18th century consecrated Japanese dragon (Ryu) temple carving. Its serpentine body reveals his 3 appendages with classic three claw anatomy. The high relief carving engulfs the dragon in flames. The rendering of the dragon's face exudes power and compassion.
The dragon carving was part of the architectural decoration of a Buddhist temple. It has been sanctified with sutras, located in the dragon's eye during the "Eye Opening Ceremony" (Kaigen-Kuyo). The ritual of venerating an image... Click for details

Antique Japanese single section tansu with locking bar. With Keyaki (elm/zelkova) hardwood front panels in original red lacquer finish and black lacquer frame. The top and bottom drawers feature a large iron lock plate in the form of a flying phoenix, while the middle drawers are secured by the vertical locking bar with original key. The bottom corner of the chest holds 2 small drawers behind a safe door.

Rare Iwayado Tansu Meiji Peroid (1868-1912)

Dimensions: 34" L x... Click for details

Large Japanese framed print by Joichi Hoshi (1913-1979), signed in pencil, number 30/99 in its series, dated 1974. Scene of a silvery tree covered in snow with metallic silver on mint green ground.

Dimensions: 29" x 29.5" H (entire frame) , 22.25" x 23" H (print only)

Antique Tibetan flint carrying pouch (also mechag or chuck muck), made of leather with heavy plaques of silver and gold with inlaid coral front. Motifs of filigree and animals are seen through the silver plating. The backside of the pouch features a central image of a coiling silver dragon. The pouch is suspended by a red leather strap with rivets.

19th century

Dimensions: 5" x 3" x 3" (10.5" from end of strap)

Rare antique Japanese 2-Section Mizuya (kitchen tansu) made from Keyaki wood (elm). The top section contains 2 roomy e compartments behind sliding door panels with floral motif pulls and 3 drawers along the bottom. The lowermost section holds another compartment with sliding doors, 3 small and two larger drawers along the bottom. The sides of the piece are reinforced with horizontal panels.

Dates from the Meiji Period c 1900 Dimensions: 44" L x 17" D x 63" H

"Vajra" is a Sanskrit word meaning both thunderbolt and diamond. Additionally, it is a weapon won in battle which is used as a ritual object to symbolize both the properties of a diamond (indestructibility) and a thunderbolt (irresistible force). The vajra is essentially a type of club with a ribbed spherical head. The ribs may meet in a ball shaped top, or they may be separate and end in sharp points with which to stab. The vajra is a weapon of the Vedic rain and thunder deity Indra, and is... Click for details

Antique Chinese small porcelain plate from the Yuan Dynasty. The body of the plate has a foliate form with scalloped rim, white glaze. The entire foot is left unglazed and is slightly recessed.

Late Yuan Dynasty (13th/14th century)

Dimensions: 5.25" x 1.25" H

Antique Japanese 2-section isho tansu (chest on chest for clothing). Made with kiri (paulownia) wood. Original finish. Classic motifs include the round iron lock plates and warabite drawer pulls. The bottom corner of the piece holds two of the smallest drawers behind a safe door.

Meiji Period (1868-1912)

Dimensions: 38" L x 17.25" D x 40.75" H

Chinese Neolithic tripod earthenware ewer (gui) of the Dawenkou culture (4th-3rd millennium BCE) meant for use in religious ceremonies. The vessel has a flared, upwards pointing mouth with a single ribbed handle on its back, ribbing along the body's edges, and its tripod legs are dramatically tapered to the feet.

Dimensions: 4.5" x 3" x 5.25" H

Antique Japanese 2-section choba tansu (merchant's chest) from the Matsumoto region. Made with Keyaki (elm/zelkova) dramatic burl hardwood front panels. The upper section features a pair of sliding panels, with an open shelved compartment inside over two small drawers. One drawer has a slot above it to deposit money inside. There is also a secret hidden compartment, holding a small treasure box with kanji inscription. This style of chest is quite rare.

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