Near Pair of Japanese Jizai Kagi Wood Koi Folk Art Sculptures

Entitled "Rhythm", this abstract sculpture was made by Japanese bamboo artist Honda Syoryu (Japanese, born 1951) in 2005. The free vertical form defies the limit of the traditional material bamboo as a rigid medium, and instead displays a nearly impossibly fluidity. Rooted in ages of tradition of Japanese basket weaving, the artist managed to break that ikebana tradition using bending and twisting techniques to create a pure sculptural work. The work is a testament of how traditional craft can be reinvented into modern art form. Signed with carved signature "Syoryu" underneath. The sculpture is displayed on a custom-made stand and can be appreciated from all angles. It comes with its original box and cloth, with label and Japanese inscription as shown. Provenance: Purchased in 2005 from Tai Modern...

A contemporary Japanese bamboo sculpture entitled Light at Dawn (Gyoko) made in 2004 by Kawano Shoko (B. 1957). This airy piece is unconventi...

A contemporary hand-woven bamboo sculpture in an organic form by Japanese bamboo artist Mimura Chikuho (1973-). Named "Cloud on the Peak", the piece was made as one of his series in 2004. Entirely hand-woven in irregular plaiting, the artist challenged the traditional bamboo basket making and elevated it into modern abstract sculpture. The minimalist donut form resembles the hat-shaped cloud formed around the peak of the mountain (often seen on Fujisan in Japanese art). It displays a wonderful subtle undulation and irregularity in its organic shape, achieved by a mastery of the traditional technique. The irregular plaiting appears chaotic in its busy crossing patterns yet as a whole, the piece strangely quiet and introverted, demanding contemplation from the viewer. Signed "Chikuho" underneath in Kanji. The piece comes with its original storage paper box and a silk bag. Provenance: Purchased from Tai Gallery/Textile Arts now (Tai Modern) in Santa Fe. Mimura Chikuho was born in 1973 in Tokyo. He studied under Yufu Shohaku...

An exceptional and wood statue of Buddhism Guardian Seitaka Doji from Japan circa Edo period (1603-1868), likely the earlier part of 17th century. One of two chief attendants of Fudou Myouou (the other being Kongara Doji), the name of Seitaka Doji is a transliteration of Sanskrit "Cetaka", meaning servant, slave, and he is said to personify expedient action. He is most commonly found on the right side of Fudou, together with Kongara Doji on the left, forming the Immovable triad, Fudou Sanzon, the terror of evil doers. Seitaka largely adheres to the iconography of a wrathful youth with fleshy body and face, skin in the color of a red lotus, has his hair tied in five knots, and holds a vajra in his left hand and a vajra-club in his right hand, but the actual artistic representations of him in Japan do...

A beautiful Japanese bronze koi fish sculpture with wonderful mesh craftsmanship and a glowing patina. This piece may have initially been made to u...

Early Japanese Hinoki wood sculpture of Bishamon. Kamakura period (1185 - 1333) sculpture made from hinoki wood. Bishamon is also known as Tamonten, meanin...

Japan, a beautiful, unusual and possibly unique antique hand cast bronze "Kappa" (child protector) sculptor complete with a separately formed bronze pair of 3.5 inch long cucumbers- a kappa's favorite snack food. Signed. Signed An incised artist signature “Bunraku” on base. "Bunraku" is associated with Japanese puppet play and performance, Kappa Bring Good Fortune Japanese Kappa...

This is truly a wonderful piece with clear age and a nice patina to it. Very unique. We have not seen another quite like it. The monk appears to have glass eyes which gives his expression a very humanistic feel. The head is removable (please see the last image). From a collection of Japanese arts and artifacts. Most likely dates back to the Edo period. Would make for a nice addition to any Japanese or Asian artifacts...