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

Nagoro banana leaf tray lacquer over wood. The black lacquer shines through the red to reveal the ribs and veins of the leaf. In the literati tradition, banana leaves were used by scholar recluses as paper to write calligraphy. Later, this motif was incorporated into other forms of art making the image one of the symbols of the literati aesthetics.

Date: Tiasho circa 1920

Dimensions: 16" x 6" X 3/4"

Rare Antique Japanese Negoro red lacquer tiered stand. Five arched cabriole legs below the hand carved apron, the feet ending at a floral step base. Overall condition is very good and consistent with age.

Edo Period (circa mid 1800's)

Dimensions: 12" w x 14 3/4" h

An unusual Japanese circular wooden stand with black and red lacquer finish, the edges of the stand are inlaid with shell, standing on slight cabriole tripod feet.

Early 19th century Edo Period

Dimensions: 19" W x 5" H

Japanese tachi-kake or samurai's sword stand, black lacquered and rich intricate shell inlay work, with a reishi mushroom shaped finial.

Late Edo period (1603-1868)

Dimensions: 10 1/4" x 8 1/4" x 25" H

Japanese circular jingasa with a gradual domed top, rough textured to simulate leather. The composition is of bamboo, paper, layers of Urushi lacquer work with green lacquer, the edges decorated with two gilt mon of the Mori Clan. The interior is finished in green textured lacquer with red lacquer accent. Mounted on steel plates for presentation.

The samurai class in feudal Japan, as well as their retainers and footsoldiers (ashigaru), used several types of jingasa made from iron,... Click for details

Circular jingasa with a gradual domed top. The composition is of bamboo, paper, layers of lacquer work with intricate shell inlay. The jingasa is decorated to the edge of three gilt lacquer circular crests (mon) The interior is finished in red with its original cotton gear straps and cushion. Mounted for presentation on steel plates.

The samurai class in feudal Japan, as well as their retainers and footsoldiers (ashigaru), used several types of jingasa made from iron, copper,... Click for details

Japanese lacquer suzuribako or calligraphy writing box. The box is wood with lacquer, gold gilt sprinkled lacquer, and inlaid shell on the lid, adorned with scrolling leaves, floral medallions and motifs of sparrows. The box interior is red lacquer with gold lacquer patterns. The inside box contains an attached inkstone, a brush, and a small brass water dropper. Underneath is a shallow compartment for the storage of calligraphy papers.

18th-19th century Edo... Click for details

An unusual Japanese multi layer lacquer brush pot inlaid with three metal coins. The oil spill pattern lacquer is in hues of red, black, and beige.

Meiji Period (1868 - 1912)

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

Japanese carved wood Natsume tea caddy, with high relief lacquer imagery of ripened peaches growing on a branch, and a flying hornet on the top of the lid in lacquer. The side of the box is signed with red lacquer cartouche.

Meiji period (1868-1912) c. 1900

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