Meiji Sculptures and Carvings

A lovely antique pair (2) Japanese hand-painted six-panel folding screens byobu- each conceived in an attractive birds, trees, and blue waters motif. Likely given as a wedding gift...

An older and substantial late 19th to early 20th century stone Buddha/Jizo Guardian sculpture in a mudra of prayer Good garden candidate In Japan, Kṣitigarbha, known as Jizō, or re...

Our large, antique circular jade exhibition screen from the Tsuda family is decorated with abalone shell, malachite, coral, lapis lazuli, pearl, and other hardstones. Depicted is a lakeside with figures in boats, colorful blooming flowers in the foreground, figures, pagoda and bridge and a rocky outcropping in the distance. The legendary Tsuda family in Kyoto is revered around the world for their embellished jade carvings, particularly snuff bottles. Works by Tsuda Sokan and his son Tsuda Fukuya, regularly appear at auction and can be found in prestigious collections worldwide. Recommended literature: Moss, Graham, Tsang, A Treasury of Chinese Snuff Bottles, The Mary and George Bloch...

This is an old carved wooden fish made in Japan. It was made during the Meiji period (1860s-1900s) and was carefully carved one by one using chestnut wood. The annual ring pattern th...

A Massive Japanese Patinated Bronze Sculpture of a Tiger, Meiji Period. Signed. Measuring an impressive 44 inches in length, this extraordinary sculpture is a striking example of t...

Zō-onna Noh Theatre Mask, Meiji Period Noh Mask, Japanese Noh Mask, Antique Japanese Mask, Antique Noh Mask, Noh Theatre Mask, Samurai, Japanese Antique. Beautifully carved and hand...

A spectacular Japanese cast, carved, and parcel gilt bronze sculpture, okimono, of a kneeling samurai archer, signed Kiyotsugu (died 1894), Meiji ...

From our recent Japanese Acquisition Travels- a big and lovely big 13 inch diameter hand painted bowl from Japan. Japan hard to find early hand painted ceramic lush "garden scene" serving bowl, circa 1910. Inside painting depicts elite individual with his attendants seated amidst a three some of cranes, plush patterns, foliage and seas. The exterior a dragon style...

Antique Japanese root stand. Meiji period (1868-1912) carving from a single piece of fruitwood in a natural root design. Originally made for presen...

A wonderful serene Japanese Amida Nyorai Buddha statue/sculpture with gilt decoration - likely applied as temple or shrine blessing or offerings. The B...

A Special Antique Interior Lighting Choice- One Of Kind And Over 100 Years Old Japan, a well loved antique heavy bronze shrine lantern with attractive Hoju jewel finial, heart shape...

A handsome pair of Japanese hand cast Mandarin Duck screen holders with highly detailed plumage possessing a lovely original jade green finish , early Taisho period, early 20th cen...

One "Deer" lantern Available Call or Contact Us For Details A tall antique classsic beauty with all original pieces. Japan, a fine tall kasuga "deer" granite stone lantern with ...

A Meiji lacquered box in the shape of a seated lady made by Meigetsusai Kazuyoshi. This is a n extremely rare decorative box made in the shape of a ...

This item is a giant wooden penis that was used in old Japanese houses from the late 19th century to the early 20th century (Meiji to Taisho eras). This i...

