Japanese scroll painting by the Nanga School painter, Rai Sanyo. Calligraphy and a large ink painting of a gourd covered with individual signature seals on paper. Mounted with silk boarder and wooden rollers.

Rai Sanyo (1780-1832) was born to a samurai family of the Hiroshima Domain. He entered into a training school for government bureaucrats in Edo but decide to devote himself to writing instead. Disinherited by his father for doing so, he found himself locked in his room and... Click for details

"Yacchimatta!" the lost soul seems to say as he slaps himself on the head, a sake cup and Tokkuri wine flask in front of him. Ink on dark paper with patterned dark cloth boarder with wide gray piping and featuring bone rollers. The skeleton and or skull have long been featured in Japanese art, both secular and Buddhist. It is used as a symbol of impermanence and as a Zen teaching tool. In this case, perhaps this fellow spent too much time in the bottle and not enough in more meaningful... Click for details

The Ten Pleasures of Tea, ink on paper in a paper boarder with bamboo rollers befitting the rustic scene. Likely an image of the great poet and tea master, Bassho. Titled Charakujutoku (The Ten Pleasures of Tea). The image signed Kanzan, the calligraphy Kunsen.

Yamada Kanzan (Nagoya, 1856-1918) studied under Kosone Kendo and was a renowned literati and Seal Carver. He studied painting directly under Wu Changshuo in China and excelled at not only his trade of seal carving but also... Click for details

An antique Japanese Sendai Ko Bo Tansu (personal chest with locking bar) made of Keyaki (Zelkova) and Suginoki (Cryptomeria) woods. All original Urushi lacquer finish and hand made iron hardware with Warabite handles. The bottom main drawer has a lock plate that features the lucky Sho Chiku Bai motif with a crane and a turtle added for additional good luck and longevity. The hinged door has two small drawers hidden behind. Also, there is natural built-up patina surrounding the metal-work.... Click for details

A pair of original Japanese full six panel byobu screens. Beautifully handpainted with sumi pigments on stunning silver leaf background. Depicting a naturalistic scene, including rolling hills, trees, and bay water expanse.
Byōbu (屏風, "wind wall") are Japanese folding screens made from several joined panels. May be used to separate interiors and enclose private spaces, creating a among other uses. May easily be mounted on the wall for a modern home today.... Click for details

A rare antique Japanese optometrist roll top tansu complete with lenses and glasses. Original navy corduroy covered pull-out shelf with two side by side storage drawers. The display case of lenses double as a removable tray for portable transport from room to room or place to place. Made of Tochinoki (Horse Chestnut) and Kirinoki (Paulownia) woods. All original bronze hardware and finish.

This would make a wonderful addition to anyone who collects optometry related items.

Age:... Click for details

Unique handworn / polished natural burl wood brush rest in the shape of a mink okimono. The low long shape makes for an ideal brush rest for an calligrapher. Warm tones of red, orange, and black blended together with a original patina built over time.
Comes with original tomobaku (fitted kiri wood box).
Scholar’s objects were, in a sense, the luxury goods of their time, but rather than wealth what they really represented was the physical embodiment of the scholar’s... Click for details

A low Japanese Negoro incense table with many layers of black, red, and translucent lacquer pigment. Naturally worn finish consistent with age an use. European style hand carved leg and foot. Original hardware of hand forged iron. Traditionally used as a low stand to raise up an incensor.

Edo Period 18th Century

13 1/2" long X 11" wide X 6 3/4" high

Seated Ming Quanyin with beautifully modeled face, holding medicine bowl in left hand. Great detail seen in the casting with traces of original gilt shown. Bottom is hollowed. Crown with Buddha at crest, flowing robe and jewelry. Original hand and worn patina consistent with age.
The Ming dynasty officially the Great Ming Empire, was the ruling dynasty of China from 1368 to 1644 following the collapse of the Mongol-led Yuan dynasty. The Ming dynasty was the last imperial dynasty of... Click for details

Hand carved celadon green jadeite brush pot, bǐtǒng with incised and bas relief design of blossoming branches and on stump-like incised lines on bottom. Some lighter inclusions to body. Overall very good condition.
A brush pot (Chinese: 笔筒; pinyin: bǐtǒng) is a container for holding the brushes used by scribes for Chinese calligraphy. These are typically carved from bamboo or jade with ornate motifs symbolizing concepts such as longevity.

Republic Period,... Click for details