Antique Japanese tsuba (hand guard for a samurai sword). Made of bronze in the form of bending grain and leaves inlaid with gold details.
Meiji Period (1868 -1912) Size: 2 3/8" long x 1 7/8" wide.

Antique Japanese light weight Jingasa (Samurai hat) made with a basketweave bamboo and paper coated in black and red lacquer. The front of the hat has the gilt paulownia leaf mon (family crest) with the top decorated with a three prong yari forming a trident.

Edo age (circa 1830's)

Size: 15.5" W x 3.5"

Unusual Antique Japanese maki-e lacquer Jingasa (Samurai helmet) decorated in low relief lacquer work of a fierce looking red Oni with piercing gold eyes and teeth . A gilt lacquer mon, or family crest is seen below the Oni representing daffodils. The underside of the helmet is smooth, shiny black lacquer.
The samurai class in feudal Japan, as well as their retainers and footsoldiers (ashigaru), used several types of jingasa made from iron, copper, wood, paper, bamboo, or leather. ... Click for details

New Arrival

Antique Japanese tanzaku, a long rectangular panel with beautiful calligraphy, by famous poet Otagaki Rengetsu (1791-1875). The poem translates into this:
This being New Year's Day, to the fields my heart is drawn, may there be young pines to be pulled.
(Translation by Sayumi Takahashi: "BLACK ROBE WHITE MIST")
Japanese Text:
Size: 14" x 2.5"

New Arrival

Antique Japanese shikishi panel with beautiful calligraphy by famous poet Otagaki Rengetsu (1791-1875). The poem translates into this:
歸鴈
かりの世を 思いつらねて 詠むれば 天のはらはら ちる涙かな

RETURNING GEESE
Watching returning geese as I write, my thoughts,
in this... Click for details

New Arrival

Antique Japanese two section mizuya (kitchen tansu), made with Hinoki (cypress) frame and Sugi (cryptomeria) sides with slats. The front features Persimmon wood panels with dramatic natural grain on its drawers. Other charming detailing includes mesh sliding doors with wood panels carved in floral motifs and decorative handles. Very attractive in design and functional for storage. Dates from the Meiji period c1900. Size:37" L x 16.25" W x 64.75" H

New Arrival

Japanese antique small and charming scroll painting and poem by Otagaki Rengetsu (1791-1875). The image is of a small hut with a thatched roof. The poem translates as follows:
春鳥 春寒み 榾火にねぶる 山賤の 夢おどろかす うぐひすの声

cold spring day, a worker naps, by an outdoor fire,
his dreams... Click for details

New Arrival

18th Century Japanese small antique scroll painting of a koi leaping up a waterfall. Beautifully painted with great expression, the fish leaps from the churning waters below. Painted in sumi ink on paper and mounted on lovely antique obi silk with a fan motif. Signed by the artist. 18th century (pvt. Collection purchased in Japan in early 1980's)
Size of scroll: 64 1/2" high x 9 3/4" wide (12" wide including scroll ends). Size of art: 35" high x 9" wide.

New Arrival

Antique 18th century Japanese charming small scroll painting of a beautiful maiden riding a kirin (in Chinese, qilin). The mythical creature is part lion with the body of a dragon and the hooves of a deer. It represents good fortune, protection, prosperity, longevity and fertility. Beautifully painted in sumi ink and light colors on paper. Mounted on paper. Signed by the artist. (pvt. Collection) purchased in early 1980's.
18th century
Size of scroll: ... Click for details

New Arrival

Antique Japanese fan painting with calligraphy by famed poet Otagaki Rengetsu (1791-1875). The poem translates to this:
"EARLY SUMMER WATER"
the blossoms have fallen, the fetters of my heart, have also loosened,
and it has become summer, and rivulet murmurs cool and clear.
(Translated by John Stevens: from LOTUS MOON)"

首夏水
散る花に かけし心の... Click for details