This is a finely hand-carved netsuke in Kurogaki (Black Persimmon) wood of a large Seated Hotei with a wide Smile, by an unknown artist from the Iwami Province, carved sometime during the late 18th and early 19th centuries. The carving exhibits similar material and carving characteristics of the region. Observe a similar looking figure on top of a toad, finished in a very smooth texture, by Gokyotei Baiseki, in photo #6*, from Iwami Netsuke, RS Huthart Collection, Japanese published book, page...

This is an awesome Eisho Era Signed and Date Long Wakisashi (Almost Katana length) Sword in Shirasaya fitting, made by SADAHIRO 貞弘 (1505 -1521) Eisho, Muromachi Period, Iwami Province, Japan. SADAHIRO 貞弘, as listed in page 99 of the Index of Japanese Swordsmiths by Markus Sesko, and shown as SA 23 in "Japanese Swordsmiths by W. M. Hawley. The sword's nakago has been marked with the Swordsmith's signature) 備中國住貞弘 (Bichu koku ju SADAHIRO), on the right side of the blade, and...

This is an awesome Gunto Imperial Japan Military Katana Sword in Black Koshirae fitting, made during the Showa period (1926-1989), by the Gunto swordsmith KANEHARU 兼玄: (Index of Japanese Swordsmiths by Markus Sesko), from the Seki School (Modern Japanese Swords and Swordsmiths, by Leon and Hiropo Kapp). The sword's nakago has been marked as shown in the photos. The blade has a bright and clean polish, and it is in excellent condition. It has no flaws, other than a very tiny sumi-gomori ...

This is a finely hand-carved netsuke in Kurogaki (Black Persimmon) wood of a Lotus Seed Pod, made as a Karakuri or 'trick' Netsuke in that the seeds rattle and peep out of the seed holes. Netsuke was carved by an unknown artist from the Iwami Province sometime during the Early 19th centuries. The carving exhibits similar material and carving characteristics of a netsuke (Photo #6) made by Seiyodo Gansui (1809-1848). Observe the lines of the sides of the lotus pod and how they compare with the...

Late 18th C. Early 19th C. Japanese Iwami Kurogaki Netsuke: Gama Sennin with Toad This is a finely hand-carved netsuke in Kurogaki (Black Persimmon) wood of a Gama Sennin with a Toad on top of his shoulders, by an unknown artist from the Iwami Province carved sometime during the late 18th and early 19th centuries. The carving exhibits similar material and carving characteristics of the region. Observe the Ukibori work on the sennin's toad (photo #3) that resembles the finish of the toad s...

This 19th Century, finely hand-carved Iwami Ebony Netsuke that shares similar carving and material characteristics as the Tree Stump attibuted to Jikan Ganbun depicts a Toad that also provides a functionality of an Ashtray. This toad is also remarkably similar to the toad that the Gamma Sennin (item 98 of Bonhams Iwami Catalog* – photo # 6) is sitting on. Nicely detailed rendering of the rough textured skin on the back and sides of the toad, which contrasts with the smooth extended throat and...

Koichi Okumura (1904 ~ 1974)
Panoramic View of Mt. Higashi. (Higashi Tenbo)
Size: Oban. Approximately 15.75 x 10.75 inches.
Date: 1948. Later edition.
Publisher: Unsodo.
Medium: Japanese woodblock print.
Condition: Excellent.

This is a finely hand-carved Ebony Netsuke attributed to Jikan Ganbun, depicting a Tree Stump. Nicely detailed rendering of a tree stump with its rough textured exterior contrasting with a smooth top and bottom that are styled in a star shaped manner. The concave stump is slightly hollowed out, with a smaller stump on its side. There is a tiny ant looking figure that has been carved inside the stump. Netsuke is unsigned. It measures 1.25 inches in diameter and 0.50 inch tall. Netsuke is in...

