Japanese munitions strong box constructed of Hinoki wood, with hand forged iron banding and with hard mounts. Original finish and condition.

Early 19th Century (Edo Period)

16 1/8" x 6 1/2" x 5 3/4"

Tibetan Temple prayer carpet with two dragons, each chasing it's elusive pearl. Size: L. 150 cm. W. 87cm. Feet 4'9"X 2'7". Condition. No repairs.

The three-sided style of the phurba comes from an ancient tool used to pin down sacrifices. The phurba has 3 segments to represent its power to transform negative energies. These energies are known as the "three poisons" and are attachment, ignorance, and aversion. The 3 sides of the phurba also represent the 3 spirit worlds and the phurba itself unites those worlds. The handle of the phurba represents "wisdom" while the blade represents "methods".

The phurba symbolizes stability and...

Four-armed sword wielding Virabhadra is a manifestation of Shiva. In this form, he decapitated the demigod Daksha who had insulted him, but in doing so, he interrupted the demigod's sacrifice by which all beings are created. Virabhadra later revived Daksha by replacing his head with that of a goat, thus ensuring the demigod survived and the continuance of creation. Mounted on Custom Iron Mount for presentation.

South central India
17th Century bronze w/ ritual encrustation untouc...

A slight smile menpo in black lacquer, with angular high cheeks, making its naturalistic ears protrude outward. The L shaped strap holders are mounted on the dimples, the sleek shaped chin with turned strap post and a small hole to vent out perspiration. The interior of the mask is lacquered in red leather. The yodare is in the kiritsuke style plates of four and is laced in blue silk, calico, and pale ocher. The menpo is mounted on steel stand for display.

Docked for Exhibition i...

This type of menpo would have fitted a formal and archaic style gosuku with silk lacing and large sode style of the Heian period. The menpo is lacquered in a dark brownish black with stylized wrinkles. The ears are pierced with plum blossom configuration, turned strap holders, and a vent hole. The nose plate is well rendered with horse hair mustache and hook-holes insertion. The interior of the mask is lacquered in red. The yodare is fabricated with stenciled leather and 3 plate kiritsuke laced ...

Kawase Hasui
Mount Inari, Nagano Prefecture (Nagano-ken, Inariyama)
Date: 1947.
Size: Oban. Approximately 15.5 x 10.25 inches.
Publisher: Watanabe Shozaburo.
Black 6 mm Watanabe seal in the lower right corner, indicating a first state printed between 1946-1957.
Stamped "Original Works of Art", a seal that sometimes appears on the verso.
Reference: Hotei #500.
Medium: Japanese woodblock print.
Condition: Excellent.

Richly enameled with vibrant colors on a dark blue ground, this Chinese footed porcelain bowl has a turquoise interior. A seal mark is on the base bottom along with the word "CHINA". In excellent condition, no chips, no repairs, it measures 5" square x 2.75" high.

The mask is of dark brownish lacquer finish and the interior is black lacquer. The high jaw has two protruding hooks for strapping the cords, and underneath the chin is a vent hole. The Saru Bo is fitted with yodare kare covered in lacquered black leather with three lames plates and blue silk lacing.
Mounted on metal display stand.

19th Century Edo Period (1603-1868)

Dimensions: 7.5" x 3.5" x 8.25" (10.75" on stand)

Edo period Japanese lacquered leather covered munitions box for gun powder. The leather hinged top has a gilt edge, on center is a copper metal clasp closure, and an iron chain handle. Double stamped in red lacquer with the Omodaka mon, which belongs to the Mizuno family clan. The box is in good condition.

19th Century Edo Period (1603-1868)

Dimensions: 8.75" x 2.75" x 4.5" H

A beautiful Tibetan temple carpet.The center with a beige background features flowers and leaves that bloom in joyful colors throughout the center. The stems of these flowering plants emanate from the abstract mountains at the 4 corners of the central frame. The floral center is framed in a large blue & white keyfret pattern that features 4 large pairs of abstract colorful flowers within the frame. The design is represented in happy colors of pinks, oranges, reds, and blues. Size: L.164cm. ...

Japanese Negoro lacquer (red over black) shrine table with squared slated legs detailed with brass hard mounts. The table expresses wear true to its age.

19th Century Edo Period (1603-1868)

Dimensions: 20 ¼” x 9” x 10 ½”

Circular jingasa with a gradual domed top; Textured to simulate leather. The composition is of bamboo, paper, and many layers of Urishi lacquer work. The interior is finished in red with its original cotton gear straps and cushion. Excellent condition. With the mitsudome "God of War" mon.
The samurai class in feudal Japan, as well as their retainers and footsoldiers (ashigaru), used several types of jingasa made from iron, copper, wood, paper, bamboo, or leather. Kasa shares its etymolo...

Mingei jizai with Keyaki wood carved folding fan, hard-wrought iron chain, and a clover ring and hook. Unusual small size making for a charming sculptural item. Originally used to hold and suspend tetsubin (tea pot) over coals for heating.

Early 19th Century Edo Period (1603-1868)

Chain hanging 35".
Fan Dimensions: 12" x 3 1/8" x 2"

The Japanese tantutu pistol has a octagonal russet iron barrel, with flat sighting plains on top and bore of 3/8". A stock dai of Keyaki wood and brass plate jiita of the arquebus's firing mechanism. Mounted for display on a custom museum iron mount.

Exhibition at the 2018 San Francisco Tribal Art & Textile Show

19th Century Edo Period (1603-1868)

Dimensions: 8"L x 1.5" (5.25" H on stand)

The motif of an elephant with a vase on its back has an auspicious meaning of "peaceful times (taiping youxiang 太平有象 - when there is peace, there are signs)". This motif was popular in Qing Dynasty, we date this one to 19th century. The elephant is in perfect condition. Length:9-1/2"; height: 9-1/2".

A pair of Chinese famille rose bowls, decorated with gourd and butterfly motifs on green grounds. Gourds and butterflies together have an auspicious hidden meaning of "Guadie Mianmian (瓜瓞绵绵)” - may there be ceaseless generations of sons and grandsons. There are six character "Daqing jiaqing nianzhi" marks inside the foot rims, and of the period. Condition: nearly perfect condition,the only flaw is one tiny chip on the rim. Please refer photos for details. Diameter:7"; Height: 3-1/2".

Historically, fusuma were often painted with scenes from nature such as mountains, forests, or animals. The traditional scale of the door is 5'7". The Hinoki wood panels are painted with Rimpa paint and flecks of gold, creating a mist. The floral composition is with camellia, cherry blossom, hollyhock, and chrysanthemums.

The camellia flowers symbolize young sons and daughter. Tsubaki (camellia) symbolizes the divine, faithfulness and longevity. The next flower is the cherry blossom,...