Featuring Seven Japanese Macaques Form our Japanese collection, we are delighted to offer this Japanese Bronze Monkey Group by Shosai. The Japanese Bronze Group displaying a male father monkey and his infants playing around and being mischievous with Persimmon fruit. The monkeys modelled as Japanese macaque monkeys (snow monkey). The bronze okimono is beautifully patinated with a highly lifelike and naturalistic casting signed to the underside Shosai 正齊鋳. The Bronze group dates to the Meiji Period (1868-1912) circa 1885. Japanese macaque (snow monkey) is a terrestrial Old World monkey species that is native to Japan. They are known as snow monkeys because some live in areas where snow covers the ground for long periods each year hence their nickname. No other non-human primate lives further north or in a colder climate than the snow monkey. Individuals have brownish grey fur, pinkish-red faces, and short tails. Two subspecies are known and their conservation Status is of least concern. In Japan, the species is known as Nihonzaru ニホンザル, 日本 (Japan/Nihon) and saru 猿 (monkey) to distinguish it from other primates, but the Japanese macaque is the only species of monkey in Japan. The Japanese macaque features heavily in the religion, folklore, and art of Japan, as well as in proverbs and idiomatic expressions in the Japanese language. They are often seen in paintings, block prints and represented in all manner of carvings from Okimono to netsuke. Many of these art forms reside in the world’s most famous museums and collections, some of the most prominent pieces by artists such as Mori Sosen and Kawanabe Kyosai. In Shinto belief (Japan’s indigenous religion/nature religion) legendary mythical beasts known as raiju sometimes appeared as monkeys and kept Raijin (the god of lightning/storms) company. In another well known tale the three wise monkeys who warn people to “see no evil, hear no evil and speak no evil” can be seen depicted in relief over the door of the famous Tosho-gu shrine in Nikko. Meiji Period was an era of Japanese history that spanned from 1868 to 1912. It was the first half of the Empire of Japan, when the Japanese people began to build a paradigm of a modern, industrialised nation state and emergent great power, influenced by Western countries and aesthetics. As a result of radically different ideas, the changes to Japan were profound and it affected the social structure, politics, economy, military, and foreign relations across the board. The period corresponded to the reign of Emperor Meiji and was preceded by the Keio era and was succeeded by the Taisho era. Cultural Art during the Meiji Period was of particular interest to the government and they overhauled the art export market which in turn promoted Japanese arts via various world’s fairs, beginning in Vienna at the world fair in 1873. The government heavily funded the fairs and took an active role organising how Japan’s culture was presented to the world including creating a semi-public company named Kiritsu Kosho Kaisha (First Industrial Manufacturing Company). The Kiritsu Kosho Kaisha was used to promote and commercialise exports of Japanese art and established the Hakurankai Jimukyoku (Exhibition Bureau) to maintain quality standards. For the 1876 Centennial International Exhibition in Philadelphia, the Japanese government created a Centennial Office and sent a special envoy to secure space for the 30,000 items that would be displayed. The Imperial Household also took an active interest in arts and crafts, commissioning works by select artists to be given as gifts for foreign dignitaries further emphasising the high quality and importance of Japanese art. Just before the end of the 19th century in 1890, the Teishitsu Gigeiin (Artist to the Imperial Household) system was created to recognise distinguished artists. These artists were selected for their exceptionally high quality wares and talent in their own industry. Over a period of 54 years Seventy artists were appointed, amongst these were ceramicist Makuzu Kozan and cloisonné enamel artist...

Rare find!: 24 feet long Zen monk Mala Prayer Bead String plus original wooden alms bowl with its original attached triangular shaped stone ojime. A huge...

Early 20th century mechanical toy from Kobe, Japan. This small mechanical toy was made in Kobe, Japan. This is the classic doll of a man chopping an...

Just discovered from an old Kyoto area garden. Call or message us for details or to reserve. Please view our video. For the finest garden- an exceptional and spiritual representation of the Buddha expressed in this unique and substantial 10 feet five roof pagoda with four buddha images carved on base. Japan, a monumental antique stone pagoda...

Japanese Meiji period netsuke. of a Yamabushi. This is an exceedingly beautiful and intricate carved netsuke, created during the imperial Japan in the Meiji period, back in he 1890....

From Japan comes this seldom found , one of a kind large granite stone display base featuring four sets of altar steps- an impressive and spiritually significant object for displayin...

Sculptural signed Okimono from the Japanese Meiji period (1868-1912). Very rare, unusual and large sculptural assembling of a dysplaying piece of okimono. Created in Japan during the imperial period of the Meiji (1868-1912). This extraordinary okimono was carefully carved depicting a group of three intricately and realistically rendered carousing skeletons (Gaikotsu) in relax and resting position, drinking and smoking. Two of them, probably males representations are resting on a wicker sofa. The third, is a woman seated in a lower stool...

