Japanese antique okimono of an ancient turtle. Made of silver and signed Ryobundosei.
The turtle is the subject of many beliefs and tales in Japanese culture. One of the most famous is the Tale of Urashima Taro, the fisherman who saved a turtle from the torment of some young children on the beach. The turtle disappeared into the sea but returned to thank Taro and offer him a ride to the Ryugu-jo, the Palace of the Dragon King. There are many other stories of turtles who are in... Click for details

Antique Japanese handpainted sumu wrestling sign. Two sumo with Gyoji (referee) in middle of match. Straw matt is visible with white banner. Mineral pigments. This would have been mounted inside training space for teaching of sumo in Japan.

Age: early Taisho period (1912 - 1926)

Dimensions: 36 1/2" x 23" high

Japanese arts and craft hand hammered repousse lotus copper candle holder. Four lotus flowers springing up from a large lotus pad. Copper with nice original patina.

Arts and Craft period (1860 - 1920)

Dimensions: 14" x 8" x 20"

Antique Japanese Edo period shigarkai jar. Original condition, with no darmage or prior repairs. Bottem of the jar shows the railroad tie spacing when they where produced in the Edo period.

Age: Edo period (1603 - 1868) Circa Mid 1700's

Dimensions: 15" high x 12 1/2" wide

Shigaraki ware (信楽焼) is a type of stoneware pottery made in Shigaraki area, Japan. The kiln is one of the Six Ancient Kilns in Japan. Although figures representing the tanuki are a... Click for details

Japanese antique ceramic figure of a sleeping Maneki Neko (Beaconing Cat). A rare take on the popular good luck symbol, this sculpture is also an incense burner. Shown with eyes tight asleep and colorful collar painted in detail. On his back side are two raised hollyhock leaves, one of which lifts out to reveal an opening where incense can be placed. The smoke would then exit the ears of the sleeping cat.

Age: Meiji Period (1868-1912)

Dimensions: 4 1/2" high x 9 1/2" long... Click for details

Antique Japanese extra large Buddhist temple bell (bonsho) with relief details of apsara (celestial beings). The large handle is in the traditional form of dragon heads and upper protrusions called Chi or Nyu improves the resonance of the sound when struck. In large writing is the phrase Namu Amida Butsu (“I take refuge in Amitābha Buddha”) 南无阿弥陀佛. There is also a line from the Longer Sukhāvatīvyūha Sūtra: 正覚大音響流十方 Shо̄gaku daion kо̄ru jippо̄ “The... Click for details

Antique Japanese ikebana flower basket. Made of hand split bamboo and cherry bark interwoven into a basket shape. Woven handle securely attaches to both sides. Great condition, Unsigned.

Kaba cherrybark woodcrafts (called Kaba zaiku in Japanese) are a type of wood bark craft produced in the former town of Kakunodate, Akita prefecture. While the character for kaba means birch, for this context the word refers to the bark of wild cherry trees. Within Japan, only Akita prefecture... Click for details

Antique Japanese Iron tetsubin Teapot. Hand forged iron with details of a flying crane taking off from a old pine tree. The skin of the teapot has a natural wood grain all the way around. Condition is very good inside and out. Signed

Age: Meiji period (1868 - 1912)

Dimensions: 8" wide 9 1/4" high

An antique Japanese Imari charger in blue and white with a hand painted scene of two mated cranes, a strong bamboo tree and Peonies as its central image. Diamond shapes with stylized Chrysanthemums border the interior rim and mountain ranges with dotted clouds surround the exterior of the plate. Six original stilt marks to the bottom of the charger indicate the charger was fired in the upper section of the kiln.

Age: Edo Period (1850-1868).

Dimensions: 17. 5/8" Diameter by 3"... Click for details

Mounted Egyptian Ba-bird amulet. Five clay faience (blue -green) stone. Hand carved with outstretches wings. Custom Bronze stand for presentation. Traces of the original pigment intact.

These Ba-bird amulets were placed on the chest of a mummy, presumably as protective substitute for an individual’s own ba. The ba-bird was the part of a human activated after death: it was commissioned to visit the world of living as well as oversee critical events during the deceased’s passage... Click for details