Catalog: Antiques: Regional Art (346)

Japanese Edo Period Lead and Silver Tobacco Pipe with Incised Darumas, both the man Daruma Taishi and the god Daruma. Acquired in Tokyo in 1986 by a renowned author on and collector of Asian art. 5 1/8 inches, 13.5 cm long.

Fine Large Edo Period Japanese Tobacco Pipe (Kiseru) from the collection of a renowned author on and collector of Asian art. This imposing, oversized pipe of bamboo and bronze with its striking phoenix would have been smoked by a man of prestige, and the effect would have been quite intimidating. Acquired in Kyoto in 1985 by a renowned author on and collector of Asian art. 9 5/8 inches, 24.5 cm long. Very Good Condition.

Edo Period Sagemono Tobacco Pipe Set from the collection of a renowned author on and collector of Asian art. Kiseruzutsu (pipe case) of woven straw; kiseru (pipe) of silver, copper and bamboo with painted decorations; tobacco pouch of leather with a bronze dragon lock and a green glass Ojime (sliding button). Pipe and Case: 8 inches, 20 cm long; Pouch: 5 1/2 x 3 5/8 inches, 14 x 8.25 cm. Excellent Condition.

Early Meiji Maneki Neko (Beckoning Cat), believed to bring wealth and good luck, from the collection of a renowned author on and collector of Asian art. The fur is white with random black and orange patches. This tri-coloring is considered especially lucky. This belief may be related to the rarity of this coloring in the Japanese bobtail cats, after which the Maneki Neko is modeled. This coloring is called Mi-ke in Japanese, meaning three-fur. 7.5 inches, 19 cm tall.

Early Meiji Maneki Neko (Beckoning Cat), believed to bring wealth and good luck, from the collection of a renowned author on and collector of Asian art. The fur is white with random black and orange patches. This tri-coloring is considered especially lucky. This belief may be related to the rarity of this coloring in the Japanese bobtail cats, after which the Maneki Neko is modeled. This coloring is called Mi-ke in Japanese, meaning three-fur. 10 inches, 25.5 cm tall.

Very Fine and Beautifully Rendered Hono Ema from the Tensho Shrine, dated October 7, 1695. The inscription reads Mikawa Province (modern day eastern Aichi Prefecture), Tomifuku-gun ('county'), Oshiro Mountain. While the wealthy would often give a horse as a gift to a Shinto shrine, the common person would give a Hono Ema (literally 'gift horse picture'). These plaques are then left hanging up at the shrine for the gods to see. This is a rare and museum quality work of Japanese Folk Art from the collection of a renowned author on and collector of Asian art. 23.5 x 16.5 inches, 60 x 42 cm.

This rare and exceptional Japanese Mirror Chest of Japanese Ash and Elm with Hand Mirror of fine Persimmon and Gorgeous Brass Metalwork is from the collection of a renowned author on and collector of Asian art. The brass hinges are adorned with Chrysanthemums, the Japanese symbol of health, happiness and well-being. Truly a wonderful and rare piece. 14.25h x 9.75w x 9d inches, 36h x 25w x 23d cm. Excellent Condition.

The two fine and old haribako (Japanese Sewing Box) that we offer here on our site are likely the oldest ones you will see offered for sale. They come from the collection of a renowned author on and collector of Asian art. This lovely chest of paulownia and pine has the original hardware, original ruler, and original pincushion. 18.5h x 9d x 7.5w inches, 47h x 23d x 19w cm. Very Good Condition.

Very Rare Japanese Jomon Period (13,000-300BC) Terracotta torso (broken off at waist) in the form of a female figure with a bird head. Overall incised decoration. Accompanied by a small terracotta disc found in the same grave lot. Figure: 4.5 x 4 inches, 11.5 x 10 cm; Disc: 2.25 x 1.5 inches, 5.75 x 4 cm. Very Good Condition.

A very rare and fine example of a Jomon Period (13,000-300BC) Terracotta Plaque of a Dogu, the earliest known Japanese figure. This figure was purchased from the H. Taneguchi Gallery of Kyoto in 1985 by a renowned author on and collector of Asian art. The Dogu acted as effigies of people. They manifested some kind of sympathetic magic. For example, it may have been believed that illnesses could be transferred into the Dogu, then destroyed, clearing the illness, or any other misfortune. Because of the ritual destruction of Dogu, they are quite rare. This primitive abstract fertility figure has a futuristic look. There are fun theories that state that the Dogu may be linked to extra-terrestrial Ancient Astronauts. The figures resemble 'space suits' complete with rivets and a helmet/face mask and goggles. The large eyes are also reminiscent of the traditional grey alien. 4 x 2.75 inches, 10 x 7 cm. Very Good Condition.

