Japanese Scroll Painting "Dragon Lady" Benzaiten, Taisho Period, Early 20th C

A delightful Japanese six panel painted paper screen featuring the beloved figure Hotei, Edo Period, early 19th century. Hotei, called Budai in China, and known as the Laughing Buddha or Fat Buddha in the West, is considered to be an emanation of Maitreya, the Buddha of the Future. In Japan, he also holds a special place as one of the Seven Lucky Gods, being the god of fortune, and protector of children. He is always portrayed as a mirthful and corpulent man, dressed in loose robes that show off his round belly. He carries a sack with him, said to be filled with treasure. As the protector of children, he is often portrayed with them playing on or around him, as he is here. The children portrayed in this screen are dressed in Chinese style clothing...

An elegant Japanese cast bronze okimono of a swimming carp, Taisho Period (1912 - 1926), early 20th century, Japan. The graceful fish portrayed realistically in motion, as if swimmi...

A large and powerful pair of Japanese calligraphic works, mid 20th century, Japan. One reading "Dragon", the other reading "Tiger". Ink on handmade paper, framed. The brush strok...

A large and incredible Japanese painting of a Buddhist temple hall with Amida Nyorai, late Edo or early Meiji period, mid-19th century, Japan. Mounted wit...

An important Chinese 17th century early Qing Dynasty "Water and Land Ritual" painting, mineral pigment and ink on silk, mounted as a scroll, framed and glazed. The painting depicting groups of heavenly court officials and deities descending from the clouds to participate in the Liberation Rite of Land and Water. The figures all wear full, sumptuous robes, complete with hats indicating their station. The blue, green, red, black and white of the robes decorated with gilt dragon and geometric designs. This painting is interesting in that it incorporates Daosit deities and heavenly officials coming down to participate in the Buddhist rite. There are five distinct groups of figures, each with a small inscribed plaque. Some of the groups are identified as Tian Xian, or Heavenly Immortals. The group at the bottom left are identified as the Sanguan Dadi, or Three Great Emperor-Officials. The Emperor of Heaven is dressed in blue robes with gilt painted dragons. The Emperor of Water wears black robes. The Emperor of Earth wears yellow robes...

An absolutely charming pair of Japanese Tosa School six-panel folding screens painted with the "One Hundred Boys at Play" motif, featuring a multitude...

Large and exceptional Japanese hanging scroll with a realistically painted depiction of a nesting crane by Yoshifuji Yoshio, Taisho/Showa perio...

Playful Cat Hirose Toho (1875-1930) Hanging scroll, ink, mineral pigments and gofun on silk. Painting inscription: Toho Sha Painting seals: Upper - Hirose Hitoshi Lo...

Japanese two-panel screen, study of an Okinawan mother and child, Taisho period early 20th century, dating from the 1920's. Signed by Matsumura Baiso, (1884-1935). Baiso was a studen...

Rare Japanese Taisho period Bijin-ga style painting of a beautiful woman in period kimono holding a fan, circa 1920. Bijin-ga is a Japanese term used to describe paintings or pict...

Extraordinary Japanese Taisho period two panel byobu screen depicting Fujiwara Yasumasa playing the flute in the Ichihara Moor. Fujiwara Yasumasa (958 to 1036) was a famous Heian period...

Kasahara Seiken White peacocks, circa 1916 Framed painting. Ink, color and gofun on silk. A Taisho period Japanese nihonga painting depicting a pair of white peacocks re...