Antique Japanese Satsuma pottery group of three fu-dogs wrestling. Each of the three seems to be attacking another in this playful scene. A medium sized fu-dog lays with it's back on the ground, fending off the largest of the group who, in turn, has a smaller fu-dog biting his ear. The overall modeling gives off a feeling of whimsical turmoil and one can almost hear the playful snarls as they bite at each other's ears and toes. Details like ringlets of fur are painted on with gold, red and... Click for details

Antique Japanese carved wood panel depicting the familiar figure of Maneki-neko. The beckoning cat with one paw raised, is a popular folklore symbol thought to bring good fortune, whether that is in the form of customers for a business (left paw raised) or, in this case, money or good fortune for the household (right paw raised). Beautifully crafted with attention to detail.

The most popular legend relating to Maneki-neko, is that of a cat belonging to a monk living in a small... Click for details

Antique Japanese carved keyaki (zelkova, Japanese elm) wood panel from a temple or shine depicting two dragons. The dragons are intricately carved and have reverse painted glass eyes. They coil amidst swirling clouds.

Age: Meiji Period (1868-1912)

Dimensions: 49 1/2" long x 7 1/2" high x 1 3/4" thick

Antique Japanese wooden temple carving of a fu dog (fu lion, or shishi). Carved of keyaki (zelkova elm) wood with wonderful details including characteristic swirling fur and wide, toothy jaws, this fu dog is a powerful Shinto temple guardian. Wide eyes are made of reverse-painted glass with irises of two different colors and with pupils of varying width, adding an intensity to his expression.

Age: Edo Period (circa early 1800's)

Dimensions: 39 1/4" long x 11 1/4" high x... Click for details

Antique Japanese textile decorated with a design of tea ceremony utensils. Small items such as a bamboo ladle for water (hishaku), a container of charcoal, cups, a tea whisk (chasen), a container for water (mizusashi), and other items surround a large central image of a portable iron tea kettle (kama) and brazier (furo). This design in done using a paste resist and indigo dye. A lovely blue color in four panels sewn together. 5 tabs at the top suggest it was used for a curtain similar to a... Click for details

Antique Japanese Buddhist Pilgrim's coat. Buddhist monks associated with the teachings of Kukai (or Kobo Daishi) would embark on a pilgrimage to visit the 88 temples on the island of Shikoku. Upon arriving to each temple, the monk would bathe before giving offerings and reciting prayers as well as receive a stamp distinctive to each temple. Normally a monk would carry around a special stamp book however it is not unusual to stamp the monk's coat as seen here. Made of asa (hemp).

Age:... Click for details

Antique Japanese studio ware porcelain vase, carved all over with a raised design of a dragon in swirling clouds over churning waves. The clouds are covered with a glaze that gradates from a deep blue at the top to a light blue where they meet the waves. Both the dragon and the waves are kept white with a very pale light pink glaze on the dragon's flames. A band of repeating lingzhi pattern in blue underglaze encircles the rim and foot of the vase. A four character signature on the bottom... Click for details

Antique Japanese mokugyo, fish bell, carved of keyaki (zelkova, elm) wood with traces of red and white lacquer. This wooden temple bell was used by Buddhist priest during religious ceremonies and chants. Laid on it's side on a pillow, the bell was struck to a rhythm to match the cadence of the chant. The carving on the bell is of two fish embracing a pearl, a symbol of unity. The fish themselves symbolize wakefulness, in this case to remind the chanters to focus on the sutra. ... Click for details

Japanese antique pair of zenko, good spirit kitsune (foxes) specifically associated with the goddess, Inari. These figures are carved of wood and painted with gofun, a white paste made from oyster shells. Details are painted using black and red pigments. Gold lacquered hoshi no tama, resembling flames and symbolizing magical jewels that hold part of the kitsune's power, are held by each fox on the tip of it's tail. These foxes were believed to be both messengers and guardians serving... Click for details

Antique Japanese jizai-kagi in the form of a catfish. In a Japanese home, water in a kettle or pot is heated over an irori (sunken hearth). The jizai hook hangs from a strong ceiling beam. From this, a long device is suspended with a hook on the end that can be adjusted up or down by moving the jizai-kagi. This unusual jizai-kagi is carved of kayaki (zelkova elm) wood and has patination from hearth smoke. A portion of it's original iron chain is still attached.

Age: Edo Period... Click for details