Japanese five section lacquer inro in the hiramaki-e technique. The low relief gilt lacquer adds depth throughout the landscape composition of pine forest, distant ocean, mountainous terrain, and the famous Uji bridge. The black ground lacquer also shows the use of nashiji gold flecks creating mist and cloud formation. The interior of the compartments are covered with the nashiji gold flecks, resembling a pear skin effect. The ojime bead is of sliver and gold in the form of a laughing face of... Click for details

A high grade Japanese Kura samurai saddle detailed in high relief lacquer. The maewa (front arched plate) and shizuwa (rear arched plate) display a lacquer relief carp climbing a waterfall motif. 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. Mounted on custom stand. Signed... Click for details

Japanese Kura samurai saddle in red lacquer, with black and gilt lacquer. The maewa (front arched plate) and shizuwa (rear arched plate) are adorned with a copper inlay flying crane. The red lacquer area surrounding the crane is hand-carved with scrolling vines of flowers and shippo pattern in gilt lacquer. 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... Click for details

A pair of mounted panels painted with battle scenes from the Tales of Heike. One panel appears to take place during the battle at Dan no Ura. This painting of samurai contains the signature crest of the Heiki clan (the butterfly). The other panel is a portrait of the famous monk warrior, Benke, on horseback in the Shichi-henge form (where he carries many weapons).

The paintings are fragments of a hand fan, or uchiwa, and the surrounding paper are decorated with gold and silver... Click for details

Japanese hardwood tobacco ban (smoking box) or ladies vanity box with carrying handle. The lid is inlaid with shell and enamel coins and birds, with an animal and wire finial. The middle hardwood divider lifts away to allow access to the lowest sections with four compartment.

Circa 1920s

Dimensions: 8 1/4" x 6" x 8 1/2" High

Antique Japanese small porcelain Kakiemon ware dish. With enamel scene of a tiger chasing a flying bird, bamboo and scholar's rocks, accented in gilt. Slightly flared rim with the recessed foot left unglazed around the edges.

19th Century

Dimensions: 5 3/4" x 5 3/4" x 3/4" H

Japanese bronze vase with fine, inlay cranes in silver and copper. The vase form has a short mouth and dramatic tapered body to the platform foot. The reverse side of the vase has a commemorative inscription and the base with artist's cartouche.

Meiji Period (1868-1912)

Dimensions: 4 1/2" x 4 1/2" x 8" H

Japanese large, rectangular suiban, finely cast with stylized motifs of waves and flying birds in relief. Suiban are shallow trays meant to be filled with suiseki or viewing stones, sand, and bonsai. The rim of the suiban are flared with a cast apron of reishi mushrooms. The 4 feet of the dish are in the form of rolling waves. The underside is textured with artist signature and cartouche.

Meiji Period (1868-1912)

Dimensions: 21 1/4" L x 14" W x 5 1/2" H

Japanese Nabeshima ware porcelain dish, with blue and white pair of birds and a camellia branch. The dish stands on a high, deeply recessed foot with outer "comb" cobalt blue design around its edges.

Dimensions: 8" x 8" x 2 1/4" H

Japanese iron tea kettle, or tetsubin, all hand-cast iron with landscape scenes of oceanside cottages around the body. The handle is inlaid with two silver birds and held into place by a pair of iron chimera on each end. The bronze lid is signed underneath, and the backside of the iron body has a 4 character artist's cartouche.

Dimensions: 7" x 6" x 8" H (with handle up)