Antique Japanese gilt lacquered kanban, or shop sign. With hand-painted portrait of the shop's owner and the words "Trade Mark" above and kanji below.

Meiji period (1868-1912)

Dimensions: 12" W x 2" D x 54" H

Antique Japanese set of 7 imari plates, with cobalt blue underglaze phoenix motif accented in gilt, surrounded by a network of various flowers, red and gilt emblems, butterflies, and cobalt blue geometric design along the inner rim. The underside features designs of mon with leaves and tassels, and six character mark in the center of the foot.

Size: 9.5" W x 1.5" H

Japanese antique transom made of keyaki (elm) wood and carved with a scene of Ushiwaka and Benkei battling on Gojo Bridge in Kyoto. The young samurai, Yoshitsune (also known as Ushiwaka-maru) is depicted in an acrobatic pose, leaping over Benkei, the giant wild-man who was intent on stealing Ushiwaka's sword. Another samurai is carved below them, his much smaller form suggesting he is far below the action. On the right hand side of the carving, another samurai stands among the pine... Click for details

Japanese antique transom made of keyaki (elm) wood and carved with scenes of samurai warriors. On the left hand side, a general gives orders to his troops (small figures carved in the round) partially behind a camp curtain. On the right hand side, another samurai rides a battle horse and raises his weapon high over his head. All around them are pine branches and swirling mist.

Edo Period (19th century)

Dimensions: 17 1/4" high x 45 1/2" long x 5 1/2" deep.

Antique Japanese set of 10 imari plates with foliate edges, underglaze motifs of and scrolling vines with gilt accents. The underside features cobalt blue underglaze auspicious objects and a four character signature.

Size: 9.5" W x 1.75" H

Antique Japanese scroll painting attributed to Kano Seisei (1795-1846). The image is an arrangement of red and white flowers with kiri leaves in its center, hanging from a sudare (bamboo screen) with long tassels. Signed with red chop.

Size: (entire scroll) 8.75" W x 62.5" H (artwork only) 6" W x 39" H

Japanese noh theater mask of a woman, carved with pierced eyes, mouth, and nostrils for the wearer, as well as two pierced holes at the temples to be secured against one's head. Lacquered in flesh tone, black hair and blackened teeth and eyes, red lips, and black lacquer interior. With kiri (paulownia) tomobako, inscribed with the name "Zouonna".

Size: 5.5" L x 3" D x 8" H

Antique Japanese Oribe mizusashi (water container) for use during the Tea Ceremony. Coil form body, glazed with thick deep green glaze with hints of a lovely deep red in areas. Custom fitted with a simple black lacquer lid.

Meiji Period (1868-1912)

Dimensions:5 3/4" high x 5" wide diameter.

Japanese noh theater mask of a young woman, carved with pierced eyes, mouth, and nostrils for the wearer, as well as two pierced holes at the temples to be secured against one's head. Lacquered in flesh tone, black hair and blackened teeth and eyes, red lips, and black lacquer interior. With kiri (paulownia) tomobako, inscribed with the name "Juuroku".

Size: 5.25" L x 3" D x 8.25" H

Antique Japanese pair of boxwood okimono Nio. The Nio are guardians to Buddhist temples, and enforcers of physical confrontation to fight back against evil. Nio are typically placed on either side of a temple door. One statue, named Misshaku Kongo or Agyo, has an open mouth to represent the first sound in the Sanskrit language "a", symbolizing birth and overt violence. The other statue is called Nareen Kongo or Ungyo and has a closed mouth to represent the last sound in Sanskrit "hum",... Click for details