Okimono in bronze of a frog.
Seal of the founder or of his factory on its belly, not identified.

The frog (kaeru) is associated with luck and wealth. Kaeru means both "frog" and "coming home" in Japanese. This extension of meaning is due to the ability of the frog to return each year to the pond of its birth. A gong in the shape of a frog can thus sometimes be used as a door hammer or to protect a house.

Japan - Meiji Era (1868-1912)
Height: 1.4 in. ...

Wooden toad with long legs. In the Japanese bestiary, the toad has a special place, carrying positive values. Both the toad and the frog, called kaeru (蛙) return every year and regardless of the distance to the pond where they were born. The word kaeru is a synonym for "coming home". It is the protective animal for travelers and the symbol of hospitality. Its effigy is present on door hammers or gongs placed at the entrance of some houses and hotels. The toad also has the power to attract...

Hitotsusage tabacco pouch with a netsuke. Unlike the tabako-ire, there is no kiseru case.

Netsuke of kagamibuta type, made of two parts: a silver plate with peonies decoration and an ivory bowl.
Leather snuffbox (pouch) with menuki (metallic decoration) of a silver dragon. On the pouch, painted decoration of a Hôô phoenix surrounded by flowers. The phoenix and the dragon represent the imperial couple.

Japan - Edo period (1603-1863), 19th century
Net...

Bronze sculpture of a giraffe beetle (Prosopocoilus girafa). The top of the abdomen is raised, revealing a perfume burner. The lucanus, in Japanese kuwagata mushi, is highly valued for its playfulness and aesthetic value.
Insects (mushi) have a very important place in Japanese culture. Insect hunting is a popular pastime, especially among children. Using nets and cages, they catch cicadas, beetles and other insects to observe them. Mushi can indeed be seen as familiar animals, playing a ro...

Bronze okimono with brown patina of a mouse lying down. The coat, the tail and the legs are chiselled. The details of the head are particularly detailed, such as the moustache hairs and the long eyelashes.
In Japan, the term nezumi refers to both the mouse and the rat. They are regarded as the messenger of Daikokuten, the deity of trade and wealth. In the Chinese zodiac, taken over by Shintoism in Japan, the rat (or mouse) is the first of the twelve animals, a place that, according to the ...

Large natsume in black lacquer covered with gold powder (maki-e). Gold and silver snowflakes decoration in togidashi maki-e on nashi-ji background. The interior is made of dense nashi-ji lacquer.

The natsume is a tea box intended to contain matcha tea for the preparation of the tea ceremony. It is named for its resemblance to the natsume fruit, i.e. the jujube (also called the Chinese date). It is round, short and has a flat lid. It is often made of lacquer. The natsume is used for ...

Small namban style chest with a semi-cylindrical lid made of black lacquered wood (urushi) with gold lacquer (maki-e) and inlaid with mother-of-pearl (raden).
Mon style decoration (family emblem) of ginkos and chrysanthemums framed by friezes alternating three grooves and mother-of-pearl inlays. Copper fittings and black lacquer interior.

The Namban art of the 16th and 17th centuries was influenced by the contacts with the West and in particular the Portuguese who arrived in ...

A Japanese marine ivory okimono carved from a single block depicting a skeleton carrying a large skull aided by two toads. The scene specifically depicts a skeleton seated and bent by the weight of the skull, while a frog observes him from below, inviting him to relieve himself by gesturing with his hand on his back, while the other animal is suspended above trying to help the skeleton support the heavy skull. Excellent state of conservation despite the fragility of the sculpture. Meiji...

Chinese 18th century bronze censer / incense burner with Xuande mark. Good condition ( No dent, no repair ) censer has been cleaned. Size : 18,5 cm wide from ear to ear. 13 cm mouth diameter. 7 cm high. 1819 gram weight.

Exceptional wagumi Japanese style free flowing bamboo flower basket, Taisho Period c. 1920. Masterful weves using big strips of susudake bamboo aged in old Japanese farmhouses from the irori smoke. Height 36cm; width 32cm.

Elegant pair of gold lacquered early Showa Period c.1930 wood candlestands. Base is a chrysanthemum motif. great condition. Height: 50cm; width: 10cm.

An antique Japanese Sakata Kotansu (Japanese personal storage chest) made entirely of Kirinoki (Paulownia) wood. All original hand forged iron hardware and Urushi lacquer finish. 5 Drawers with 3 drawers secured by a locking bar. Hinged door behind which lie 3 small drawers where valuables were kept. Constructed using thick wood with straight dovetail joinery and hardened wood nails. A beautiful elegant chest that is perfect for a night stand or a side table. Comes with keys.

Age: Edo ...

A hard to find water jar of rough clay scored and scarred and covered in cream colored glaze splashed with red by Yamada Kazu enclosed in the original signed wooden box titled Kaku-yu Oribe Mizusashi. This style is distinct to this artist, and easily recognizable as his work. It is 22 cm (8-1/2 inches) tall, 20.5 cm (8 inches) diameter and in excellent condition.
Yamada Kazu was born in Tokoname city in 1954, one of Japans ancient kiln areas, into a line of potters. He would have been i...

A baby carrier belt made of indigo dye cotton for warp and washi (Japanese handmade paper) yarn for weft. It is made in Shonai region in Yamagata district in Tohoku. In good condition with beautiful tassels but the seam loose part in one selvedge (30cm). The first half of the 20th century. 13.5cm x 3m60cm

Kosseu technical woven Chinese textile piece. Decor of cranes and flowers in gold and silk, gray yellow on a blue background.Mounted on a yellow silk background to protect it. An embroidered metal border frames it. Faded colors,Good condition. 74x26cm.

Antique 17th century Tibet Bronze Amoghasiddhi Buddha Statue, mounted on wooden stand. The statue is hollow inside and in good antique condition with some expected traces of aging.

Size complete 54 cm height, 17 cm wide.

Amoghasiddhi is one of a group of five Buddhas that embody five distinct types of wisdom and are thus sometimes called the 'Five Wisdom Buddhas.' Of the five, who are believed to occupy the four cardinal directions and an immovable central direction, Amog...

An antique Japanese Tansu chest called Kotansu made entirely of Kirinoki (Paulownia) wood. All original bronze and iron hardware including the Warabite handles. Locks feature a Chrysanthemum motif and the door handles display stylized clouds. Two sliding doors open to a spacious storage area and five drawers used for additional storage and organizing. Constructed using straight dovetail joinery and hardened wooden nails.

Age: Late Meiji-Taisho (1910-1920)

Dimensions: 23 7/8" Wid...

Chinese Red Lacquer on Natural tree Branch Wood Walking Stick or Cane, carved Scholar Handle, 30" high, 9 1/2" wide-carved Scholar Handle, naturally polished by using for many years, tip of handle shows some lacquer loses.