Japanese antique lacquered bento box. A carrying outer case with bronze handle opens on both the front and back. Inside is a set of four covered boxes of differing sizes. All are decorated with sprays of wild flowers and grasses, bamboo and birds in gold maki-e lacquer and shell inlay. The inside of the boxes are lacquered red except for the largest box which has a rich gold leaf finish.

Age: Meiji Period (1868-1912)

Dimensions: 8 1/4" high x 8 1/4" wide x 5 1/4" deep

An exceptional and rare eboshi kabuto (samurai helmet) from the Edo period, forged in iron and formed in the shape of the tall ceremonial court cap. The helmet is richly adorned with a finely rendered repoussé tiger—a symbol of courage and martial strength—prowling across the surface in mid-stride. Above it, a raised crescent moon gleams subtly in contrasting brass, representing divine guidance and protection.
The eboshi-style form is modeled after the tall, soft court caps worn by... Click for details

Japanese antique porcelain Hirado ware figure of a puppy. Charming expression and details. Wearing a flowered collar tied with a bow.
Hirado ware was first developed in the village of Mikawachi located in the area of Kyushu which was, along with neighboring islands, controlled by the Hirado daimyo. Initially Hirado ware was made exclusively for the daimyo's use. Later, Hirado ware found it's way west through Japan's trade with the Dutch East Indian Company.

Age: Early Meiji... Click for details

Edo-period Tetsu Sabiji Yasurime Menpō, a refined example of samurai facial armor featuring a russet iron finish with deliberate yasurime—scribed diagonal lines that add both texture and symbolism to the surface.
This menpō retains its original red lacquer interior, and features white horsehair whiskers above the lip, a detail that enhances its lifelike presence. The attached yodarekake is composed of iron plates, lacquered leather, and hand-laced cotton cord.
Now mounted on a... Click for details

Japanese antique Kyoto ware chawan tea bowl with glaze of straw yellow brown and light green glaze. Reddish orange splash using hidasuki technique. Collector's label #13.

Age: Edo Period (18th century)

Dimensions: 2 3/4″ high x 4 1/2″ wide

Provenance: From the personal collection of Frederic Cheever Torrey (1864-1935),partner of Vickery, Atkins & Torrey, interior design firm and art gallery founded in San Francisco in 1888.
The gallery, most famous... Click for details

Japanese antique Kyoto raku ware chawan tea bowl with glazes of straw yellow and red. A thick black glaze was applied to the interior and rim. With many gold kintsugi repairs. Collector's label #5.

Age: Edo Period (18th century)

Dimensions: 3″ high x 4 7/8″ wide

Provenance: From the personal collection of Frederic Cheever Torrey (1864-1935),partner of Vickery, Atkins & Torrey, interior design firm and art gallery founded in San Francisco in 1888.... Click for details

Japanese antique Kyoto raku ware chawan tea bowl with black and red glaze. Decorated with two kiri blossoms; one large and one smaller. The flowers are the bare clay of the bowl. The glaze has been thickly applied, resulting in a lush dripping effect. Probably by Iohiniu. Collector's label #2.

Age: Edo Period (18th century)

Dimensions: 3 1/8″ high x 4 1/2″ wide

Provenance: From the personal collection of Frederic Cheever Torrey (1864-1935),partner of Vickery,... Click for details

Japanese antique chawan tea bowl with black, red and light green glaze. Painted hoju, wish-granting jewels are painted in a mat glaze on one side. The bottom is impressed with the signature mark of Seikan. Collector's label #3.

Age: Edo Period (18th century)

Dimensions: 3″ high x 4 1/2″ wide

Provenance: From the personal collection of Frederic Cheever Torrey (1864-1935),partner of Vickery, Atkins & Torrey, interior design firm and art gallery founded in... Click for details

Japanese antique raku ware chawan tea bowl. Light brown color with naturally pitted surface. Antique kintsugi gold lacquer repairs with raised kiri blossom.

Age: Edo Period (18th century)

Dimensions: 4 1/4″ high x 4 3/4″ wide

Provenance: From the personal collection of Frederic Cheever Torrey (1864-1935),partner of Vickery, Atkins & Torrey, interior design firm and art gallery founded in San Francisco in 1888.
The gallery, most famous for its role... Click for details

Japanese antique mizusashi ceramic water container for making tea. It has a square form with rounded edges and ribbed sides. With black, almost dark green and brown glaze and with splashes of yellow in dramatic drips. The lid is unusual in that it's made of jichimu, a valued Chinese hardwood.

Age: Meiji period (19th century)

Dimensions: 5 1/4" high (with lid) x 6 1/4" wide

Provenance: From the personal collection of Frederic Cheever Torrey (1864-1935), partner... Click for details