YOUNG MAN WOOD CUTTING From our Japanese collection, we are pleased to offer this Japanese Bronze Okimono by Yamamoto Kozan. The Japanese Bronze Sculpture cast in Bronze with a natu...

Japanese Meiji period letter opener. An exceptional letter opener, created during the imperial Japan in the Meiji period, back in he 1900. The letter opener has been carefully carve...

Japanese Okimono bronze deer Male deer sculpture during mating season It can be seen that the deer is in the mating season (Bellowing). Sculpture of Japanese Origin from the Meiji pe...

Waling cane from the Meiji Period (1868-1912). This is a fabulous antique walking cane created in the imperial Japan during the Meiji period (1868-1912), circa 1880's. The cane was ...

Japanese SHIBAYAMA carving with mushroom, insects and phallus ~ Meiji

Japanese Shibayama cards case holder. This is a lovely late 19th century Imperial Japan, Gold lacquer and Shibayama cards case. Created during the the Meiji period (1868-1912), the ...

Best Quality, Hard To Find, complete with antique wooden collector box tomobako A fine pair (2) of Japanese antique hand cast gilt bronze Mandarin Duck screen holders with highly d...

Unusual Casting of a Pheasant in Flight From our Japanese collection, we are delighted to offer this Japanese bronze okimono of a Pheasant upon a naturalistic root wood base. The Ph...

A rare 19th century hard to find Japanese Usubata Flower Planter Cart "Norimono", Late Meiji Period. Japan, this handsome quality old style "garden cart" ikebana planter is an exceptionally rare find and an authentic old work of Japanese art. Brilliantly designed and a handsome plant presentation with removable ikebana vase inserted into an openwork wicker basket set on a wheeled cart...

Netsuke in boxwood representing a group of three toads, laying on a flat base, inlaid eyes made of water buffalo horn. Signed underneath the platform. The frog (kaeru) is associated ...

Just discovered from an old southern Japanese area garden and now in our Vermont warehouse. Please view our video. Call or message us to reserve- now en route in our container fr...

Japanese Satsuma, a fine and monumental 18" Meiji period charger Ozara with rare motif: Captain fisherman and his fish. Depicting a tale of Urashima Tarō* (see below), Signed Jyukan pottery by Chinjyu Makoto, in a lovely gold gilt and red detailed hand-painted composition Age: 1880-1900. Dimensions: 18 inches diameter and includes owner's signed wooden presentation box, tomobako. Hand made and hand painted. Finest quality. Provenance: Old Southern Japanese collection. Urashima Tarō (浦島 太郎?) is a Japanese legend about a fisherman who holds a fishing pole and rescues a turtle and is rewarded for this with a visit to Ryūgū-jō, the palace of Ryūjin, the Dragon God, under the sea. He stays there for three days and upon his return to his village, finds himself 300 years in the future. Finest quality. Largest size. Original collector box tomobako included. Lifetime guarantee of authenticity: All of our Asian works of art come with our Lifetime Authenticity Guarantee. We are members of the North American Japanese Garden Association (NAJGA) specializing for ten years now in old and authentic Japanese stone...

This is a stone carved frog made in Japan. It was made between the Meiji and Taisho periods (1860s-1920s), and is an atmospheric sculpture with a long history. In Japan, frogs have ...

Presenting an extraordinary Large and Exceptional Japanese Meiji Period Tokyo School Bronze Sculpture depicting a delightful ensemble of six energe...

An amazing and glistening blue and white glazed "Koi" ceramic bowl crafted during the Meji period . Beautiful white flowers are revealed in under glaze cream and blue colors. Fine...

Truly stunning pair of hand-carved wood Japanese buddha statues / sculptures that sit serenely atop their lotus petal thrones. The intricately c...

This is an old stone carved kappa statue made in Japan. It was made during the Meiji period (1860s-1900s) and has a unique presence rooted in traditional Japanese culture. Kappa are...

