DESCRIPTION: An outstanding example of Japanese sensibilities regarding craftsmanship and natural form, this fabulous Japanese smoking tray (or basket) is fashioned from a beautifully gnarled and twisting section of burled root wood, the undulating shape forming a natural handle for carrying. The set comes complete with a haizara (ash container) of Takatori stoneware in the form of a miniature hibachi, the mottled brown body festooned by streamers of white glaze. Meiji/Taisho Period (appx. 18... Click for details

DESCRIPTION: A rare and quite old Japanese lute, or sanshin, originating from the island Okinawa. The sanshin (literally meaning "three strings") is an Okinawan musical instrument, and the precursor of the Japanese shamisen. Often likened to a banjo, it consisted of a snakeskin-covered body, neck and three strings, and was known for its calming tune. This instrument has an ancient history of Chinese origin, and originally came to Japan via the Ryukyu Islands (present-day Okinawa) in the Muroma... Click for details

DESCRIPTION: A smoked reed and split bamboo Japanese ikebana (flower) basket in ovoid form with the neck and base in a horizontal weave and the center in an open “X” form pattern. The high handle is crafted of three split bamboo pieces displaying several specialty knots. With a wonderful old patina and no losses detected, this is a fine basket that dates from the 19th C., Meiji Period. DIMENSIONS: 17 ¼” high (43.8 cm) including handle.

DESCRIPTION: In Japanese lore, there are countless tales about the mischievous Tanuki, a real animal native to Japan. Masked like a raccoon but big and stocky like a badger, they are said to have supernatural powers to transform into any living or inanimate shape. Often they assume the form of a monk, as our Tanuki does here. This Tanuki okimono is hand crafted from a single piece of wood in the best of Mingei traditions. Dressed as a monk in a long robe, this charming, fat Tanuki stands at... Click for details

DESCRIPTION: This rare and fantastic antique Japanese Tonkotsu, or tobacco box, has been crafted from wood in the form of the three “no evil” monkeys, with a beautifully carved “Speak no Evil” monkey serving as the main tobacco container. “See No Evil” forms the ojime and “Hear No Evil” forms the netsuke to complete the set. Each of these has been meticulously carved with inlaid eyes and finely delineated fur. The large monkey wears a decorative jacket and sports the artist’s signature on his... Click for details

DESCRIPTION: A fine smoked bamboo ikebana basket woven in a tall ovoid form with entwined bamboo handle. The basket is crafted with a vertical diagonal weave from both wide and narrow splints in contrasting colors. This sturdy and very handsome basket has a beautiful aged patina with no losses detected; early 20th century. DIMENSIONS: 18 ½” high x 8 ¾” diameter.