Meiji Sculptures and Carvings

Presenting a stunning and rare vintage Chinese green and brown serpentine foo dog chop seal, Hong Kong/Chinese, circa 1950s or 1960s A fantastically carved...

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

A well cast pair of Japanese mixed metal okimono figures of Buddhist guardians, known as Nio or Dharmapala, protectors of Buddhist faith, Meiji Period, Japan. The smiling bronze g...

Two rare Japanese Izumo clay dolls of Emperor and Tenjin, Nara Prefecture, Meiji period. Material and simple execution impart a flavor of antiquity and great decorative power. Empero...

Depicting two large melons with calligraphy surmounted with lotus and flower and dragonfly. Painted in golds, reds, blues and green. Estate of John Volk, Pa...

A Japanese carved and painted wooden sign with a Samurai from the Meiji Period, 19th century. This 19th century sign with a samurai was made in wood and painted in Japan during the Meiji period. The narrow rectangular panel features a painted frame with a character depicted in the upper section, showcasing a seated samurai wearing his armour. The section below is adorned with four lightly carved and back painted calligraphies. This tall panel can be hinged thanks to two square buckles on the top. Made during the 19th century, this antique Meiji period painted wood sign...

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

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...

Just acquired in Kyoto, Japan A suumer time treat as this rendered smaller scale Japanese six-panel folding screen byobu was conceived in this convenient size 18 inches high and 4...

Rare "Signed" Pair From Old Japan Fine quality hand cast rabbits signed with their original artist makers signature on bottom This is a pair (2) of solid hand cast effigies of play...

An older and substantial late Meiji period stone Buddha/Jizo Guardian sculpture in a mudra of prayer Good garden candidate In Japan, Kṣitigarbha, known as Jizō, or respectfully as ...

Magnificent Meiji-era temple panel is traditionally placed above the entrance, gracing the space with spiritual protection and aesthetic beauty. Each panel vividly depicts a dragon, ...

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...

Rare Double Signed Buddha Japan, a fine antique Meiji period seated Buddha, hand cast bronze, with a fine medium to dark brown patina performing the mudra of compassion mudra. High...

This is a very old carved wooden monkey made in Japan. It is from the Meiji period (1860s-1920s). The material is cedar wood. It represents a mischievous monkey sitting with his mou...

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...

This is a very old Japanese wood carving of a fish. It is a wood carving from the Meiji period (1860s-1920s). It is carved from chestnut wood. This wood carving is attached to a fre...

The richly patinated bronze surface is beautifully chased, clearly stamped to the underside of the base by the highly regarded foundry of Genryusai Seiya, a specialist in bronze obje...

A striking root-wood display stand comprised of a series of entwined organic elements with various gnarled appendages, rising to support a plateau with a burled & polished surface. M...

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...

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...

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...

This is a very old Japanese wooden statue. It is from the Meiji era. (1860s-1900s). It appears to be made of cedar wood. It is called "Daikokut...

The finely carved & ebonized plateau in the form of open framework of pine tree limbs with etched fronds, rising from an entwined root-like skirt. ...

This is a very old Japanese wood carving of a fish. It is a wood carving from the Meiji period (1860s-1900s). It is carved from cedar wood. This wood carving is attached to a free h...

Unusual Japanese Folk Art theatre mask depicting the playful character Mitsumekozo, a three eyed goblin often portrayed as a mischevious creature in comical plays, late Meiji period,...

Just discovered from an old southern Japanese area garden and now in our Kyoto warehouse. Call or message us to reserve- now en route in our container from our Kyoto warehouse Fo...

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...

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...

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...

This is a natural wood in the shape of an old Japanese penis. It is extremely rare. It is believed to have been collected during the Meiji period (1860...

Call or Message Us For Details Or to Reserve. An antique classic beauty with all original pieces. The Zendō-ji Gata lantern Ishidōrō (禅導寺型石灯籠) is a unique design and very special J...

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 ...

Tenjin-Sama, Shinto Deity of Learning and Wisdom, Meiji Period Tenjin,-Sama, Deification of Sugawara no Michizane, was a famous scholar, poet and politician of the Heian period. In...

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...

This is a very old Japanese stone statue. It is from the Meiji era. (1860s-1900s). This stone statue is called "Daikokuten." Daikokuten is one ...

