This beautiful bronze okimono depicts a mouse delicately perched on a leafy radish. The mouse, resting on its two hind legs, has a long tail that wraps around the radish. Each element —the mouse, the radish, and its foliage —displays a unique patina, creating a harmonious color composition.In Japan, the term “nezumi” refers to both the mouse and the rat, both considered messengers of Daikokuten, the deity of commerce and wealth. In the Chinese zodiac, which has been adopted by Japanese S...

Kobako in rankuku lacquer, also known as eggshell lacquer in Europe, decorated with peony flowers and a butterfly realized in maki-e lacquer. The butterfly (choho) in Japan,is perceived as "the soul of the living and the dead", the spirits of the dead taking the form of a butterfly on their journey to the other world. The butterfly spreading its wings is also asymbol of femininity. But itcan also symbolize joy and longevity. This motif is taken up by the samuraicast, seeing in its twirling figur...

Bronze Jisai Okimono sculpture of a praying mantis, partially articulated, deep brown patina.Both front legs and head are fixed in a rather realistic posture while the four other legs and the wing are movable. The praying mantis is a gracile but ferocious animal, since the Edo period it fascinated the ruling class of the feudal Japan, both a symbol of power and temperance. Jisai Okimonoare realistic sculptures of animals, particularly birds, fish, snakes, lobsters, crabs, insects(mushi)and fanta...

A large Chinese Kangxi period dish (27.2 cm in diameter) painted in underglaze blue, green, yellow and iron red enamels combined with gilding based on a Japanese pattern made for export to the West examples of which are in the former Collection of Augusts the Strong, acquired before 1720. The centre of the dish is decorated with a Chrysanthemum mon (Kiku-mon). It has 12 rather than the usual 16 petals which a Japanese example would have had. Similarly the underglaze blue elements of the plants a...

Chinese Yuan dynasty "Yuhuchun" vase, decorated with under glaze copper red of continuous lotus flower motif. 29,2 cm high.Vase is in good condition with only damage missing some at the upper part. (please see on the pictures) No repaired or restoration.

A well carved bamboo Zen image of Hotei, the God of good fortune, also known as the Laughing Buddha (Budai in Chinese), he is always depicting cheerful buddhist monk, with a big belly, a bag (holding a variety of things to be gifted to people ) and a fan. He was an historical figure that has become a very popular Buddhist Deity. Carved bamboo, Edo, 17th/18th century. H 12 cm. Very good condition.

Unusual soy brown glazed cylindrical jar with lugs, circa late Ming early Qing. Excellent condition. H: 16cm/6.2in x D: 9cm/3.5in.

Traditional Japanese colored ink brush silk hanging scroll painting- “Birds on Fragrant Snow Flowers” some “foxing” on the surface but well mounted. L: 116/45in x W:35cm/14in- mounted dimensions L: 200cm/78in x W: 18in.

Ohara Koson
Frog on Lotus Leaf
Size: Shikishiban. Approximately 11.25 x 10.75 inches.
Date: 1930s.
Koson signature and seal.
Made in Japan and #22 stamped on verso.
Publisher: Nishinomiya or Kawaguchi.
Reference: AK39.10 in Crows, Cranes and Camellias: The Natural World of Ohara Koson (Reigle Newland).
Condition: Margin edge toning. Upper right corner margin has thin spot with small hole. Fading in greens.

Antique 19th century Thai bronze figure of Buddha seated on the lotus throne in vajraparyankasana, the hands held in dhyanamudra or 'Meditation Position', wearing loose robes draped around the shoulders and open revealing the bare chest, the face set with a contemplative expression, His eyes inlaid with rectangular silver plaques flanked by pendulous ears, the hair arranged in tight curls surmounting by the flaming finial ushnisha.

CONDITION: Shows age and use, with old patina.

MEASUR...

A beautiful example of an antique Shigaraki Tsubo (storage jar) Vase displaying classic Shigaraki markings of red ochre, pale and natural ash glaze.

This eye-catching tsubo dates back to the end of the 19th century (Meiji Period) and bares an engraved kiln mark.

Standing in front of this massive tsubo with its aesthetic form, its Higaki Mon (檜垣文, cypress fence pattern), its rough natural glazes and sparkling tsuchi-aji (clay flavor), one cannot help but feel in awe...

Antique Blue and White Imari Porcelain Rectangular Teapot, late 19th Century

This very rare and exquisitely formed rectangular teapot is a fine example of early Meiji-period blue-and-white Imari ware. Rendered in hard porcelain with a brilliant white ground, the piece is hand-painted in delicate underglaze cobalt blue, depicting a serene landscape with stylized trees, rocks, and a solitary figure beneath a sweeping pine—an allusion to classical Chinese literati painting and the t...

Japanese Celadon Tea Bowl with Chrysanthemum Motif (Kyo Ware, 19th Century 京都焼 青磁 菊文 茶碗19世紀

This elegant celadon tea bowl, dating to the early 19th century (Edo Period), is a refined example of Kyo ware (京焼) the highly regarded ceramic tradition of Kyoto. Formed with exquisite balance and subtlety, the bowl is distinguished by its graceful conical silhouette, tapering gently into a precisely defined footring with unglazed base—a hallmark of traditional h...

Ancient Chinese Buddhist Pottery Amulet / Tsa Tsa - Ming Dynasty

This is one of a group of moulded pottery tablets that we bought over twenty years ago. They are made from a relatively high-fired pottery and many have a surprising amount of detail. They were made as amulets and votive offerings and were reported to have been excavated from the foundations of an ancient Buddhist temple, where originally many would have been placed to ensure the success of the temple. We find it quite difficul...

Ancient Chinese Buddhist Pottery Amulet / Tsa Tsa - Ming Dynasty

This is one of a group of moulded pottery tablets that we bought over twenty years ago. They are made from a relatively high-fired pottery and many have a surprising amount of detail. They were made as amulets and votive offerings and were reported to have been excavated from the foundations of an ancient Buddhist temple, where originally many would have been placed to ensure the success of the temple. We find it quite difficul...

Ancient Chinese Buddhist Pottery Amulet / Tsa Tsa - Ming Dynasty

This is one of a group of moulded pottery tablets that we bought over twenty years ago. They are made from a relatively high-fired pottery and many have a surprising amount of detail. They were made as amulets and votive offerings and were reported to have been excavated from the foundations of an ancient Buddhist temple, where originally many would have been placed to ensure the success of the temple. We find it quite difficul...

Ancient Chinese Buddhist Pottery Amulet / Tsa Tsa - Ming Dynasty

This is one of a group of moulded pottery tablets that we bought over twenty years ago. They are made from a relatively high-fired pottery and many have a surprising amount of detail. They were made as amulets and votive offerings and were reported to have been excavated from the foundations of an ancient Buddhist temple, where originally many would have been placed to ensure the success of the temple. We find it quite difficul...

THE GREAT HORNED MASTER AND MONKS IN PYRAMID ROW

Scarce old Japanese Buddhist paper talismans of wood block-printed 'Tsuno Daishi' (The Great horned master monk - ref. https://uncannyjapan.com/podcast/great-horned-master-tsuno-daishi/) and many monks in pyramid formation given from Tendai sect temple, early 20th century, Large: 13.5 x 32 cm (5.31 x 12.59in). Once regarded as the greatest talisman of all in the ancient time.


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