Finely carving of a charming Pigeon resting on its characteristic true-to-form bird feet, just as shown in the book 'NETSUKE 100 Miniature Masterpieces from Japan', by Noriko Tsuchiya, that displays netsuke pieces from the The British Museum in London. Fine cohesive composition partly stained to enhance its form. Eyes inlaid with dark horn. The signature of MITSUHIRO 光廣 is intricately carved under the pigeon feet, as shown in the book's picture.

Furoshiki (wrapping cloth) made of hand-spun cotton and vegetable indigo dyed. The crest is hand-drawn by tsutsugaki technique. It has sashiko on the four corners. In excellent condition except for a cut (1cm) in the crest. The second half of the 19th century. 135cm x 137cm

A Fine Korean White Slip Inlaid with Chrysanthemums Oil Bottle-13th C.: Korea, Koryo dynasty, 13th century. The flattened globular sharply tapering to a raised ring foot, and sloping to a narrow neck with everted cup-shaped mouth decorated in inlaid with white slip with chrysanthemum floral heads between a double circular ring, applied with a grey celadon glaze overall. It’s in good condition, it measures 7.8cm d. x 4cm h.

Antique Japanese ceramic figure of the moon faced Otafuku. Her name was once Uzume and evolved into Okame which means "tortoise", a symbol of longevity. Otafuku or Okame is considered the goddess of mirth, a cheerful woman who's name means "abundant good fortune". A bringer of victory and success, she is good-natured, good-humored, good-hearted, generous, kind, serene, and patient. She is smart, strong-willed and competent as well as powerful enough to easily frighten away evil spirits. ...

Antique bronze hand of Buddha on wooden stand. Hand displays the Abhyaya Mudra, the have-no-fear gesture representing peace, benevolence, and reassurance. Beautiful long tapered fingers. Patina consistent with age.

Age: Ayuthaya Period (17th/18th century)

Dimensions: Hand only: 4" high x 1 1/2" wide x 3" deep. (7" high with stand)

Chinese antique celadon vase, carved with flowers and scrolling leaves. Lovely traditional celadon color glaze. Later addition of decorative silver overlay around mouth and shoulders and also a silver ring around the foot of the vase.

Age: Republic period (with early 20th century silver work)

Dimensions: 5 1/2" high x 3" wide diameter

Antique Japanese tsuba (hand guard for samurai katana) decorated with a monkey peeking though the bamboo rails of a cage or gate. Often occurring in Japanese folk tales, the monkey generally symbolizes a trickster. Since tsuba were often a warrior's source of personal expression, it is likely this monkey held specific significance to the blade's owner.

Age: Meiji Period (1868-1912)

Dimensions: 3" high x 2 7/8" wide x 1/8" thick (1/4" thick including monkey).

An antique Japanese Ranma (transom) that was highly detailed and hand carved out of Akita Suginoki (Cryptomeria from the Akita region) with a Hinoki (Cypress) frame. It features a landscaped Shinto shrine grounds complete with the shrine complex, pine trees, clouds, a Torii gate, a Pagoda, and a beautiful footbridge. The image is carved on both sides to show the front and back of the complex.

The Ranma was used in Japan typically above the Fusuma sliding doors between rooms to provide...

A rare Chinese enamel on copper medallion bowl decorated with three red-crowned cranes each holding a lingzhi, against a pink background. The interior with flowering peony. 18Th ~ 19th century.

The medallion bowls, three roundels against a coloured background, were produced in porcelain from the Qianlong reign to the Daoguang in the main, this bowl appears to be the enameller’s answer to the challenge.

Approximately 12.5 cm diameter. The bowl has had a slight knock to the e...

Antique Japanese lacquer box for incense. Decorated with scenes of flying geese over gently swirling water and marsh grasses in maki-e lacquer on a black lacquer ground. On the reverse side, pheasants and chicks peck among flowers. The interior of the box is fitted with a separate tray decorated with seven children playing with three dogs in maki-e and color lacquer on a black ground. The tray stands on 4 small feet and the sides are decorated with tiny scrolling vines and butterflies. The ...