A Beautiful Ode to Longevity by Watanabe Gashin, born 1944. Watanabe Gashin is a renowned calligrapher who has won many awards for his Japanese calligraphy. In this unique work, he spells out the joys of each decade, from the age of 60 to the age of 111. Frame: 36.5 x 18 inches, 93 x 46 cm; Calligraphy: 25 x 12 inches, 63.5 x 30.5 cm.

A set of old hanging ornaments for Buddhist temples or private settings. Decorated with gold leaves (genuine) over the lacquered wood and paper (small ornaments). The color of gold is soft, one or two strings are missing. The last photo shown here is Azabu Dai-Kannon in Chokoku-ji, Tokyo. Approx. length 15 inches long, Meiji period (1868-1912).

Original woodblock print by Clifton Karhu (1927 - 2007) titled “To†depicting a head of a tiger. The print is pencil-signed, titled, dated 71 and numbered 13/100 at the bottom of the circular image. Printed on very thin paper. Condition: fine impression and color, slightly creased. Dimension: 30.7 cm x 32 cm.

Japanese gosho ningyo (doll) from the Noh play "Shojo". 11" tall on 1/4" wood stand. The box: 8 1/2" x 13 5/8" x 5 3/4" deep, Kiri(boxwood) stand: 5 5/8" 7 3/4" x 1 1/4"

Japanese silver mounted Satsuma buckle painted with a traditional pavilion besides the water's edge with mountains in the distance, Meiji period, circa 1910. The painting on Satsuma is very delicate and condition excellent. All obijime are new condition. 1 5/8" x 2 3/16" x 3/16" thick (4.3cm x 5.5cm x 0.7cm)

This is one half side of a pair that can be used as an accent piece (necklace, belt, etc)...

Fine old zuishin dolls from the Meiji period (1868-1912), approx. 8” (20.3cm) tall. Zuishin dolls are commonly called daijin (minister) dolls; the elder man on the right (facing) is called "left daijin" and the younger man, right daijin or ya (arrows) daijin. They were created as an addition to the emperor and empress Dairi-bina sometime in the mid 18th century by Kyoto doll makers. Armed with a sword, bow and arrows, they were the toneri (zuishin) from the Heian court (794-1185)...

Japanese 2 section choba tansu from Makuni, kiri (paulownia) wood, very beautiful deep red translucent lacquer finish, top section has pair of sliding panels to a compartment with one shelf, below this is a row of three small drawers, bottom section has series of 5 drawers all locked in place by an unusually long locking bar (bo), a safe box in the lower right hand corner contains 2 small interior drawers. Wonderful heavy iron hardware including hirute shaped drawer pulls...

From our Japanese Collection, a good Meiji Period (1868-1912) imari lobed dish, executed in traditional palette using iron red, orange, blue, green, and gilt on a white porcelain body, depicting a stylized chrysanthemum head motif in the center well, along with dragon, phoenix, and floral motifs in the border reserves. An unpretentious but well-made traditional example.

Size and Condition: 8 3/8 inches in diameter...

Wonderful chagama, cast-iron hot water pot for Japanese tea ceremony decorated with a heron on each side, late Show period, 1970-1980. Signed Seiko (Sato).

Kama: 8 3/4" high x 8 1/2" diameter (22cm x 21cm)
Box: 9 11/16" x 9 7/8" x 9 1/4" (25.3cm x 25cm x 23.5cm)
opening: 4 1/8" (10.5cm) diameter

1) Stoneware incense box or kogo in the shape of an onna daruma (female daruma). She sits in the typical way, all rolled up in her garment, indicating that arms and legs may have fallen off. Her face shows striking similarity to Okame. Cream colored and reddish brown glaze over whitish soft clay, the face left partially free, fine crackle in the glaze. Japan, Meiji period...

From our Japanese Collection, a superb and large satsuma lidded jar / tea caddy by Ryozan, Meiji Period 1868-1912, stunningly executed with exceptional fineness depicting two cartouches of people gathering, alternating with two cartouches of ducks and birds in nature scenes, all separated and framed by intricate brocaded reserves of floral motifs using wonderful color variation and extensive gilt.

Size and Condition: A relatively large caddy at 7 1/4 inches tall, 6 1/8 inches wide.

From our Japanese Collection, a good set of three large ceremonial lacquer sake shallow bowls in graduated sizes, Showa Period, very handsomely executed with raised gold and black designs of figures set against a red lacquer ground...

Scruffy looking old Japanese warrior doll (musha ningyo). This doll is not so tall (11 1/2" tall) but heavily padded, solid and quite heavy. When we acquired this doll, his hair was already replaced once and most of it was; one side is painted in black. Old glass eyes. The checker design (ichimatsu design) on his clothes is very similar to "Enshu-donsu", one of the famous fabrics used for tea ceremonies in the Edo period. 11 1/2" high x 11" wide x 12" deep. Circa Meiji (1868-1912)...

From our Japanese Collection, a published and very fine satsuma charger, Meiji Period (1868-1912), most likely between 1870-1880, depicting Kannon the Goddess of Mercy and Compassion surrounded by deities and adorants, executed in typical satsuma palette but with an especially rich, heavy, and quite skilful gold application...

Hiratsuka Un-ichi (1895 ~ 1997)
Nihonbashi Bridge in Tokyo (aka. Night at Nihonbashi Bridge)
Date: 1946
Card size: Approximately 6.0 x 4.25 inches.
This woodblock print is the front cover of a Christmas/New Year card signed in pen by the artist at the inside.
Reference: Collection of the Art Institute of Chicago.
Medium: Japanese woodblock print.
Condition: Excellent.

Japanese silver pipe with brown bamboo body, the mouthpiece with design of engraved bamboo. Length: 7 1/2" Circa 1900, Meiji period.

Japanese silver and copper pipe with a natural bamboo body. Mid Meiji period. 7 7/8" long.

From our Japanese Collection, a large and very regal pair of imari vases, Meiji Period 1868-1912, beautifully executed in traditional palette of iron red, orange, blue, and gilt on a white porcelain body, with kiln marks to the base.

Size and Condition: 12 1/4 inches tall, 6 1/2 inches wide. Some light rubbing to the gilt in places commensurate with age and handling, but essentially perfect condition.