A Japanese sooted bamboo boat-shaped basket designed for flower arrangements. The ship form represents a treasure ship (takarabune). The takarabune is a mythical ship piloted through the heavens by the Seven Lucky Gods carrying celestial treasures. In this case, some of earth's most beautiful treasures: its flowers. Originally, a ceramic container would be placed inside to accommodate the flower arrangement. This basket is still very usable having sturdy construction with no apparent breaks...

A Japanese Kutani porcelain Koro or incense burner, with a round body raised on three animal-mask legs and applied with shishi-mask handles. The domed, pierced cover is surmounted with a further shishi. The whole decorated in overglaze enamels with peacock and golden pheasant amid rocks and peonies, all on a yellow "roe" ground. Marked with a seal to the base "Kutani" amidst scrolling clouds, it dates late 20th C, circa 1980, and is in excellent condition...

Original Japanese woodblock print by Yoshitoshi (1839-1892) of a Japanese captive insulting the King of Ancient Korea. From the series Kyodo Risshiki (Instructive Biographies) and published by Matsuki Heikichi, it is dated 1885. In excellent condition, it measures 14.75 inches high, 10" across.