Edo Furniture

Unkoku Toshuku (1722-1779) Crows and Pines A pair of six-panel Japanese Screens. Ink and gold leaf on paper. Dimensions: Each Screen: H. 170.5 cm x W. 375 cm Haha-cho or mynah birds, whose forms resemble crows in artwork, were commonly depicted in Japanese art. These types of paintings were originally modeled on paintings attributed to the 13th century Chinese painter Muqi (Mokkei), whose art was enormously influential in Japan. Crows only became a theme among Japanese artists from the later 1500s onward. They likely were inspired by these imported Chinese paintings of myna birds, which are not native to Japan, substituting the native species of crow instead.  The best known early examples of the depiction of Japanese crows are two Momoyama screen...

This is a small stone Buddhist statue, believed to have been created in the late Edo period (around the 19th century). Compact enough to rest in the palm of your hand, it weighs appr...

New finds from an farmer's Kura (traditional style warehouse) in Ibaraki pref., Japan. This mid-size, black Urushi lacquered Tansu chest of drawers is a product of late Edo to early...

An exceptionally fine and unusual Japanese lacquer writing implements box, suzuribako, in the form of a zither, koto, Edo Period, 18th century, Japan. With a modern wood storage box,...

A truly beautiful, wonderfully aged, alluring mask made for Japanese Noh theater. The naturally faded beauty and unique character drew us to this mask immediately. The mask is hand...

An uncommon Edo-period samurai jingasa, distinguished by its applied gilded crest decorations and rare gilded interior finish. Jingasa of this type were worn by samurai and retainers...

Okada Yosai (1785–1864) Red and White Plum Blossoms Pair of six-panel Japanese screens. Ink and silver leaf on paper. Dimensions (Each Screen): H. 105.5 cm x W. 270 cm (41.5” x 10...

Antique Japanese Suibokuga Landscape by Kano Tokinobu, 17th century. A sumi-e ink on paper painting illustrating a rocky seaside landscape containing buildings, vegetation and ship masts. The painting with 3 vermillion seals of the artist in the lower left corner. Japanese dry mount paper on a wood frame with thin brocade border silver leafed surround and lacquered wood outer frame. Condition: Lighter discoloration near the bottom of the painting, various paper restorations, other minor signs of age, wear, stains, otherwise fine condition. Age: Painting Edo Period, circa 1670. Mounting circa 1985. Image: 51-1/2 in. x 20-1/2 in. (131cm x 52cm) Frame: 59-1/4 in. x 25-1/4 in. (150cm x 64cm) Weight: 6 lbs. Provenance: with Honeychurch Antiques...

A Japanese 18th Century Tsukinami-e 6 Panel Floor Screen depicts the Activities of the Twelve Months of the Year, mineral pigments on gold leaf, mounted on wood panels with 6 frames...

This mid 19th century Japanese Meiji Period Kyo Satsuma Vase Lamp is a truly phenomenal piece of art. With multiple scenes that include Japanese figures in ceremonial costumes in var...

A wonderful Japanese woodblock print by famed Japanese artist Utagawa Hiroshige (Ando Hiroshige) (1797-1858) titled "Kinryuzan Temple, Asakusa" was initially conceived in 1856. It i...

New finds from the old-established family house in Ibaraki pref, Kanto area, Japan. Had been kept with care at the 2nd floor to avoid the humidity , even it was used as the exterior ...

A six-panel Japanese folding screen from the leading Maruyama-Shijo artist Okamoto Toyohiko (1773-1845). Simply featuring three deer and a few sprigs of foliage on a sumptuous gold-leaf background this work emphasizes naturalistic expression and a masterful use of negative space. Reduced to its most basic elements, the blank spaces inspire imagination and evoke the smells, sounds and even the weather of the scene. Whilst deer are traditionally depicted in association with autumn, here the green growth on the tops of the foliage indicates the season of spring. The work references Maruyama Okyo’s two-panel deer screen...

Early 19th Century Rimpa School Floral Screen Period: Early 19th Century Dimensions: 367x171 cm (144.5x67.3 inches) SKU: RJ118/2 This 6-panel gold-leafed screen is a splendid repre...

Extraordinary 19th Century hand carved wood mask believed to have once been a dramatic Noh Drama piece likely representing a giant or demon. The mask with expressive grimacing face ...

