An incredible pair of Inari (Japanese fox's) made of pottery. Original patina consistent with age. No major damage.
No two Kitsune are exactly alike, and all of them are complex characters! Their high intelligence and boundless creativity make them hard to predict. Foxes and humans lived close together in ancient Japan; this companionship gave rise to legends about the creatures. Kitsune have become closely associated with Inari, a Shinto kami or spirit, and serve as its messengers.... Click for details

Japanese Bronze vase with round base flowing naturally in then up opening ever so gently to the rim. Two small matching rings attached as handles. May be used for a beautiful small flower display. Holds water with no leaking. Comes with original tomobako (box) made of 100% kiri wood and cotton ties. Original patina consistent with age.
Great overall condition with no dents or blemishes.

Signed Tatori Mashihiko

Art Deco (1920's)

Dimensions 5" Wide x... Click for details

Pair of beautifully hand carved dragon temple corbels. Each is made of solid keyaki hardwood and hand carved with great detail. Original pigment can be seen highlighted in red, gold and black tones. Each dragon is twisting and swirling both looking in different directions. These would have originally been mounted up high within a temple shrine. Hand forged iron mounts are included which can be used to mount or float off a wall for a dramatic display.

Late Edo early Meiji Period... Click for details

An antique Japanese Shinto Shrine (also known as a Kamidana, Yashiro or Omiya) housing the deities Ebisu and Daikoku. The shrine was made from Hinoki (Cypress) and Suginoki (Cryptomeria) while the deities were hand carved from Tsugenoki (Boxwood).

Ebisu is characterized by the lucky Sea Bream (Tai) fish that he holds under his arm. Sitting on a rocky shore, he looks to the water as a protector of fish, fisheries, seafood, fishermen, sea merchants and anything else that is related. ... Click for details

An antique pair of Japanese bronze garden temple lanterns with reticulated sides. Hinged door on each lantern allows access to the interior. Four feet allows placement on a stand or pedestal while a top loop allows each lantern to be hung.

Meiji Period (1868-1912)

Dimensions of each: 16" High by 14 1/2" Square

A beautifully hand painted two panel byobu screen depicting a young samurai being prepared for battle. Signed and sealed by artist 仙挙 Senkyo. Painting is of a servant kneels before the samurai helping to assemble the many layers of protective clothing an armor. A wise elder sees to small details making sure each layer is properly fitted and correctly worn. Matsumoto Senkyo, an artist who lived from 1880 to 1932 Senkyo was born in Nakasuji-mura, a village in what is now part of Seiyo... Click for details

An antique Japanese scroll of a recumbent cat gazing into the foreground amongst the blooming Peony flowers. Hand painted on silk using opaque pigments. Subject was painted in the style reminiscent of the Sung and Ming dynasty images of cats with the unusual exception of its gaze towards the viewer rather than looking up or at the flowers. Both the cat and the Peonies are auspicious symbols in the Japanese culture and often depicted in its art and poetry. It has an artist's chop seal 痴,... Click for details

Framed beneath a slender sapling, a wispy figure kneels at the shrine steps hands together in prayer. Beautifully painted details performed with thick pigments on silk. Darkening Cedar trees naturally frame the calming scene. Condition is excellent and ready to display.

Signed Kuniyama (Kokuzan) Possibly the work of Higashiyama Kuniyama (elder brother of the famous artist Higashiyama Kai)

Taisho Period (1912 - 1926)

Dimensions: 69" High x 68" Wide (each)

A pair of Japanese negoro lacquer temple ritual sake offering containers, rich dark red lacquer over a black lacquer with a graceful body and a wishing ball stopper, Gigoshi, with a spiral design. The pair used for Buddhist purification and fulfillment rituals, and show the patina of respectful use.

Purchased in Japan from a Private Collection
Dates 18th/19th Century
Size H 14" x W 6"

A Japanese Tanuki garden statue made of Shigaraki pottery. A perfect good luck mascot for any garden or indoor decor. Entirely hand made and created by a Shigaraki artisan. It wears a straw hat to protect its head from the elements and it carries a Japanese ledger book in its left paw. Known in Japan for its good luck abilities, it is often seen standing outside of restaurants and pubs attracting customers and diners to enter the business establishment. Minor loss commensurate with its age.... Click for details