The most unusual and unique Japanese soba (noodle) cup that we have encountered, with very beautiful contrasting colors and a garden scene that is breathtaking, a plethora of flowers and a bird swooping down from heaven will delight the senses of the discriminating collector. The footed feature of this soba cup along with the color combination is almost rarely never encountered, as I have never seen another in years. Signed Dai Nippon (Great Japan) we date this soba cup to the very late Meiji ...
A very well painted and delightful Kutani tea caddy, perfect condition and has its original inner cap lid still intact also in perfect condition. It measures 11 cm (4.3 inches) high and dates pre-1920, circa 1912-15.
One of the most uniquely designed cloisonne round boxes that I ever came across; this is so well done and is absolutely gorgeous, it is very well designed and intricate in the smallest details, the patina is a very lovely chocolate brown patina that is unretouched. Antiques are considered a sound investment in these troubled times, and can be used for barter and will not lose their value as stocks do. Be sure to pick up this beauty to enjoy or to resell for your personal benefit. This round b...
This wonderful Japanese banko nodder is somewhat unusual in that his head nods side to side rather than front to back like most nodders on the market. Dating circa 1880-1899, he was hand molded as evidenced by indentations and finger prints left by the artist on the inside of the bell/body. In excellent condition with the exception of one repair to the neck. At some point in his history, the weight broke in half and was re-attached. No other condition issues, no chips, cracks. This nodder measu...
This is a unique and rare offering of a highly desirable Changsha kiln jar. Based on archaeological records, Changsha wares originated and were developed from the foundations of the Yue Zhou kilns which were built prior to the Tang Dynasty in the same region. Usually these are characterized by such components such as under-glazed brown and green motifs and with molded design in relief, appliqué designs or impressed designs in relief and also incised or carved designs. They are quite distinct fr...
This is a very rare and highly desirable Changsha kiln 9th century Tang Dynasty bird water dropper. Based on archaeological records, Changsha wares originated and were developed from the foundations of the Yue Zhou kilns which were built prior to the Tang Dynasty in the same region. Usually these are characterized by such components such as under-glazed brown and green motifs and with molded design in relief, appliqué designs or impressed designs in relief and also incised or carved designs. T...
A stunning Kamakura Bori tea tray. It was hand rubbed to enhance the red and black lacquers that were applied over the wood carved tray. In very good condition, it measures 10" diameter x 1.5" deep.
Carved in fine detail is this deep red cinnabar box of a scholar with young boy in a garden setting. Made in the traditional method of applying many layers of cinnabar red lacquer, the carvings are deep and well executed. The inside and bottom of this box are black lacquer. In excellent condition, this box dates approximately 1910-1920 and measures about 4” x 2” (10 cm x 5 cm)
A beautiful and very functional pair of black lacquer wooden cabinets with detailed court scenes. The cabinets can be stacked as pictured or positioned separately and perhaps placed under windows. As separately standing pieces, they can be used for extra seating with the simple addition of a few throw pillows or cushions. They can also be positioned back to back to serve as a large coffee table. The cabinets’ interiors are painted red and there is a red flower painted on each side. In orig...
A very rare 5 panel bride’s noren. The bottom of the curtain has a lovely delicate aqua wash. Traditionally the bride would hang this curtain in the doorway for about 2 weeks after she was married to announce that she was a member of the new family and that she has taken her husband’s family crest. There are a few minor age spots in the cream/off white area, but otherwise the curtain is in excellent condition. The main techniques used in this hand loomed silk curtain are sumi e painting...
One of the most spectacular Japanese bronze hibachi's ever encountered and quite unusual in every way. Massive and weighing a solid 18 lbs. this hibachi features a well sculpted dragon that clutches the celestial pearl of wisdom that effort-sly glides about the wind that whips about its body, three monkeys in varying poses or positions support this cauldron-like monstrosity. The dragon wraps completely around the hibachi and is striking in its detail; tendrils and spine protrude and the head swi...
The bouquet of flowers for this stunning silk fukusa was made using yuzen resist dying, free-hand embroidery, and gold surihaku, with gold and silver foil couching applied to create the bow. On the reverse side is a large mons (family crest). Three of the four original silk tassels are still intact. As a decorative item, this fukusa would make a fabulous wall hanging or framed artwork. In excellent condition, we estimate this fukusa to be mid Showa. It measures 26” wide x 29” high.
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A fabulous early Meiji era silk fukusa with two cranes, pine trees and the brilliant sun, all symbols of longevity and good fortune. Techniques used to create this wonderful fukusa were yuzen resist dying, sumi-e hand painting, free-hand embroidery, and gold foil couching. The cranes’ crests were created with tiny hand embroidered knots. Also worthy of note: The crane’s darker tail feather veining was achieved by intertwining dark brown and dark silvery grey silk satin threads (see phot...
This is a fabulous woven silk fukusa designed with Japanese tastes in mind. It is woven in silk with the addition of gold lacquered silk threads. Each of the four corners has four turtle tassels. The reverse side is red with a gold paulownia mon also woven with god threads. This is a very striking piece and makes a superb interior design statement. In excellent condition, it measures 24.5” square. We date this to mid-Showa.
Early 1900 Japanese silk fukusa featuring a turtle and a crane. Techniques used to create this wonderful fukusa are sumi-e hand painting, yuzen resist dying, some embroidery, and gold foil couching. On the reverse is red rinzu silk with crane and mons motif. Two original tassels are still intact at the bottom. There is a small cluster of tiny gray spots by the crane, see last photo. Otherwise, in very good condition/excellent, it measures 25” wide x 27” high.
Japanese silk fukusa with yuzen technique and sumi-e hand painting. The shimmering effect of the water was achieved by the delicate use of silver surihaku. Red embroidery on the crane’s head and some white embroidery on tail feathers highlight those features. On the reverse is red rinzu silk with a large peony motif. All four original tassels are still intact. There is a break in the boarder thread in the upper left corner (see last photo) but could be repaired. Otherwise in very good co...
This lovely late 19th C Ko Kutani bijin is holding two opened fans with a flower on her head. Exquisite features and detailing, this already highly collectible Ko Kutani figure is even more special because the flower also serves as a candle holder. In very good condition, she measures 11" or 27.9 cm high.
This Qing Dynasty cloisonne box dates late 19th to pre-1910. Exhibiting a beautiful patina, the box is composed of brass with copper on the exterior. In excellent condition and a real visual pleasure, the box measures 3"x 4”.