Fine example of a Jomon Period (13,000-300BC) Dogu Head, the earliest known Japanese figure. This figure was purchased in Japan in 1962 by a renowned author on and collector of Asian art. The Dogu acted as effigies of people. They manifested some kind of sympathetic magic. For example, it may have been believed that illnesses could be transferred into the Dogu, then destroyed, clearing the illness, or any other misfortune. Because of the ritual destruction of Dogu, they are quite rare. This primitive abstract fertility figure has a futuristic look. There are fun theories that state that the Dogu may be linked to extra-terrestrial Ancient Astronauts. The figures resemble 'space suits' complete with rivets and a helmet/face mask and goggles. The large eyes are also reminiscent of the traditional grey alien. 3 x 2.25 inches, 7.5 x 5.75 cm. Very Good Condition.

Fine example of a Jomon Period (13,000-300BC) Dogu, the earliest known Japanese figure. This figure was purchased at a Parke Bernet auction by a renowned author on and collector of Asian art. The Dogu acted as effigies of people. They manifested some kind of sympathetic magic. For example, it may have been believed that illnesses could be transferred into the Dogu, then destroyed, clearing the illness, or any other misfortune. Because of the ritual destruction of Dogu, they are quite rare. This primitive abstract fertility figure has a futuristic look. There are fun theories that state that the Dogu may be linked to extra-terrestrial Ancient Astronauts. The figures resemble 'space suits' complete with rivets and a helmet/face mask and goggles. The large eyes are also reminiscent of the traditional gray alien. 4.75 inches, 12 cm tall. Very Good Condition.

Fine example of a Jomon Period (13,000-300BC) Dogu, the earliest known Japanese figure. This figure was purchased at a Parke Bernet auction by a renowned author on and collector of Asian art. The Dogu acted as effigies of people. They manifested some kind of sympathetic magic. For example, it may have been believed that illnesses could be transferred into the Dogu, then destroyed, clearing the illness, or any other misfortune. Because of the ritual destruction of Dogu, they are quite rare. This primitive abstract fertility figure has a futuristic look. There are fun theories that state that the Dogu may be linked to extra-terrestrial Ancient Astronauts. The figures resemble 'space suits' complete with rivets and a helmet/face mask and goggles. The large eyes are also reminiscent of the traditional grey alien. 4.75 inches, 12 cm tall. Very Good Condition.

18th Century Japanese Wood Carving of a Mythological Guardian Shishi and Peony. This carving is reminiscent of a carving at Nikko Shrine. It is unusual to find one with much of its paint still intact. Wonderfully carved and painted by a master. A fantastic addition for a collector. 31 inches (79 cm) long x 17.5 inches (44.5 cm) high. Excellent Condition. From a prominent and widely exhibited collection.

Japanese Buddhist Temple Carving of a Stylized Cloud Formation. This very early 16th to 17th Century carving is the oldest one we have seen, possibly from the Momoyama Period. Carved of poloma wood. A rare early work of art. 40 inches (101.5 cm) long x 12 inches (30.5 cm) high. Fine Condition. From a prominent and widely exhibited collection.

19th Century Japanese Porcelain figure of Kintaro in court attire in the style of a Gosho Ningyo (Palace Doll) holding a Crane. Kintaro loved all birds and animals. This rare porcelain figure is signed by Makuzu, a well recognized porcelain artist who is collected by museums and collectors in Japan. He uses glazes in his own recognizable style. 4 inches, 10 cm tall. Excellent Condition. From a prominent and widely exhibited collection.

Framed 19th Century Japanese Late Edo Period Embroidery of a Phoenix. Wonderful and elaborate master needle work with beautiful use of soft colored silk threads accented with gold silk threads. This a rare find for the Japanese textile collector. This was part of the Morris collection, which is housed in the Peabody Essex Museum in Massachusetts. It is framed with a Victorian era frame. 26.5 inches (67 cm)w x 25 inches (63.5 cm)h. The textile is in Excellent Condition, the frame is in Very Good Condition. From a prominent and widely exhibited collection.

Japanese Late Meiji Period Two Panel Owl Screen featuring a solitary owl perched on a wind blown bamboo, entwined by vines with clusters of red berries. Signed by Kouro. Nihonga School - ink and color on paper painting in tarashikomi, a technique that achieves shading through pooling successive layers of partially dried pigment. 68.5 inches (174 cm)h x 67 inches (170 cm)w. Very Good Condition. Minor Repairs. From a prominent and widely exhibited collection.