Kaiho Yusetsu (1598-1677) Tiger and Dragon Early Edo Period, Circa 1650 A Pair of Six-fold Japanese Screens. Ink and slight color on paper. Dimensions: Each screen: H. 171 cm x W. 380 cm (67.5’’ x 149.5’’) In this pair of early Edo period Japanese screens a group of tigers prowl in a bamboo grove whipped with fierce wind, while a dragon claws through clouds and mist. The dragon embodies elemental qualities - looming out of the mist, the coils of its body disappearing in the clouds. The dragon is calling for rain, symbolizing spring which is considered the fountain of life. On the other side, the tigers calls for the wind, symbolizing autumn which is considered the end of life. Tigers were familiar motifs within Japanese art from ancient times though the animals were imaginary to the people in the 17th century. While dragons and tigers are usually associated as sacred and ferocious, in this painting, both animals have rather amusing expressions. The tigers appear to glare at the dragon with cat-like eyes, and the look on the swirling dragon’s face appears almost affectionate - lending a playful flair to an otherwise magnificent theme. The tiger and dragon are cosmological symbols of the balancing forces in the world. Screens such as this were originally meant to express the fluctuating nature of the world. For Japanese in the early Edo period, they likely suggested the powers of the cosmos. In Japan the tiger and dragon motif was originally absorbed into the circles of Zen monasteries before spreading into the secular world. The theme especially appealed to the military classes with the Kano school, the official painters to the Shogun and the samurai, being the leading contributors. The painter of this pair of screens, Kaiho Yusetsu (1598-1677), was closely patronized by the third Shogun Tokugawa Iemitsu. In his later years he worked with Kano school artists...

A wonderful, beautifully aged Tsuba - Japanese sword hand guard often circular, sometimes square, which emerged as an essential part of Japanese sword craftsmanship during the Heian ...

This architectural element is a section of a Jizai Kagi, a traditional Japanese adjustable hearth hook used to suspend iron kettles or pots over an open irori (sunken hearth). Carved...

A quite wonderful, relatively large Tsuba - Japanese Samurai sword hand guard often circular, sometimes square, which emerged as an essential part of Japanese sword craftsmanship dur...

Edo Period Golden Screen - Summer Florals Period: Edo Size: 285 x 92.5 cm (112.2 x 36.4 inches) SKU: PTA141 This Edo period screen is a golden-framed window into the summer gardens...

Kishi Renzan (1804-1859) Tigers Pair of six-panel Japanese screens. Ink and gold-leaf on paper. In this monochromatic pair of six-fold Japanese screens painted on gold-leaf, Kishi Renzan has created a breathtaking composition of a family of tigers. The screens are filled with a sense of drama which is conveyed by both the subject matter and the wet, expressive brushwork. The running mountain stream and the towering waterfall allude to refreshment during the summer months and we feel the tiger families familiarity and security within their environment. Renzan’s master, Kishi Ganku...

Beautiful set of 6 large kakemonos from 19th century Japanese mythology. Paper support with a canvas pasted on the paper Wonderful set that is part of Japan's history and beliefs When not hung, the Kakemonos are rolled up. circa 1800 - Japan - Edo Period A kakemono translates as "object to hang". In Japan this refers to a painting or calligraphy, most often done on silk or paper framed in a scroll that was intended to be hung on walls or in public lighting. This particular form, which allows them to be in a roll, dates back to the Tang dynasty in China (this would be related to the copying and preservation of ancient Buddhist texts). A Kami is a deity or spirit worshipped in the Shinto religion. A Yokai is a spirit, ghost, demon, or strange apparition from the creatures of Japanese folklore. Each of these kakemonos represents a unique story: - A kami, a Japanese deity, is shown painting a rainbow. Indeed, he performs the action with his right hand while his left hand holds a kind of basket with three pots of paint. This kami has a rather closed attitude. He is standing in a dark and tormented sky. Below this figure, 8 villagers are dressed in traditional Japanese clothes. Their faces are softened. They are not afraid of the elements made by the kami above their heads. - A character with an unreal look is holding a kind of jar with his two hands, which he spills on human figures above. This being is floating in the air, probably a character from mythology, perhaps Susanoo. Underneath, villagers on umbrellas. They are trying to protect themselves as best they can from what is falling on them. One of them is carrying baskets with fish on her shoulders. A character in the background is thrown forward and falls. - On this kakemono, the god Raijin, dressed in a white and blue outfit, strikes the sky with his two drum hammers to create lightning and its thunderous sound. Surrounded by Tomoe and a long red scarf, Raijin, enraged and with dishevelled hair, creates a dark and violent storm. The villagers seem frightened by this meteorological phenomenon. One of the villagers can be seen fainting in the arms of a man. This scene may seem chaotic, but Japanese legend tells us that once a field is struck by lightning, the harvest is good. - On this kakemono, we see an unreal-looking figure holding a fan, as if he were sweeping away the bad weather, or simply producing gusts of wind. He is probably the kami of wind and air, Shina tsu-hiko. The figures below him seem surprised by so much wind. An umbrella flies away on the left, the women hold their hair and scarf, the clothes are caught in the power of the wind, there is even a woman on the ground on the bottom left. - This Kakemono represents a short moment. This Raiju is a yokai (ghost spirit...