Japan, an elegant and fine seated Amidha Nyorai Buddha with fingers clasped in a pensive "Dhyani" Mudra pose, a superb work of art cast in bronze. It dates to the 19th century Meiji...

Netsuke, très probablement en bois d’ébène, représentant deux souris sur une vannerie, l’une s’en extrayant et l’autre reposant dessus. Traitement réaliste du pelage et de la queue a...

A signed Okimono from the Japanese Meiji period (1868-1912). Very rare, unusual and large sculptural assembling of a dysplaying piece of okimono. Created in Japan during the imperia...

A large and stylish antique Japanese Meiji bronze lidded twin handle urn standing on a rounded plinth base with tongue and grotesque head formed legs with dragon handles and a flat c...

Magnificent and powerful, fantastically sculptural, ferocious bronze Japanese writhing sea dragon candleholder is coiled around itself, with an uplifted head and a stylized plume of ...

Japanese Kimono storage box, constructed of wood and bamboo, painted black with family crest painted in red on the sides. The top has wood slats, which ...

Pair of Japanese lacquered wood figures depicting seated Foo Dogs or Guardian Lions in a deep red-brown lacquer with stylized mane and tail, having reverse painted glass eyes and sea...

PRESENTING A RARE Vintage Chinese Green & Brown Jadeite Serpentine Foo Dog Chop Seal. Hong Kong/Chinese, circa 1950. A fantastically carved Foo Dog in a co...

An fine, antique Japanese pottery Daruma figurine. In the form of a Daruma, a depiction of Bodhidharma the semi-legendary founder of Zen/Chan Buddhism. The figure's face and protruding toes are an unglazed dark brown and his robe has a dark red glaze. Simply a charming Japanese figurine...

Rare one-of-a-kind collection Japanese Connoisseurs Collection of Five (5) Fine Antique Smoking Pipes, Kiseru. You dont need to be a conn...

Meiji Bronze Fisherman Okimono, Sealed Masatsune saku Japan, Meiji period (1868–1912) A fine and rare Meiji period bronze Okimono of a fisherman by Masatsune Saku, originating from Japan and crafted during the Meiji period (1868–1922). This exquisite piece is a notable example of the Tokyo School's artistry, dating to the late 19th century. The Okimono depicts a fisherman seated on a four-rung ladder, holding a bamboo fishing rod...

A very fine and detailed Tokyo School cast bronze okimono (decorative sculpture) of a smiling farmer, Meiji period, late 19th century, Japan. The e...

This 19th Century bronze male lion is in very good condition. No significant damage to the lion or its lacquered wood base. The left glass eye of the lion is missing. The joint where...

A blanc de chine porcelain figure of the Buddha, Japanese, Kutani, circa 1900.

A fine lacquer decorated carved boxwood netsuke of a Noh dancer in a Hannya role, unsigned, Meiji period, late 19th century, Japan. The boxwood netsuke finely carved as a kneeling Noh dancer dressed in striking geometric patterned robes. The actor holds an opened war fan behind their back in one hand, a Shinto wand slung over the shoulder in the other. The war fan, tessen, decorated in red lacquer with a golden rising sun at the center. Tessen were sturdy fans used by samurai as protective devices, and sometimes as weapons. The wand, called an onusa, is a traditional Shinto ritual implement comprised of folded paper streamers, shide, attached to a wooden wand, often used in purification rituals. Here, the shide are crafted from silver maki-e, with the handle of the natural boxwood. The actor wears a fierce and unearthly hannya mask...

Special find from our last Japanese Acquisition Here's a beautiful and unique way to accent your indoor or outdoor garden space with these treasures from Japan! This special ...

The year of the dragon shines an additional spotlight on this beautiful antique teakwood sculpture. The detail and the patina are amazing. The hand carved dragon takes on a lifelike ...

This jizai is an excellent example of a well-balanced and pleasingly carved sculpture of koi swimming in waves. Once part of a Japanese hanger (jizagake) for a kettle hook, it served...

This is an ornament based on the ancient Japanese folk belief of the prosperity of descendants. In the past, when medical care was not as advanced as it is today, it was difficult t...