Large Japanese Zenga calligraphy scroll of the character 'KOTOBUKI', or long life, longevity. Bold, large brush strokes showing great intensity. Signed and sealed with three red seals by the artist. Small black kanji translates with the first 4 characters: 日光門主 Nikkō Monzu, who was a very high-ranking monk of imperial lineage at the temple, Rinnō-ji, in Nikkō. The seals used by monk show his rank and importance. The bottom left seal in red says: 日光山 輪王寺 門跡印... Click for details

Japanese antique giver of joy diety elephants, Shingon and Tendai sects, made of boxwood male and female elephants-headed with human body holding another. Well-carved, with inlaid eyes, hollow body. Giver of joy and prosperity. Small restoration.

Edo Period, circa 1800s
Size: Height 4" Width 2 1/4" Depth 2"

Japanese bamboo and wisteria branch gourd-shaped basket, beautifully woven, with open container for holding floral arrangement at largest node. wisteria branch base.

Circa 1930s
Size: Height 17" Width 13" Depth 8"

Pair of Japanese iron tsuba (sword guard), mounted on a stand, dating from the 17th/19th century with Hidden Christian motifs. The first tsuba composed of three iron interlocking circles, the image of the Cross can be seen. The second iron tsuba has a very delicate wire design in the interior representing the Crown of Thorns, also has a cross in the overall pattern.

Provenance Private Collector
Dates 17th-19th century
Size w/stand H 9 1/4" x W 2 1/2" x D 2"

An antique Japanese bronze okimono statue of a Japanese Ama or pearl diver walking to her boat in the wind. The artist conveyed the wind intensity by the way that her headscarf has unraveled as she keeps it atop her head. Her feet nearly reach the water embankment as she readies herself for the work ahead. The artist, Kyoi Masatsune - 京井政常,signed his name with a hallmark near her feet.

Age: Meiji period (1868-1912).

Dimensions: 25" High x 10" Wide x 12" Deep

Japanese antique bamboo basket, with beautiful handle attached at the lower sides and bound with special decorative stylized knots. Hexagonal body of woven herringbone pattern. Feet at bottom are made of special decorative knots that are attached to ribbed shaped splines. Signed at bottom. The characters are: 寿雲斎作 "Made by Juunsai (寿雲斎)". Overall excellent condition.

Mid Meiji Period (1868 - 1912)
Size: Height 16 1/2" Width 11" Depth 10 1/2"

Four Japanese Tsuba dating from 16th/17th century with display stand.
-iron circular tsuba with gold incised patterns on edge with interior incised groves.
-iron clover shaped tsuba with interior heart shaped openings, applied gold groves of trees.
-iron persimmon shaped tsuba with moon showing through a cherry blossoms and leaves. Back side has bamboo with gold leaves. Overlay uses silver, gold over raised iron bamboo and cherry tree.
-iron clover shaped tsuba with arrow... Click for details

Japanese antique branch handled bamboo basket, branch undulating and with branching knobs, baluster vase shaped base ending in circular flattened bottom.

Circa 1910s, late Meiji Period (1868-1912)
Size: Height 23" Width 9 1/2" Depth 9 1/2"

Japanese antique wisteria branch handle with branch also at the rim of the basket opening. The branch has great texture with it's knobs and twists. Alternating wide flat bamboo with narrower bamboo slats on a bulbous body, ending in a circular base.

Circa 1920s, Late Meiji Period
Size: Height 20 1/2" Width 9 1/2" Depth 9 1/2"

A vintage bronze Japanese Shishi or Fu Dog Okimono holding a spherical scrolling vine ball. Biting a decorative rope, its mouth is open to expel evil. Made in two parts, the sphere separates from the Shishi.

The Shishi is a mythical creature whose purpose to to protect Buddhism. Often seen at the entrance to Buddhist temples, it guards and protects believers of the faith.

Age: Taisho Period (1912-1926)

Dimensions: 9 1/8" High x 15" Long x 7 1/2" Deep