Antique Japanese natural burl wood stand. The gnarled roots twisting with knotholes cascade down the sides of the stand, the bottom appearing to have animal feet. The tabletop of the stand with dark lacquer finish.

Showa Period

Dimensions: 22" x 16" x 23 1/2" H

Japanese studio ware ceramic figure of the immortal, Gama Sennin. Based on the Chinese 10th century alchemist, Liu Hai, Gama Sennin is often depicted in relation to the lucky 3-legged money-toad. Gama Sennin can assume the form of a toad and can change his skin to appear young again. In this depiction of the much loved immortal, he sits on a rocky outcropping and hold in one hand a peach, in the other a small toad. Whimsically perched on his head is a large load with a spotted... Click for details

Japanese Buddhist scroll depicting the Legendary Sixteen Arhats. The Arhats are described as sage beings who have attained enlightenment, yet have not become a full Buddha. The Sixteen Arhats are traditionally worshipped for they are said to have renounced Nirvana out of compassion to help relieve human suffering on earth. Their Sanskrit names are: Pindola Bharadvaja, Ajita, Subinda, Kalika, Vajraputra, Bhadra, Kanakavatsa, Kanaka Bhadra, Nakula (or Vakula), Rahula, Chudapanthaka, Angaja,... Click for details

Japanese hand-forged iron tsuba, used to protect a swordsman's hand from sliding up the blade during use as well as to provide balance. The openwork motifs depict a man and ox resting below pine trees and a cottage with gold gilt, with a faint signature illegible from wear.

Edo Period (1603-1868)

Dimensions: 2 5/8" x 2 3/4"

A whimsical Japanese boxwood carving of a toad, with inlaid eyes, crawling atop a functioning cylindrical box carved of bone. The box is hand-carved with flying insects and leaping frogs in a lily pond, the base carved with a floral band. Signed by the artist.

Dimensions: 3 3/4" x 2 1/2" x 6 3/4" H

Japanese small amber carving of a frog resting on a leaf. The golden yellow amber has natural inclusions.

Dimensions: 1 3/4" x 1 3/4" x 1" H

A contemplative and artistic rendering of a lotus leaf bowl with deteriorated edges. The lotus is a symbol of purity, beauty and a metaphor in teaching Buddhism. The lotus bowl has a small frog sitting on the leaf's edge with outstretched leg. The underside of the leaf bowl has 3 characters of the artist's signature.

Meiji Period (1868-1912)

Dimensions: 9" x 8 1/2" x 1 3/4" H

Among popular Japanese symbolic animals are frogs. There are many species of frogs in Japan as a result of flooding rice fields in Japanese agriculture. These creatures are often used in poetry and art, and are sometimes carried by travelers to make sure they return home safely from their journeys. The word "frog" in Japanese means "return" which is why the frog is considered a Japanese lucky animal and seen as good fortune in things returning.

Japanese boxwood carving of a female... Click for details

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