Bizen ware hexogonal vase with engravings of orchids on the side of the vase. The patina and color of the vase is very similar to those seen from the late Edo and early Meiji period. Interestingly, during this period elaborate decorations and moulding were created which was popular during this time. However, the vase does not contain the elaborate decorations and resembles more of tokoname wares emulating the Chinese yixing potteries. Age: Late Edo or early Meiji Period. Size: Height: 7.25"... Click for details

A set of kamishimo and hakama made from cotton used to dress a bunraku puppet. The fabric is utilizing a cherry blossom pattern with a wave motif. The cherry blossoms are done in a style known as katagami, where the pattern is printed using a paper cut out placed on top of the fabric and dye is coated over it. The wave patterns are done in a print format similar to a technique known as inkin, where a woodblock is used to stamp the pattern. The crests are cut out from a separate fabric and pasted... Click for details

A magnificent and detailed noh mask known as Shojo, which is used specifically for the play that contains the same name as the mask. Shojo originated in China as a mythical beast and was imported to Japan as a sake loving creature. In Noh theater, the play is performed for festive and auspicious occassions where the character is dressed in a colorful noh costume and wearing a red wig. Depending on the school of Noh, a jar with a ladle at times are used for the performance. The mask contains a... Click for details

Antique Japanese beautiful pair of Kacho (bird and flower) 6-panel screen paintings, painted with scenes of pairs of different birds by a stream; depicted are herons, pheasants, mandarin ducks, and others; growing near river are cherry trees, peonies and pines; painted in mineral colors and gofun on paper with gold leaf mist, early 19th century (Edo Period)

Provenance: from the collection of the Honolulu Museum of Art.

Early 19th Century

Size: Each... Click for details

An appealing Seto ware Umanome (Horse eye) motif dish. This type of Seto ware was also referred to as ishizara, which can roughly be translated as stoneware. The first type of Seto stoneware appears in the Mino Taihei Monjo written around 1618. The wares were produced mainly for daily ware during the Edo period and became popular through the Mingei movement in the 20th century.

Age: Mid Edo period 19th century.

Dimensions: Height: 2" Diameter: 11"

Antique Japanese ojime (toggle bead) in the form of Bodhi Darma (Daruma), shakudo (an alloy of gold and copper) with a red face , carved with incredible detail, wonderful expression, Meiji Period. Size: 11/16 of an inch high.

Charming antique Japanese small bronze box in the form of Bodhi Darma (Daurma) as he sits meditating, wearing his trade mark expression intense concentration, nice details, a box most likely used for seal ink, Meiji Period. Size: 2 5/8" high

A sublime antique Japanese tsuba centered on the theme of the ocean. The tsuba contains motifs of abalone shell, basket weave pattern, and waves peeking through the patterned holes near the area where the blade would have been fitted. Tsuba is done in iron with mixed metal accents to highlight the abalone shell and rope. Age: 19th century, Edo period. Size: Diameter: 3.25"

Antique Japanese tsuba done in the finest craftsmanship. Made of iron with extensive shakudo nanako plate overall and with many gold blossoms. A motif of very detailed chrysanthemums densely covers both sides of the tsuba. The view in general would be titled, "Kikka Senpi zu" or Chrysanthemums in full bloom. Age: Possibly Momoyama Period. Size: Diameter: 2.75"

A rare Kotou ware vase with meticulous painting done on the surface with an image of herons and reeds on one side, and a late spring flower bouquet still life. The Koto ware was established in 1829 by Kinuya Hanbei who invited an artisan trained in producing imari wares. The kilns continued production until 1842 where the Hikone clan took over and made the kilns part of the clan. The kilns declined after the assassination of Ii Naosuke in 1860 and the last existing kiln closed in 1895. The... Click for details