Brocade Furniture

Important unique set of two suits-of-armour (yoroi), complete with two high six-panel screens, that belong together as is indicated by the used family crests (mon). Two crests are used, both belonging to the Nakagawa family of Oka Castle, Ôita prefecture on Kyûshû. They are: – the Nakagawa-kurusu, a circle depicting a Celtic-like cross through a ring. The cross was originally a Christian symbol but after the ban on Christianity in Japan the use of a hidden cross in family crests could continue. – the Nakagawa-kashiwa, two leaves of the Japanese Emperor Oak turned to each other (dakikashiwa mon). The remarkable aspect of this ensemble is the presence of matching crests on both the yoroi and the accompanying folding screens. The kurusu and kashiwa crests adorning the yoroi are elegantly replicated on the screens, providing compelling evidence that these pieces form a harmonious and unified set. This exceptional cohesion between the armour and screens further enhances their artistic and historical value. After the warlord Toyotomi Hideyoshi (1537-1598) had interfered in the battle between the Lord of Bungo Province Ôtomo Yoshi-mune (1558-1605) and the Shimazu of Hyûga Province, he split the Bungo Province in a number of small fiefs and transferred in 1594 Nakagawa Hideshige (1570-1612) from Miki Castle in the Harima Fief to Oka Castle in Kyûshû. The Nakagawa family stayed in possession of Oka Castle till the abolishment of the military use of castles in 1873. In 1884 the Nakagawa family received the title of Count (a title in use till the abolishment of aristocracy in 1947). After the Nakagawa’s left, the castle and the building soon dilapidated and is now known as Oka Castle Ruins. The castle is located in Taketa Village part of Taketa Town in Ôita Province on Kyûshû. > Set of two tall byôbu (folding screens), painted with large red jinmaku (camp enclosure curtain) on a gold leaf ground. The curtains show both crests of the Nakagawa family: one screen depicts two Nakagawa-kurusu crests next to a Nakagawa-kashi crest in the middle, and the other shows the symbols the other way round. Dimensions: Total width 148.66 in/377.6 cm (2 x 25.35 in/64.4 cm, 4 x 24.48 in/62.2 cm); Height 72.63 in/184.5 cm. Period: Japan – Late Edo period (First half 19th century), and maybe even older. > Yoroi with Nakagawa-kashiwa crest: A Japanese black lacquered suit-of-armour (yoroi) completely laced with orange cords (kuro’urushinuri hi’ito odoshi nimai’dô’maru). A thirty-two plate suji’bachi kabuto (helmet with raised ridges) with in front a maedate (fore crest) -with traces of gilding- in the shape of flames, resembling a mythical flaming bird flying down. The fukikaeshi (face guards) and the mabizashi (visor) have the Nakagawa-kashiwa crest in gold maki-e lacquer. Five curved ‘itazane’-plate neck guards (shikoro) laced with orange cords. Together with an ‘angry man...

The kindest face and most assuring smile. A finely painted Thangka by one of our master artists in Nepal depicting White Tara surrounded by mantra and Eight Tibetan Treasures. Seated...

Japanese Six-Panel Screen: Pine Trees in the Mist This Japanese six-panel screen, dating to the Meiji period (circa 1880), depicts a sweeping grove of pine trees emerging through la...

Exceptionally fine 18th century Italian silk and silver metallic thread lampas brocade panel with nicely aged color. Red silk backing w/ attached strip of fabric for a hanging rod. ...

Japanese Six-Panel Screen: Maple Over Water This Japanese six-panel screen, dating to the late Meiji period (circa 1900), depicts a kingfisher perched upon a graceful maple branch e...

Antique Japanese Samurai Suit of Armor, Edo period, 18th century. A complete matching set of lacquered iron work; the cuirass with dragonfly decoration and blue lacing, a Kaga schoo...

A finely gilded, hand painted Tibetan Thangka depicting the beloved Green Tara. Seated lalita asana, Tara has her right foot on a pendulous lotus in the motion of stepping down from ...

One of our finest hand painted Tibetan Thangkas from Nepal. This extraordinary Thangka depicts 108 Buddhas with consorts in celestial court witnessing Amitabha's achievement of nirva...

Golden clouds encompass the islands of Matsushima, located in the north-east of Sendai in Miyagi prefecture in the Tohoku region. Beautifully painted with mineral pigments, gold leaf...

A vintage Japanese Showa era handcrafted silk brocade woman's wedding kimono circa 1940 with intricate hand-embroidered details depicting large flowers and a cart. Steeped in cultura...

A large Japanese Wedding Kimono with bold embroidery designs. The auspicious attire was known as Uchikake and was worn by the bride during the wedding ceremony made from silk and hea...

A Japanese Kesa (Monk's Vestment) with a rare and detailed ink dedication inscription verso dated to 1876. This Kesa robe was made from thirteen columns of p...

Various flowers on water's edge with a garden fence and gold dust with heavy gold leaf clouds. Mineral pigments on gold with a silk brocade border and black lacquer trim. Back of scr...

A wonderful scene of water in abstract designs with Japanese red pine and fishing nets. Very unusual, early painting, possibly used architectually in fusuma, later mounted to be used...

