A rare Japanese Hirado porcelain Netsuke with a movable tongue. The unglazed porcelain of the Hotti has a laughing face with a tongue that moves in and out of his mouth. He is carrying a guord and walking stick. Netsuke are miniature sculptures that were invented in 17th-century Japan to serve a practical function (the two Japanese characters ne + tsuke mean “root” and “to attach”). Traditional Japanese garments had no pockets; however men who wore them needed a place to store their... Click for details

A Japanese gold lacquer Inro with five compartments. A relief of a pair of silver horses dominates the landscape scene of a seaside village with drying racks of fish and pines and clouds in the background. The horses are galloping over a creek with foliage. The reverse side shows a lone horse under a fruit tree and thatched cottage. The inside compartments are covered with dense nashiji lacquer (fine gold flecks). The cord has an agate ojime. Inro (seal basket) are small decorative containers... Click for details

A rare pair of original Japanese six panel screens depicting the four seasons of Ginza. The panels are painted in the traditional Kano school. Using exceptional technique, the images are hand painted with natural rimpa paint and ink and gold leaf ground on gofun paper. The six panels depict the seasonal landscape of a Ginza garden. Excellent overall condition.

Date: Edo Period (Early 19th Century)

Dimensions:41 1/2” high X 110 1/2” wide (Each screen)

An unusual Japanese six panel screen of Ducks, Egrets, and Pheasants. Painted with rimpa paint on an unique mix of gold and silver leaf gofun paper, which gives the screen an incredible look and balance of cold and warm tones, depending on lighting. The painting composition shows influences of natural history and the importance of empty space.

Date: Meiji Period (early 19th Century)

Dimensions: 67” high X 147 1/2” wide

An antique Japanese six panel screen depicting a quiet pool with birds taking a rest amongst the grasses and flowers. Ink and light colors on paper. Silk boarder. Condition consistent with age.

Date: Taisho Period (early 20th Century, 1912-1926

Dimensions: 65” high X 148” wide

An antique Japanese 4-panel screen painting. Each of the flowers shown has a meaning known as the Language of Flowers, depicting Love, Loyalty and Family. Painted with mineral pigments and raised gofun on gold leafed paper.

Date: Taisho Period

Dimensions: 67 1/2” high X 96” wide

A truly stunning Japanese six panel screen hand painted with raised rimpa paint on gold ground leaf gofun paper. The subject matter is a view of a natural overgrowth of hollyhock, sweat peas, and morning glories cascading and creeping over the bamboo fence.

The Hollyhock flower in Japan represents is fertility and fruitfulness. During the end of its life cycle when the leaves and stem begins to droop, the hollyhock produces a round disk that encompasses many different seeds so... Click for details

Japanese gold lacquer Inro with five compartments, decorated in low relief landscape scene of temple in the mountain surrounded by pines and connected by a small bridge over a river in gold lacquer. The reverse side shows mountains in the distance and a small seaside village. The inside compartments are covered with dense nashiji lacquer (fine gold flecks). The cord has a metal ojime. Inro (seal basket) are small decorative containers that hang from the waist. They originate at the end of the... Click for details

A unique Ko-sumetsuke tea ceremony plate with an unusual motif of a raging bull. The center of the plate is divided into 5 sections with scrolling vines and chrysanthemums. The central figure is a raging bull in a pine forest with rounded fronds. The perimeter of the dish is ringed with a classic cloud image. Ko-sometsuke (old blue and white) porcelain was produced specifically for the Japanese market during the final decades of the Ming dynasty (1368-1644). The bottom of the plate has a... Click for details

A boxwood carving netsuke in a classic mushroom shape with very fine detailing.
Mushrooms are associated with the natural beauty of the forest. They are considered a good-luck symbol. Finding a mushroom is considered to be very lucky and means good fortune is at hand.
This netsuke has the signature mark of Yamada.

Provenance: The Avery Brundage Collection

Date: 19th C

Dimensions: 2" X 1.5" X 1.5"