A boxwood sculpture of the elephant deity Shoten embracing the female Kangiten. In Esoteric Buddhism, they signify matrimonial peace and bearing of offspring. Shoten is derived from Ganesha and is regarded as a wild one. Kangiten is an incarnation of the Eleven Headed Kannon. She appeases and converts him to Buddhism. Shoten and Kangiten are usually kept in a closed shrine as "secret sculptures" or Hibutsu (because of the sexual allusion).

Edo Period (1603-1868)

2.5" x 2"... Click for details

Chinese peking glass snuff bottle, of pink/maroon colored peking glass. The bottle is carved with a duck floating in a pond, surrounded by lily pads and rock formations. Carved with 2 chops and a signature on its base. With hardstone and mixed metal stopper.

Dimensions: 2 7/8" H x 1" W

Chinese Huanghuali altar table, its front and side aprons carved with dragons and fireballs. The side panels between the table's legs are carved with reticulated motifs of scrolls and dragons. The table's surface woodgrain shows many distinct "ghost eyes" associated with Huanghuali wood.

Dimensions: 64.5" L x 19" D x 34.5" H

Chinese framed painting of a mother donkey feeding her young, while a third donkey turns away in an opposite direction. Signed "Huang Zhou" (1925-1997) with two red chops.

Dimensions: (entire frame) 27” L x 18” H (painting only) 19” L x 13” H

Antique Japanese small tansu from the Sakata region, with original red lacquer top and sides and black lacquer front. The top and bottom drawer are decorated by large iron lock plates, incised with a bamboo forest, blossoming cherry trees, and small flying birds. The corner hardware on the face of each drawer also show floral motifs.

Meiji Period (1868-1912)

Dimensions: 33.75" L x 15.5" D x 18.75" H

Antique Japanese small tansu from the Sakata region, with original red lacquer top and sides and black lacquer front. The top drawer's iron lock plate is incised with the image of a flying crane and pine branches; The bottom drawer's lock is incised with an ancient turtle with many tails. This imagery represents good health and longevity. Key is included.

Meiji Period (1868-1912) Dimensions: 32.75" L x 15.75" D x 20" H

Japanese 2-section isho tansu (clothing chest of drawers), from the Kyoto area. The chest is made with Sugi (cypress) wood in the original glossy red lacquer finish a lacquering process know asiro-urushi (色漆), literally "color lacquer"and has 11 drawers with charming heart-shaped keyholes and black iron warabite pulls. The top section houses a large open compartment behind two Keyaki (elm) sliding panels in a dark finish, with black lacquer frames.

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

Antique Japanese small merchant's box. Although this tansu has the appearance of a gyosho bako (peddler's box), it does not have loops for carrying straps. It was probably custom made for a merchant's raised platform area. All of the drawers feature hand forged iron lock plates and mounts. One of the smaller drawers is stained with ink meaning it would have stored an ink pen for receipts and accounting. Made with all Kiri (paulownia) wood.

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

Antique Japanese choba-ko tansu (small merchant's chest), made of natural Kiri (paulownia) hardwood (original finish). The chest holds a large open compartment with a single shelf behind two large doors, lined with 7 outer drawers. Each drawer opens by a squared, black iron handle. The smallest bottom-left drawer acts as a money collection box, with a coin slot right above it.

Edo Period (1680-1868) c1800

Dimensions: 23" L x 8.75" D x 20.5" H

Pair of antique Chinese hardwood oxbow arm chairs, made of Jumu (elm) wood. The backrest of each chair has been carved with a coiled dragon, facing opposite to the other. The front apron of each seat is carved with a nice sloping outer edge. The legs are connected on all sides by a stretcher.

Early 20th century

Dimensions: 24" L x 19" D x 40" H