DESCRIPTION: A large Japanese ikebana basket, the sides rising from a square base and terminating in a round rim enforced with split bamboo. The base and sides are of platted reed with split bamboo reinforced corners. Throughout have been woven lengths of split bamboo that flamboyantly arch high above the rim. Mid 20th C. and in perfect, original condition. DIMENSIONS: 17” high (43 cm) x 11” wide (28 cm).

DESCRIPTION: A very fine, flawless Japanese Ikebana basket, exceptional in form, weaving technique and condition. From its circular base the straight body, woven with smoked, split bamboo (susutake) in a horizontal herringbone pattern, rises gracefully to a wide flaring rim. Four vertical bamboo supports run the length of the body and add strength. The finely crafted handle is fashioned from double bamboo tendrils and are firmly fixed with beautifully executed, tight butterfly knots (cho-musus... Click for details

DESCRIPTION: A delightful and large carved wood figure of one of the seven Japanese gods of good fortune, Daikoku, the deity of prosperity. Here he is seen in his traditional pose, standing on two bales of rice with his wish-granting mallet in his right hand, and a bag of riches slung over his left shoulder. He is also venerated as the deity of the kitchen where such carvings were traditionally displayed, sometimes in the ceiling rafters for good luck. A wonderful mingei piece, his happy exp... Click for details

DESCRIPTION: A very special Japanese wood censer, carved in the form of a comical shi shi or foo dog, standing upright on four straight legs with knobby toes, and ending in a round hollowed body. The shi shi’s face has a priceless comical expression with pink lips and protruding tongue around an open, grinning mouth, and is attached to the body by a wooden hinge and can be positioned open or closed. When closed, the smoke from the burning incense wafts through his pierced eyes and mouth. This... Click for details

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