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.
A fabulous dark royal blue Nagoya obi with painting of men crossing a bridge. Screen printed with some hand painting, the figures are drawn in a modern art deco style. Early Showa. The obi measures 38” to the fold and 12” wide. The main scene measures 10” high x 12” wide. The smaller scene on the folded area measures 13” x 6” and is repeated on the back side. There are some minor age spots on one of these scenes, other wise obi is in very good condition. The whole obi measures 15...
Qing Dynasty opium den lamp made with burner bowl. This style lamp was used to illuminate Chinese opium dens and was often their only source of lighting. These lamps were also used to heat the opium tar housed at the end of a long opium pipes. The burner bowl is stoneware with the inside glazed to hold the oil and wick (wick is new). The base for the burner is made of split bamboo. Opium lamps made of wood are extremely hard to find. In very good original condition, it measures 12” high ...
Two unique blue and jarlets being offered as group. 1. a small Binh Taun shipwreck jarlet. 2. a Jiajing jarlet 1796-1820. The condition is excellent with the exception of the shipwreck jarlet that shows wear from burial at sea, otherwise the group is perfect without any further flaws, no chips, hairlines, or other damage.
A spectacular Sawankalok brown glaze jarlet dating to the 14th century. It is extremely rare to find these type jarlets in the condition here shown, no chips, hairlines, or other damage. 7.62 cm. or 3 inches high.
A lovely Japanese fruitwood tray produced in the late Taisho period. The scene was hand carved with a thin gold gilt applied in the carved areas. The tray was made from one piece of wood and has a beautiful warm patina. In excellent condition, it measures 10" diameter and the rim is 1.5" high.
A very rare and wonderful first edition of the book 'Japanese and Oriental Pottery' by Hazel H. Gorham, who is the wife of William R. Gorham, who is the forgotten father of Japanese industry, known for his engineering contributions to the Canon camera company and Nissan motors; Mr. and Mrs. Gorham emigrated to Japan in 1918, whereas both of them immersed themselves in the culture, literature, history and arts of Japan.
This book was produced in English in Japan, the dust cover is uni...