Japanese antique woodblock print by Utagawa Toyokuni I (1769-1825) of a woman and boy. The lady holds a bamboo branch festooned with decorations possibly for the Tanabata Festival. In the upper left is a blossoming branch hung with paper strips of writing (tanzaku). During Tanabata this writing would be wishes.
Toyokuni I started work in the studio of Toyoharu at the age of 14. He was heavily influenced by the print artist, Utamaro. Toyokuni I later became one of the most influential... Click for details

Antique Japanese woodblock print by Koitsu Tsuchiya (1870-1949) entitled Moon at Sumanoura Beach. A lone villager walks on the beach lit by the full moon. In the foreground are gnarled pines.

Koitsu Tsuchiya began studying the art of woodblock printing at the early age of 15. He studied for 19 years under the ukiyo-e master, Kiyochika Kobayashi. In 1931, Koitsu turned to creating landscapes in the Shin Hanga style.

Publisher: Doi Hangatan

Age:... Click for details

Antique Japanese woodblock print by Hasui Kawase (1883-1957) entitled Chionin Temple, Kyoto. Looking out through the darkened interior towards bright sky and pines. In the background, heavy temple doors frame a woman and child.

The artist, Hasui Kawase is considered one of the major landscape artists of Japan. He was born the son of a silk merchant and studied both Japanese and Western style painting. He showed at the Tatsumi Exhibition of Painting at the age of 19. He started... Click for details

Antique Japanese woodblock print by Hasui Kawase (1883-1957) entitled Snow at Ginkakuji Temple. Snow falls quietly on a two story building. The rocks and trees around the pond are capped with snow and figures stroll by with umbrellas.

The artist, Hasui Kawase is considered one of the major landscape artists of Japan. He was born the son of a silk merchant and studied both Japanese and Western style painting. He showed at the Tatsumi Exhibition of Painting at the age of 19. He started... Click for details

Antique Japanese woodblock print by the artist Hasui Kawase (1883-1957) entitled Chuzenji Lake, Utagahama. Depicting figures, most likely pilgrims, walking near a red torii gate at water's edge. The sun shines on boaters on the lake and tall trees give shade on the shore.
The artist, Hasui Kawase is considered one of the major landscape artists of Japan. He was born the son of a silk merchant and studied both Japanese and Western style painting. He showed at the Tatsumi Exhibition of... Click for details

Antique Japanese large hanging suiban (container for water and flowers) made of bronze. Elongated oval form incised with dragons and swirling clouds. Outfitted with three hooks and chains for hanging. Inscribed signature: 藤原昌則 Fujiwara Masanori.

Age: Meiji Period (1868-1912)

Dimensions: 9" high (30" high with chains) x 24" long x 10 1/2" wide

Antique Japanese pair of geese made of bronze. A mated pair, the gander stands with with beak open in conversation. The goose stands nearby. Soft details of feathers and feet. Dark patina.

Age: Meiji Period (1868-1912)

Dimensions: 15 1/2" high x 9" wide x 6" deep

Antique Japanese set of five lotus leaves and blossoms. Carved of wood and lacquered silver. Made for a Buddhist altar, these leaves and blossoms symbolize the stages of the path toward enlightenment. Every petal of the lotus flower is carved separately. Each blossom and leaf comes fitted with a custom metal stand so they can be rearranged at will.

Age: Taisho Period

Dimensions: approx 27 1/4"hight (tallest leaf)

Antique Japanese Shō, mouth organ (flute) used in Gagaku (classical performances traditionally for the imperial court). A musician blows through the silver lined protruding mouthpiece. The air travels through the bamboo tubes creating notes (said to sound like the Ho bird or phoenix). Skillful musicians are able to blow air in and out of the mouth pieces creating sustained, uninterrupted notes.
The arrangement of bamboo tubes are said to resemble the folded wings of the phoenix.... Click for details

An antique Japanese temple plaque made from one large solid block of Keyaki (Zelkova) wood. Hand carved on both sides. One side depicts ocean waves which represents polar opposite ideas of peaceful tranquility and powerful ferocity. The opposite side features Sunflowers representing warmth and longevity and Chrysanthemums symbolizing immortality.

Age: Edo/Meiji Era (circa 1850-1900)

Dimensions: 46" Wide by 22 1/2" High