USA, 1970s Sculptural chaise lounge in a compact size, was reupholstered at some point and no labels remain. Open, light, and the scale is suc...

A visually striking antique Uchikake Wedding Kimono/Robe for ceremonial occasion, circa end of Meiji to Taisho period 1910s-1930s. This bridal outer garment is of a bright red color ...

Court Uniform for Imperial Appointee, c. 1887. Wool with gold brocade. Court and military uniforms in emulation of European ensembles were officially adopted by the Japanese gover...

2 Elegant pairs of Denning & Fourcade Bridgewater club chairs with matching ottomans detailed with contrasting trim and fringe. Upholstered in a...

A knife-edge rectangular accent pillow, made out of an Early 20th century Japanese Silk Obi. The Obi is the long sash that wraps around a k...

Luxurious golden pine with gold raised relief on gold silk with silk brocade border and black lacquer trim with bronze mounts. Signature and seal read: Takuyo. Back Label Reads: ...

French sofa from the 19th century, Napoleon III period. The sofa has been restored and the upholstery replaced with a beautiful Italian Brocade. France...

A pair of framed antique Chinese embroidery textile panels circa 19th century of Qing Dynasty. Each piece features two mirror-matchin...

An exquisitely hand painted Tibetan Thangka by one of our master artists in Nepal featuring Buddha Shakyamuni. On lotus throne above ocean waves and an altar bowl overflowing with fl...

Circa 1930s French silk brocade clutch with gilt brass & carved carnelian in woven brass clasp. Back with hand grip. Some losses near the top on both sides...

A wild landscape of rolling hills, cherry trees, willow and pines with cherry blossoms dropping their petals. Beautifully executed use of gold leaf with good veining and gold dust cr...

Golden clouds encompass the islands of Matsushima, located in the north-east of Sendai in Miyagi prefecture in the Tohoku region. Beautifully painted with mineral pigments, gold leaf...

Early 20th C. Louis XV style Canape loveseat settee in tufted brocade with plush goose down loose cushion, wrap around back & hand carvings throughout. A very sweet loveseat of heirl...

Elegant fabric named "broccatello" with red flowers on a light background. To be used where a nice fabric is needed.

A six-panel painted folding floor screen from Korea circa early 20th century. This type of screen is called Chaekgeori (books and things) which is quite unique to Korea. It became popular at the end of 18th century favored and encouraged by King Jeongjo (1752-1800) as a political tool to promote social conservatism such as the traditional Confucianism value, especially considered important in a time when waves of new ideology influx came to Korea. Initially commissioned for the royal court, they became increasingly popular with the scholars of noble and affluent households and were used widely in their halls and studies. Early screens were painted with trompe-l’oeil bookcases displaying books and arrays of collectibles. Later, the bookcases were eliminated to focus on the assemblage of neatly stacked books and objects of scholarly pursue. On this screen, the six panels were neatly presented and framed in woven brocade borders. Among the stacked volumes, one can find many fine porcelain vases with flowers, potted orchids, pen holders with brush pens and scroll paintings, incense burner, ink stone, teapot, fan with ink painting, vessels of fruits, exotic plants such as lotus, plumeria and even a pair of glasses. It feels like a pleasant visual measure hunting for the viewers. Several words in Chinese found their way into the picture as well, including filial (xiao), longevity (shou) and luck (fu). The painting was done in a meticulous way with no details overlooked and also with a rather western still-life dimensional perspective. In a rather unusual maximal but also minimalistic way, the screen exudes a historical charm with a folky flair but appears modern at the same time. Each panel is 17.5"w by 70.2"h. For general information on the subject see reference: Chaekgeori the Power and Pleasure of Possessions in Korean Painted Screens...

Vintage Mid-Century Modern Wrought Iron Vanity Stool. Circa 1960s Features an avocado-green wrought-iron frame with the original gold-velvet upholst...

Red and yellow chrysanthemums and pampass grasses. Meiji period (1868 - 1912), Rimpa style painting in mineral pigments on mulberry paper with a silk brocade border.

On mulberry paper with silk brocade. From the estate of Andrea Bollt. Artist's seal reads: Mitsushito (died 1922).

Exquisite Japanese contemporary hand-crafted oshie wall decorative art piece in stunning red, white, orange and gold depicting a dramatic scene from Renjishi, one of the most popular...

Pair of 19th century armchairs, Napoleon III period. The armchairs have been restored and the upholstery has been replaced with a beautiful Italian Brocade...

Showa period (1926 - 1989) painting with a strong design of exotic lilies and a cluster of nadeshiko (dianthus) under a silver moon on gold. This painting has a modern flair, which ...

A magnificent example of 19th-century European craftsmanship, this armchair is a study in sculptural elegance and historical grandeur. This piece, originating from Denmark, draws ins...

with gold flake design. Mineral pigments on mulberry paper, with silk brocade border, and red negoro style lacquer trim.

A beautiful pair of Italian wrought Iron andirons in the form of horses.

A scene from the Heike wars (12th century wars) showing two high ranking samurai warriors of the Genji clan, Sasaki Shiro Takatsuna and Kajiwara Genta Kagesue, racing each other on h...

