One of only five Imperial Court Artists of Meiji, ceramic pieces by Kōzan are highly prized by collectors and are ever more difficult to find on the market these days. Here we have a fantastic example of a guardian shishi from the Kōzan kiln crafted in fine celadon...

Tsuchiya Koitsu (1870 - 1949)
Ueno Shinobazu Pond
Date: 1939. First edition.
Size: Oban. Approximately 17 x 11.5 inches.
Publisher: Doi Sadaichi.
Carver: Kataoka. Printer: Yokoi.
Koitsu catalog no. TK-DH-58
Condition: Tape residue at top margin. Pencil note on back.
This rare first edition features differently printed clouds than in later examples. There are gofun highlights throughout the print.

A large and powerful composition displaying beads of feldspar strung across a canvas of red ferrous clay. A perfect addition for tea practitioners in need of a good Shino piece or for collectors looking for a classic and exceptional example of this type of pottery.

As the name suggests to anyone familiar with Japanese pottery, Kato Toyohisa (b. 1962) hails from a long line of Mino potters...

Yuzo Kondo is one of the more recognized names in the world of modern Japanese pottery of the 20th century. Though known mainly for his sometsuke creations (blue and white porcelain), he did not settle on this style until well into his potting career that lasted nearly seven decades. The pieces shown here then would be from an earlier period and are evidence of his competency with varied styles and glazes—not just the ones he is most well-known for...

Ishiwata Koitsu
Ikegami Honmonji (Niomon) (Nio Gate of Honmonji Temple, Ikegami)
Size: Oban. Approximately 15.25 x 10.25 inches.
Date: 1932.
Publisher: Watanabe Shozaburo.
First edition with Watanabe C seal.
Medium: Japanese woodblock print.
Condition: A conservator has repaired margin in two places. Pencil note on back. Crease at upper right corner.
- A rarely see design.

A complete set of 12 Tokkuri sake flasks by Imaizumi Imaemon XII enclosed in the original signed wooden box. Each is uniquely decorated with a delicately rendered image of one of the 12 animals of the Chinese zodiac. With a diverse enough crowd, each person could drink from their own sign. Each piece is in perfect condition. They are all identical in height and shape. roughly 14 cm (5-1/2 inches) tall and in excellent condition...

Eijiro Kobayashi
A High Bridge by Night.
A design influenced by James Whistler and Hiroshige.
Series: Hasegawa Night Scenes.
Date: 1910. This edition 1938-1960.
Eijiro seal at lower left.
Size: Chuban. Approximately 10.75 x 8.0 inches.
Publisher: Hasegawa/Nishinomiya Yosaku. No. 1241 in Hasegawa catalog. Nishinomiya stamp in left margin.
"Made in Japan" stamped on verso...

Antique Japanese Esoteric Buddhist scroll painting depicting seated Amida Nyorai (Buddha Amitabha) flanked by the 12 Jūniten (Deva Guardians). The 12 Jūniten (6 on either side) are identified as Taishakuten (Skt. Indra) Lord of Jūniten, Katen (Skt. Agni) of Southeast and Fire, Enmaten (Skt. Yama) South and the Underworld, Futen (Skt. Yayu) Northwest and Wind, Bonten (Skt. Brahma) Heaven, Suiten (Skt. Varuna) West and Water, Bishamonten (Skt. Vaisravana) North and Wealth, Rasetsuten (Skt...

A very unusual set of three scrolls depicting the women of Shimabara looking down with trepidation at a Fumi-e (a Christian symbol) before lotus enclosed in a wooden box titled Shizan Shimabara-me Sanpuku Tsui (Shizan, Women of Shimabara Three Scroll Set). The Fumi-e was a bronze or wood placard embellished with a Christian symbol upon which people were forced to step to prove that they were not Christians during the ban on Christianity throughout most of the Edo period...

Antique Japanese Kutani ware porcelain figure of a Pekingese dog sitting with right front paw raised, long fur flowing around him. A brightly painted collar around his neck. Painted details on his face and paws.

Age: Meiji Period (1868-1912)

Dimensions: 6 3/4" high x 7" long x 4 1/2" wide

This is a 2 section antique Japanese Kansai Mizuya (Kitchen) tansu made of Hinoki (Cypress) and Keyaki (Zelkova) woods. Both original hand forged iron hardware and rare copper hand twisted door netting.

This chest was made for the Japanese kitchen to store jars of water, chopsticks, utensils for cooking and dishes. Its elegant design would suit any home decor as well as add storage functionality.

Meiji Era (1868-1912)

Dimensions: 45 3/4" Wide by 64" High by 16" Deep

A rare Japanese antique Sado Island Child's Kimono Tansu made of Kirinoki (Paulownia) and Suginoki (Cryptomeria) woods. Original natural Urushi wiped lacquer finish with hand forged iron hardware. The lock plates feature cranes and sea turtles that symbolize longevity and the drawer corners feature stylized clouds.

Children's kimono tansu are quite rare to find since they had to be custom made by the tansu maker...

An antique Japanese Ko Bo Tansu (personal storage chest with locking bar) made of Suginoki (Cryptomeria) wood. Original Urushi lacquer finish. Bronze hardware features auspicious bamboo symbols and pine tree motif.

Small antique tansu such as this is very popular worldwide due to its functionality and ease of placement due to its small size...

Two austere Bodhisattva play music and spread lotus petals before the benign countenance of Kannon while a fierce green God (god of thunder or wind) recoils, flame spouting from his mouth...

An original 19th Century molded leather hide hat box. Round base with single hinged back conical pointed lid. forged brass front clasp that helps to latch the line securely closed. Original warm burgandy tones.

19th Century C. 1930's

Dimensions: 14" high x 11 1/2" wide

Single section Hinkoki (Japanese Cypress) and Sugi (Cryptomeria) wood merchant glass display tansu. Originally used in a merchant shop to display the stores wares for sale.. Shallow in depth with countertop height. Two shelves are located inside for storage needs with the glass support panes in line with the shelves preventing visual distraction of items being shown. Beautifully finished with natural blond tones. Overall in very good condition.

Age: Meiji period (1868 - 1912) ...

Antique Japanese Kyushu Choba Tansu (merchant chest made of Keyaki (Zelkova) and Sugi (Cryptomeria) woods. All original hand forged iron hardware with a combination of slider and drawer layout. Beautiful original warm lacquer finish. Overall in very good condition.
Merchant chests were proudly owned by shopkeepers and served a dual purpose. The obvious one is a chest to store the business records, books, valuables, and office supplies. The less obvious one was using it as a form of a...