Antique Himalayan mask of Bhairava carved of rock crystal with skulls and brows in gilt copper repousse. Bhairava, also known as "The Terrifying One" gained his reputation for having a wild and unpredictable nature when he cut off one of the five heads of the god, Brahma. Bhairava was generated out of the god Shiva when he became angry while listening to the vain boastings of Brahma. Bhairava, the furious aspect of Shiva is worshipped by Hindus, Buddhists and Jains. He is also considered the... Click for details

Antique Himalayan lidded box for Buddhist ritual use. Cylindrical form with four feet. Decorated with mixed metal inlay of silver and copper. The sides with a central band of heads and skulls. The lid with double vajra motif and an outer band of intricately inlaid silver coils.

Age: 18th century

Dimensions: 4 1/2" high x 4" wide

Antique Himalayan ritual dagger, phurba, carved of bone with skulls, makara and nagas. Phurba usually have three sides while this one is unusual in that it has two. The purpose of the phurba is it's ritual use to subdue the powers of evil and transform them into positive forces. The various elements of the phurba are symbolic - the lower part (or blade) represents "Method" and the handle represents "Wisdom". The bone material of this phurba is especially significant for it's power to drive... Click for details

An antique Japanese Choba Display Tansu made of Kiri (Paulownia) wood. Two sliding glass doors were used to showcase the store owner's wares with two drawers below for safe keeping the inventory. All original hand forged iron hardware including the Gunbai style handles. Drawer corners feature the raised tealeaf design suggesting this chest originated in the Yonezawa region of Japan. Constructed using straight dovetail joinery and hardened wooden nails.

Age: Meiji Period (1880-1890)... Click for details

An antique Japanese Kotansu (personal chest) made of Kiri (Paulownia) wood. All hand forged iron hardware including the Warabite handles and Sakata lock plates. 5 drawers provide generous storage and organization. Constructed using straight dovetail joinery and hardened wooden nails.

Age: Meiji Period (1880-1890)

Dimensions: 22 1/2" Wide by 23" High by 11 3/8" Deep

An antique Japanese Katana Sword box made of Kiri (Paulownia) wood. All original hand forged iron hardware. Front hinged door secures a long drawer that held a Katana for safe keeping. Of particular interest is the door stop on the lock plate featuring a stylized Fundo weight. This would suggest that the previous owner was in the profession responsible for coin exchange, weights and measures. The box was made using hardened wood nails.

Dimensions: 5 1/4" Wide by 5 1/4" High by 41"... Click for details

An antique Japanese Choba Tansu (merchant chest) made of Kiri (Paulownia) wood. All original hand forged iron hardware including the stylized Gumbai handles and full moon lock plates. 6 drawers of varying sizes allow for generous storage. Sliding doors open to a split level compartment where merchant business books and records were kept. Hinged security door to the lower right hides two additional small drawers where store valuables were kept. Construction included Japanese straight... Click for details

An antique Japanese Isho Tansu (kimono storage chest) made entirely of Kiri (Paulownia) wood. All original bronze hardware and Oxblood red Urushi lacquer finish. Drawer lock plates have an unusual stylized insect-like incised design with fine stimple work accents and handles in the Warabite style. True dovetail joinery and hardened wooden nails were used in the making of this chest.

Age: Late Meiji (1900-1910)

Dimensions: 35 1/4" Wide by 40 1/2" High by 16 5/8" Deep

A rare antique Japanese merchant chest (Choba Tansu). All original hand forged iron hardware including the Kakute style handles and the full moon lock plates. Entire exterior of the tansu is Keyaki (Zelkova) with drawer backs made of Kiri (Paulownia) woods. 16 total drawers for merchant storage of valuables. Each side has two sets of handles, one for long distance carrying and one for room placement. Original natural Urushi clear lacquer finish which boasts the beautiful grain pattern of... Click for details

An antique Japanese Sakata Funa Tansu (ship captain's safe) made of Keyaki (Zelkova) and Kiri (Paulownia) woods. Large security door lifts out to reveal two large drawers where ship valuables were stored and kept safe from pirates and thieves. All original hand forged iron hardware including the Mokko style handles and the Pine and Bamboo incised lock plate.