Visually striking vintage Uchikake Wedding Kimono/Robe for ceremonial occasions. This bridal outer garment is of a white and red color that features elaborate and intricate embroide...

Japanese Six-Panel Screen: Pheasant in River Landscape This Japanese six-panel screen, dating to the late Edo period (circa 1800), depicts a pheasant inhabiting an idealized river l...

With nandin, narcissus and chrysanthemums. Signature and seal read: Koun. Mineral pigments on mulberry paper with a silk brocade border.

Pair of impressive, antique kakejiku (hanging scrolls) showcasing the awe-inspiring Niô guardians, also referred to as heavenly kings. Each painting cap...

A sublime, rare Thangka of Goddess Kurukulla, the Red Tara, finely portraited by a master artist in Nepal. Kurukulla comes to the aid of love and relationship...

A Noh costume made from magnificent silk twill brocade woven with metallic gold threads circa 1930s. The robe is identified as "Atsuita", made for male actors in the Noh play. The luxuriant fabric has a deep blue background with golden interlocking hexagon pattern that resembles tortoise shells, the symbol of longevity. The motifs showcase three auspicious symbols in repetitive patterns: roundels of coiled dragon, phoenix and peony. The kimono robe...

Elegant Moroccan caftan gold and aquamarine blue metallic gorgeous vintage hostess gown. Floral multi-colored brocade Kaftan circa 1970s. Exotic ...

A knife-edge rectangular bolster pillow, made out of an Early 20th century Japanese Silk Obi. The Obi is the long sash that wraps around a ...

People dressed in ceremonial robes and masks celebrate the New Year. On New Year's eve a traditional Japanese custom is to ward off evil spirits by pretending to chase away people w...

Exquisite contemporary Japanese two panel folding screen or "byobu" featuring genryoku style handcrafted silk raised kimono in cream and gold needlework on a mesmerizing red background. Tagasode is the way a genryoku kosode kimono is hung over a kimono rack...

French sofa and two armchairs from the 19th century, Napoleon III period. The whole set has been restored and the upholstery replaced with a beautiful Italian Brocade...

A finely painted Tibetan Thangka featuring the five wealth gods Jambhala. In the center the most powerful Yellow Jambhala sits on a lotus throne in the vajra position with his right ...

Japanese red pine tree in sumi-e ink on gold with silk brocade border and black lacquer trim. Signature and seal read: Tosa Mitsutake. Notes about the artist: Tosa Mitsutake (1844–1...

Exquisite Japanese contemporary framed oshie wall decorative art piece, recreating a famous painting from Meiji period featuring a Japanese dancer holding a net with cherry blossom ...

An exquisitely hand painted Tibetan Thangka by one of our master artists in Nepal featuring the majestic White Tara. Seated Dhyana Asana upon a lotus throne, her ethereal presence is...

A Japanese silk Fukusa panel circa late 19th-early 20th century of Meiji Period. The front was beautifully decorated with Yuzen-zome, a labor intensive resist-dye technique invested by an artist monk Miyazaki Yuzensai (1654 -1736) of Edo period. The auspicious composition features a group of red-crown cranes, the symbol of longevity. Three of them perch on the rock by the ocean (East Sea) an two of them are in flight. Additionally, two egrets frolic in the wave. Yuzen dying was used extensively to showcase the amazing details such as the waves and the gradual coloring effect. Embroidery was used sparsely to highlight areas such as the legs of the crane to render it more dimensional details. The piece has a red silk backing and still retains four blue tassels on corners as well as decorative stitches along the edges. Fukusa is a traditional Japanese textile...

Buck and doe under a red maple on heavy gold. Mineral pigments on gold leaf on paper with silk brocade border and black lacquer trim. White deer are considered a symbol of longevity ...

Exceptional Japanese contemporary two-panel "byobu" or folding screen featuring two graceful ladies dressed in elegant formal traditional Japanese kimonos. This folding screen is ins...

Visually striking vintage Uchikake silk brocade embroidery ceremonial Kimono/Robe. This bridal outer garment is of a red color that features elaborate and intricate brocade embroider...

Nicely painted magnolia tree and bamboo with chickadees. Mineral pigments on silk with black lacquer trim and period bronze mounts. Signature and sela read: Ichijo saku.

A wonderful, beautifully ornamented and somewhat rare fully intact Japanese Buddhist monk/ priest's Kesa ceremonial silk robe featuring various colorful birds in flight. Kesa (which came from the Chinese word "kasaya") robes have been handmade/handstitched by monks/priests as an act of devotion as ceremonial robes for centuries in various Asian cultures (Japanese, Chinese, Korean, Vietnamese, Indian, etc.). The kesa is a rectangular garment designed to be worn over the left shoulder (see example image). The robes are made (often in a patchwork column pattern ranging from five, seven, nine or more pannels) specifically for fully ordained Buddhist monks, priests and nuns and are made from donations of exquisite textiles from wealthy patrons of Japanese Buddhist temples. The robes were used in daily ceremonies, temple gatherings, and private meditation. Antique Kesa robes...