An antique Japanese 4-panel screen painting. Each of the flowers shown has a meaning known as the Language of Flowers, depicting Love, Loyalty and Family. Painted with mineral pigments and raised gofun on gold leafed paper.

Date: Taisho Period

Dimensions: 67 1/2” high X 96” wide

A truly stunning Japanese six panel screen hand painted with raised rimpa paint on gold ground leaf gofun paper. The subject matter is a view of a natural overgrowth of hollyhock, sweat peas, and morning glories cascading and creeping over the bamboo fence.

The Hollyhock flower in Japan represents is fertility and fruitfulness. During the end of its life cycle when the leaves and stem begins to droop, the hollyhock produces a round disk that encompasses many different seeds so... Click for details

Japanese gold lacquer Inro with five compartments, decorated in low relief landscape scene of temple in the mountain surrounded by pines and connected by a small bridge over a river in gold lacquer. The reverse side shows mountains in the distance and a small seaside village. The inside compartments are covered with dense nashiji lacquer (fine gold flecks). The cord has a metal ojime. Inro (seal basket) are small decorative containers that hang from the waist. They originate at the end of the... Click for details

A unique Ko-sumetsuke tea ceremony plate with an unusual motif of a raging bull. The center of the plate is divided into 5 sections with scrolling vines and chrysanthemums. The central figure is a raging bull in a pine forest with rounded fronds. The perimeter of the dish is ringed with a classic cloud image. Ko-sometsuke (old blue and white) porcelain was produced specifically for the Japanese market during the final decades of the Ming dynasty (1368-1644). The bottom of the plate has a... Click for details

A boxwood carving netsuke in a classic mushroom shape with very fine detailing.
Mushrooms are associated with the natural beauty of the forest. They are considered a good-luck symbol. Finding a mushroom is considered to be very lucky and means good fortune is at hand.
This netsuke has the signature mark of Yamada.

Provenance: The Avery Brundage Collection

Date: 19th C

Dimensions: 2" X 1.5" X 1.5"

An exceptional antique Japanese bowwood carved netsuke - the Yama Inu - a dog resting his paw on his masters scull. Protecting him in even past the point of death. Superstition related to the okuri(yama) inu are extremely old, and are found in all parts of Japan.
The meaning of the dog also speaks about patience, reliability, and obedience. It focuses on protection, guardianship, and service. The dog spirit animal is a noble animal. It's selfless, and never asks for praise or expects... Click for details

Antique Japanese 6-panel byobu screen painting depicting a noble woman's carriage (gosho-guruma) parked under a blossoming cherry tree (sakura). The tassel cords are untied. The yoke rests on a black lacquered stool. The cart is decorated with irises and peonies with raised rimpa paint. The sudari is shut closed with chrysanthemum pattern curtains billowing out. Painted in mineral colors and raised gofun on gold leaf. Provenance: Warren Imports, La Jolla, California.

Edo Period... Click for details

Antique Japanese kannon biraki isho tansu (chest on chest for clothing with hinged doors). Made with kiri (paulownia) wood on the front with sugi (cryptomeria) wood on the sides, top and interior. The top section has two hinged doors which open to reveal two interior drawers. The bottom section has two large exterior drawers of different sizes. The lower right hand corner has a safe box with a hinged door and two small interior drawers. One of the small drawers is shortened from the back... Click for details

A 19th Century Japanese six panel screen of Nara preparing for the Matsuri Wakakusa Yamigaki festival. This elegant bird's eye view of the city of Nara in the Edo period depicts a scree of village life in preparation for the traditional rice festival. Dancing and drinking are on display and the excitement fills the air with anticipation. The Nara temple is the major sponsor of the activities. The temple is open to patronage and veneration. This festival celebrates the rice harvest for the city.... Click for details

Early 18th C Edo period Japanese byobu painted screen of scholars in retreat. It is composed of 2 panels. The screen has a predominate gold leaf ground on gofun paper. Paint composition is a mineral rimpa paint. The subject matter is a belief of mythology made real. Shu-ton (a scholar's attendant) found a longevity turtle that is believed to be 1000 years old. This turtle is also known to be a messenger to the gods. The expression on the master's face reflects wonderment. He is able to find an... Click for details