height 6.25"

An erotic scene of a young couple in a fan-shaped cartouche, painted in ink and colors on silk. The paper folder labeled "August". Condition: bottom corners creased, folder with few tears. Dimension painting: 27.2 cm x 33.6 cm

Antique Japanese plique-a-jour round box. It is decorated with grapes and leaves on a maroon background. It measures 3" diameter, 2.5" tall. Taisho Period (early 20th century).

Japanese plique-a-jour bowl with roses and plum blossoms. The bowl has a silver rim and small feet. Red roses with blue and maroon plum blossoms on a green ground. It measures 3.25" diameter, 2" tall. Meiji Period 1868-1912.

Small blue Japanese cloisonne vase with traveling scene. The body of the vase is cool blue with a dark blue mountain behind a building surrounded by trees. Three travelers approach as they pass a cliff with a cypress tree. Showa period, 1920-1930. It measures 2" at the base5.25" tall,1.5" wide mouth.