Japanese antique samurai kura horse saddle. Carved of wood and lacquered with a fan motif in gold makie lacquer on a nashiji ground with inlay shell design on the maewa (front arched plate) as well as the shizuwa (rear arched plate). The maewa and shizuwa are connected by two igi (contoured side bands) which are decorated with shell inlay on a black lacquer ground. The igi rest on either side of the horse's spine and serve as the under frame for the leather seat (basen or kura tsubo) and are... Click for details

Japanese antique samurai kura horse saddle. Carved of wood and lacquered black with shell inlay covering the maewa (front arched plate) as well as the shizuwa (rear arched plate). The maewa and shizuwa are connected by two igi (contoured side bands). The igi rest on either side of the horse's spine and serve as the under frame for the leather seat (basen or kura tsubo) and are slotted for stirrup straps (chikara-gawa or gekiso) to pass through. Obscured signature on the bottom. Mounted on... Click for details

Antique Japanese suzuki-bako, calligraphy box. Lacquered with a profusion of wildflowers in gold maki-e technique on black lacquer ground. The underside of the lid is beautifully preserved with more wild flowers growing near a swirling stream. This scene is also rendered in maki-e but includes some flashes of red leaves and a silvery moon on a black lacquer ground with clouds of nashiji. The inside of the box has more fine nashiji clouds on a black ground and contains an ink stone and a... Click for details

Antique Japanese mounted carving of a group of 6 flying bats. Sculpted with detail and lacquered gold, the group moves together through the air like a small cloud. Mounted and framed in a plexiglass shadow box. Bats are symbols of prosperity and good luck. This carving was most likely part of a larger temple decoration.

Age: Meiji Period (1868-1912)

Dimensions: Carving alone: 9" wide. In frame: 12 1/4" wide x 9 1/4" high x 5 1/2" deep.

Antique Japanese stoneware jar from Shigaraki kiln. Beautifully uneven form with high shoulders, tapered body and a narrow foot. Made using the local sandy clay from the bed of Lake Biwa, Shigaraki ware is identified by the embedded granules of feldspar. Mineral glaze is spattered over the surface and areas of dark ash adds depth and a prized natural beauty. Shigaraki is known as one of the 6 great pottery regions of Japan.

Age: Edo Period (c. 17th century)

Dimensions: 17"... Click for details

Antique Japanese iron tomyodai Shinto votive candle holder in the form of a hoju (precious jewel). 12 circular rings for candles and one at the very top of the jewel's point. Attached to a stand with four feet and a rectangular tray to catch the wax from melting candles. From a Buddhist temple or Shinto shrine.

Age: Meiji Period (circa 1900-1910)

Dimensions: 25 1/2" high x 17 1/2" wide x 8" deep

Antique Japanese woodblock print by the artist Utagawa Kuniyoshi. This print from his famous Suikoden Series depicts one of "One Hundred and Eight Heroes of the Popular Suikoden". Based on the Chinese semi-historical novel, the Suikoken prints depict the adventures of the 108 rebels who sought refuge in the area of Liangshan Marsh. These rebel heroes, also brigands and bandits, were compelled to protect the poor and downtrodden.

This print depicts Kaoshô Rochishin (formerly... Click for details

Antique Japanese woodblock print by the artist Utagawa Kuniyoshi. This print from his famous Suikoden Series depicts one of "One Hundred and Eight Heroes of the Popular Suikoden". Based on the Chinese semi-historical novel, the Suikoken prints depict the adventures of the 108 rebels who sought refuge in the area of Liangshan Marsh. These rebel heroes, also brigands and bandits, were compelled to protect the poor and downtrodden.

This print depicts Chûsenko Teitokuson driving his... Click for details

Antique Japanese woodblock print by the artist Utagawa Kuniyoshi. This print from his famous Suikoden Series depicts one of "One Hundred and Eight Heroes of the Popular Suikoden". Based on the Chinese semi-historical novel, the Suikoken prints depict the adventures of the 108 rebels who sought refuge in the area of Liangshan Marsh. These rebel heroes, also brigands and bandits, were compelled to protect the poor and downtrodden.

This print depicts Gyôja Bushô of Seika-ken,... Click for details

Antique Japanese chawan (tea bowl) made in the Iga Ueno - Shigaraki area. Beautifully sculpted and decorated with natural glazes which have melted to wonderful green and brown crackled drips. Perfect example of "wabi-cha", the style of Japanese tea ceremony that emphasizes simplicity. Shigaraki is known as one of the 6 great pottery regions of Japan. With a signed tomobako.

Dimensions: 2 1/2" high x 4 5/8" wide