This looks like an old copperware, but it is a wood carving work. It is glossy because it is finished with black lacquer. It is a very delicate and beautiful sculpture. The expression of the lion is cool. Also, the sculpture on the tail is wonderful. It is thought that it was carved on wood such as Japanese cypress. The name of the engraver is also engraved. The name "Kichitaro" is engraved. I don't know the details of this person. There are also small cracks and defects. There is a loss in the lower part of his right ear and part of his tail. And there are lacquer cracks and wood cracks. This is an old one, so there is something like this. Also, in the case of Japanese and Chinese lions, a ball is attached to the left hand, but this is missing. However, it is a work that is quite impressive. It is a rare item...

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...

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...

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 tall ikebana vase / planter / or brush pot from a yew wood tree trunk with beautifully aged glowing surface color and great natural sculptural...

I would like to introduce a very interesting Japanese old wooden kimono. This is a wooden figurine in the shape of a tanuki. The raccoon dog has long b...

A Japanese wooden figurine of a Buddhist monk. In the form of a seated Buddhist monk. He holds a scroll in his left hand, and a mala/juzu (rosary) i...

From Japan, a beautiful hand-built, hand painted and glazed, blue and white "floral" tea bowl from the late Edo to earlhy Meiji period, 19th century, likely from an Arita pottery Kil...

Japanese champlevé bronze Kannon Bodhisattva Avalokiteshvara figure, Meiji period. 9 ¾ inches wide by 8 inches deep by 29 ½ inches tall

Rare Japanese Kutani Figure: Unveiling Tranquility and Spiritual Power from Meiji Period Japan Unveil a rare gem from Japan's historical Meiji ...

This is an outstanding pair of Meiji Period carved hardwood figures of a ferocious lion and tiger. The carving is exceptional as is the bone detailing of the mouthes and teeth. The f...

Japanese Okimono sculpture of a father and son. Very rare and highly detailed sculpture, created during the meiji period (1868-1912) in the imperial Japan, circa 1890. This sculptural Okimono is very well realized and exceptionally proportionate. Show the figures of a father and a son playing, with happiness and smiling. The father hold a big basket at his back and both personages are wearing kimonos richly engraved. This piece was made from a carving with exceptional craftsmanship and intricate details. This sculpture stand itself on his own base and have all retain of the applied ochre ink accents. Measures: 130 mm by 45 mm by 53.3 mm (5.1 x 1.75 x 2.1 inches). Weight: 81.30 grams. Note: This kind of family scene is very rare to seen in nineteenth century japanese iconography. Okimono Is a Japanese term meaning for display an ornament; art object; or decorative object, usually displayed in a tokonoma or butsudan "Buddhist altar". It is an ornament or figure, especially one placed in a guest room. An okimono may be a small Japanese carving, similar to but larger than a netsuke. Unlike the netsuke, which had a specific purpose, the okimono is exclusively decorative and was displayed in the tokonoma. During the Meiji period, many okimonos were made for export to the West. Meiji Period This is an era of Japanese history that extended from October 23, 1868 to July 30, 1912.The Meiji era was the first half of the Empire of Japan, when the Japanese people moved from being an isolated feudal society at risk of colonization by Western powers to the new paradigm of a modern, industrialized nation state and emergent great power, influenced by Western scientific, technological, philosophical, political, legal, and aesthetic ideas. As a result of such wholesale adoption of radically different ideas, the changes to Japan were profound, and affected its social structure, internal politics, economy, military, and foreign relations...

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...

Standing on a double lotus above an octagonal pedestal, holding a lotus bud and leaf in the left hand, the right hand hangs down in varadamudra, the shawl covers the shoulders and cr...

This is a very old Japanese wood carving of a monkey. It is a wood carving from the Meiji period (1860s-1900s). It appears to be carved from cedar wood. "Monkey holding a peach" Pea...

Japanese SHIBAYAMA carving with mushroom, insects and phallus ~ Meiji

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...

Japanese bronze Eagle modelled with its wings outstretched and head lowered, All the feather work is finely carved with rich brown patination, p...

Okimono set of japanese hand-crafted and hand-carved figurines, in the shape of a pair of realistic red apples showing seeds and stem, made of ivory with a detached brown wooden base...

Scultura Bronzo Raffigurazione Arciere periodo Meiji Firmata Descrizione: Scultura giapponese antica raffigurazione di arciere in bronzo realizzata...