Antique Japanese hikeshi banten, fireman's coat. Made of layers of cotton fabric and stitched in the sashiko quilting technique. Fires were common in Japanese urban areas due to the dense population as well as construction material (primarily wood and paper). Fire brigades were made up of samurai class (buke hikeshi) as well as common class (machi hikeshi). Their primary goal in containing a fire was to tear down the surrounding buildings so the fire had no more fuel. These special coats were... Click for details

Antique Japanese hikeshi banten, fireman's coat. Made of layers of cotton fabric and stitched in the sashiko quilting technique. Fires were common in Japanese urban areas due to the dense population as well as construction material (primarily wood and paper). Fire brigades were made up of samurai class (buke hikeshi) as well as common class (machi hikeshi). Their primary goal in containing a fire was to tear down the surrounding buildings so the fire had no more fuel. These special coats were... Click for details

Antique Korean sewing box made using the 1500 year old Korean paper technique called Hanji. Paper is made by hand from mulberry pulp and used to fashion various items. This 8 sided box is decorated with Double Happiness symbols and stands on four feet made of sea shells.

Age: 19th century

Size: 5 3/4" high x 13" wide x 13" wide

Three antique framed written fragments of different sutras from the Tripiṭaka in Chinese translation.
The one on the right is a passage from the Sutra of the Buddha Proclaiming the Names of Buddhas, probably a Chinese translation of the Bhadrakalpika Sūtra. Closest translation:
Śāriputra, passing through a hundred buddhalands, there is a world called Virtue, and there a Buddha called the Arhat of Sunlight Radiance, Samyaksaṃbuddha, is now expounding on the Dharma. If a... Click for details

An antique Japanese Isho Biraki (Kimono chest with doors) made entirely of Kiri (Paulownia) wood. Upper section opens to 4 removable Kimono trays, 2 Obi trays and 3 small accessory drawers. The bottom section has 3 large drawers for additional spacious storage of clothes. All original hardware and constructed using straight dovetail joinery and hardened wooden nails.

Age: Taisho Period (1912-1920)

Dimensions: 37 1/4" Wide by 64 1/4" High by 17 3/4" Deep

Chinese antique opera theatre costume in the Peking tradition. Most likely that of a Laosheng character and because of the purple color, that of a high ranking military official. Intricately embroidered with dragons and waves. Sewn with golden scales, mirror attachments and three dimensional fu-lion faces.

Age: 19th century

Dimensions: 58 1/2" high x 58" wide

A vintage Japanese Isho Biraki (stacking clothing chest) made of Kiri (Paulownia) and Kaki (Persimmon) woods. All original hardware including the Warabite handles. Upper section features two sliding doors, two drawers and a hinged door all providing space for organizing small items. The center section has two hinged doors that open to four removable Kimono trays where lighter clothes or linens can be stored. The bottom section has two large drawers for additional spacious storage. The... Click for details

Antique Japanese Buddhist Pilgrim's coat. Buddhist monks associated with the teachings of Kukai (or Kobo Daishi) would embark on a pilgrimage to visit the 88 temples on the island of Shikoku. Upon arriving to each temple, the monk would bathe before giving offerings and reciting prayers as well as receive a stamp distinctive to each temple. Normally a monk would carry around a special stamp book however it is not unusual to stamp the monk's coat as seen here. Also with extensive calligraphy and... Click for details

An antique tall Kasane Tansu (stacking Kimono chest) made of Kiri (Paulownia) and Sugi (Cryptomeria) woods. All original hand forged iron and bronze hardware. Upper section features a pair of sliding doors, a lift-out door and 6 drawers of varying sizes while the bottom section has 5 large drawers, a small drawer and a hinged security door that hides two small drawers where valuables were kept hidden away. Constructed using straight dovetail joinery and hardened wooden nails.

Age:... Click for details

An antique Japanese Tohoku Mizuya Tansu (kitchen chest) made of Keyaki (Zelkova) and Hinoki (Cypress). All original hand forged iron hardware with Urushi lacquer finish. Three sets of sliding doors with removable shelves behind the larger doors. Three side by side drawers provide additional storage. Sections can be separated for use in different rooms of the house.

Age: Meiji Era (1890-1910)

Dimensions: 36 3/8" Wide by 62 1/2" High by 16 1/2" Deep