A boxwood sculpture of the elephant deity Shoten embracing the female Kangiten. In Esoteric Buddhism, they signify matrimonial peace and bearing of offspring. Shoten is derived from Ganesha and is regarded as a wild one. Kangiten is an incarnation of the Eleven Headed Kannon. She appeases and converts him to Buddhism. Shoten and Kangiten are usually kept in a closed shrine as "secret sculptures" or Hibutsu (because of the sexual allusion).

Edo Period (1603-1868)

2.5" x 2"... Click for details

Antique Japanese small tansu from the Sakata region, with original red lacquer top and sides and black lacquer front. The top and bottom drawer are decorated by large iron lock plates, incised with a bamboo forest, blossoming cherry trees, and small flying birds. The corner hardware on the face of each drawer also show floral motifs.

Meiji Period (1868-1912)

Dimensions: 33.75" L x 15.5" D x 18.75" H

Antique Japanese small tansu from the Sakata region, with original red lacquer top and sides and black lacquer front. The top drawer's iron lock plate is incised with the image of a flying crane and pine branches; The bottom drawer's lock is incised with an ancient turtle with many tails. This imagery represents good health and longevity. Key is included.

Meiji Period (1868-1912) Dimensions: 32.75" L x 15.75" D x 20" H

Japanese 2-section isho tansu (clothing chest of drawers), from the Kyoto area. The chest is made with Sugi (cypress) wood in the original glossy red lacquer finish a lacquering process know asiro-urushi (色漆), literally "color lacquer"and has 11 drawers with charming heart-shaped keyholes and black iron warabite pulls. The top section houses a large open compartment behind two Keyaki (elm) sliding panels in a dark finish, with black lacquer frames.

Meiji Period (1868-1912)... Click for details

Antique Japanese small merchant's box. Although this tansu has the appearance of a gyosho bako (peddler's box), it does not have loops for carrying straps. It was probably custom made for a merchant's raised platform area. All of the drawers feature hand forged iron lock plates and mounts. One of the smaller drawers is stained with ink meaning it would have stored an ink pen for receipts and accounting. Made with all Kiri (paulownia) wood.

Meiji Period (1868-1912) Dimensions:... Click for details

Antique Japanese choba-ko tansu (small merchant's chest), made of natural Kiri (paulownia) hardwood (original finish). The chest holds a large open compartment with a single shelf behind two large doors, lined with 7 outer drawers. Each drawer opens by a squared, black iron handle. The smallest bottom-left drawer acts as a money collection box, with a coin slot right above it.

Edo Period (1680-1868) c1800

Dimensions: 23" L x 8.75" D x 20.5" H

Japanese Woodblock print from artist Torii Kotondo (1900-1976). Print displays beautiful japanese woman combing her hair. Wearing a grey silk kimono with pink and darkened green floral details.The woman has lovely blush colored lips with shining raven hair. Print contrasted with blue toned graduated back ground. From the bijinga "12 Beauty" series. Contains signature and seals. Shown close up with detail images.

Circa 1929

Dimensions: 19" H x 13" W ... Click for details

Japanese 6-Panel byobu folding screen, with painting of a flowering wheat field under the full moon. The screen's paper hinges are done in gold gofun paper. Excellent condition, very presentable well suited for the times. The screen bears elements related to the Shijo School, hand-signed signature, with two red chops, attributed to Shiokawa Bunrin (1808-1877).

Taisho Period (Early 20th Century)

Dimensions: 150" L x 68" H

Antique Chinese hardwood buffet cabinet, with two sets of front swinging doors, each with round lock plates and hinges. The interior of each side holds a single middle shelf, with two small drawers below.

Republic Period

Dimensions: 69” L x 18” D x 34” H

Full 6 panel Japanese screen painting of a sweeping landscape with mountains, low hills and a lake with Mt Fuji rising in the background. Around the edges of the lake are clustered tiny houses. Painted in light mineral colors and ink on paper with gold flecks.

Taisho Period (early 20th century)

Dimensions: 68 1/2" high x 142 1/2" long