The Hiramaki-e technique, which dates from the latter part of the Heian Period (794-1185), was preceded by Togidashi maki-e, a technique in which not only the design, but the whole surface is covered with clear lacquer after the sprinkling of metal powder. The lacquer is then polished down to reveal the design.

The Japanese letter box is decorated in low relief of mountainous terrain and a stylized linear mist or cloud line. The interior ground is lacquered and sprinkled with gold... Click for details

Charming monkey eating persimmon boxwood okimono. Very well detailed fur and paws naturally rendered. artist signed in an oblong cartouche Sinsei. Meiji Period (1868 - 1912) Dimensions: 1.5 inches high. Good condition and patina.

Antique Japanese Nabeshima ware bowl, with blue gourds hanging from a vine and two red flower buds with gilt pigment accents on the stem and around the bowl's rim. Blue butterflies decorate the outer edge and "comb" design along foot. Provenance sticker from Japanese antique dealer Shiota in San Francisco. 19th century. Size: 6" diameter, 1.5" height

Antique Japanese Nabeshima ware bowl with cobalt blue design of chrysanthemums in bloom and "comb" design along the foot. Provenance sticker from Japanese antique dealer Shiota in San Francisco. 19th century. Size: 6.25" diameter, 2" height

Antique Japanese Nabeshima ware bowl with scalloped rim to resemble a lotus, with blue cobalt florals designs along the outside and "comb" style design along the foot. The interior of the bowl has a black squirrel hunting for grapes. Provenance sticker from Japanese antique dealer Shiota in San Francisco. 19th century. Size: 5.5" diameter, 2.25" height

Antique Japanese large carved wooden tray, natural form and curled edges reminiscent of a lotus leaf, beautifully sculptured, late Meiji/early Taisho Period. Size: 24 1/2" wide x 15 1/2" wide x 1" deep.

An interesting all original Japanese ikebana (flower arrangement) basket with a wide, flat woven body and a gnarled root handle. The inside of the basket is lined with a removable bronze dish. True work of art. Meiji age (1868 - 1912) Size: 13.25" height, 16" diameter

Japanese framed sumi print by abstract artist Toko Shinoda (1913-present). This print is titled "The Shade", with very light shadows and intersecting calligraphy lines with a streak of red. Number 14/50, signed in pencil. Size: (entire frame) 16.75" length, 13.75" width, 1" thick (artwork only) 11" height, 8" width

17th Century Japanese Arita porcelain blue and white charger, with imagery of one bird flying overhead a second bird, peaches growing to the right and flowers blooming to the left. The inner rim has multiple panels with various flowers and scrolling vine dividers. Circa: 1680 - 1720 Size: 13" diameter, 2" height

An interesting Japanese multi -layer lacquer stand with mother of pearl inlay. Top surface has oil spill pattern in hues of red, black, and orange with green accenting. Taisho Period (circa 1950's). Dimensions: 18" Long X 12 1/2" Wide X 4" High