A six-fold paper screen painted in ink and colour on a gold ground with autumn flowers and grasses. Japan, 17th century, Edo period. Not only the changing colours of autumn leaves ...

This is a stone statue of Bishamonten (also known as Tamonten), believed to have been created during the Edo period. What is most noteworthy is its rarity. Even after many years of ...

Samurai Helmet "Zunari kabuto" with 3 black lacquered iron plates. Japan, early EDO period, circa 1610. Neck protector (shikoro), 5-strip hineno, laced brown, beige and green. Central ornament (maedate) in gold and silver lacquered wood. Triple tomo with 2 maple leaves. 2 rounded horn-shaped side ornaments (wakidate) in black and gold lacquered wood. Black-lacquered iron mask...

A six-fold Japanese screen by Tosa Mitsusuke (1675-1710), Japan 17th-18th century, Edo period. The signature reads Shoroku-i ge Tosa sa Konoe Shogen Mit...

A dramatic Japanese iron tsuba in the nanban (foreign) style, decorated with dragons and openwork and inlaid with silver and gold, Edo Period, early 19th century, Japan. The fantast...

A wonderful, beautifully aged, relatively large Mokko Gata shaped Tsuba - Japanese sword hand guard often circular, sometimes square, which emerged as an essential part of Japanese s...

Handsome antique Japanese Gyosho Bako Peddler's chest. Practical piece with incredible iron work which all moves very easily with no rust or resistance. Very well built and stable pi...

Birds and flowers of the four seasons Early to mid-19th century Ink, pigment and gofun on silk Unidentified artist Signature: S...

This superb Japanese footed lacquer tray dates to the late Edo–Meiji period (19th century) and is finely decorated with an elegant maki-e design. The refined composition and subtle u...

The 19th Century Six-Panel Japanese folding screen "Byōbu" usually used in the most important Japanese house to stop wind and also to separate different space of the same big room de...

Late Edo Period Rinpa School Chrysanthemum Blossom Screen Period: late Edo, early 19th century Size: 364 x 172 cm (143 x 67 inches) This exquisite late Edo period Rinpa school scr...

This is an antique Edo period decorative planter. A Japanese, bronze jardiniere bowl, dating to the Victorian era, circa 1850. Graced with dashing relief and great tonality Displays...

A rather wonderful and quite unique large, hand carved wood (likely cypress) antique standing portrait sculpture/statue of Japanese Zen Buddhist monk or master priest figure. The pi...

A beautiful and exceptionally 18 inches tall Sosaku Kindai Kokeshi doll from Japan. Handcrafted of wood and hand-painted in the the early 20th century. In good condition with charmin...

A wonderful, beautifully aged Tsuba - Japanese sword hand guard often circular, sometimes square, which emerged as an essential part of Japanese sword craftsmanship during the Heian period (794–1185). Initially crafted from iron or bronze, over time they became more decorative in nature and more for show as the waring Samurai clans disbanded and became part of Japan's past. The particular Tsuba features a imprinted/hammered and inlayed (gold or copper) leaf or floral design and a gorgeous patina that is acquired from age and handling/use It is quite an appealing work. The piece is likely from the early to mid Edo Period (1603-1868) but perhaps older (Muromachi Period, 1333-1568). The Tsuba has a nice feel and wonderful aged texture to it. Would be a great addition to any Tsuba or Japanese Asian sword...

A truly beautiful, wonderfully aged, alluring mask made for Japanese Noh theater. The naturally faded beauty and unique character drew us to this mask immediately. The mask is hand...

Illustration to an unidentified chapter of the Tale of Genji (Genji Monogatari) Tosa School (second half of the 17th Century) Ink, pigment, gofun and...

Impressive pair of Japanese two-panel byobu screens featuring late 18th-century edo period applied vignettes, poems, and paintings in various formats over a dramatic gold leaf square...

A beautiful standing Edo Period wood carved antique Japanese Kannon Bodhisattva Buddha Amida sculpture/statue. This Buddha is one of four we acquired that were rescued from an abando...

Tokoname is a region located in Aichi Prefecture. It is a pottery production center with a very old history in Japan (around the 12th century). These jars were probably fired during...

A huge early 19th C. Japanese Kura door in cedar. Beautifully patinated bleached-out wood with hand forged wrought iron plaque/lock. Can either be used as ...

This antique Buddhist shrine box was crafted in the Edo Period (1603-1868). Known in Japan as a “Zushi,” it served as a small sanctuary to enshrine Buddhist figures, scriptures, or ...

Remarkable pair of early 19th century Japanese late Edo period screens depicting summer chrysanthemums growing along a brushwood fence. Ink and...

A beautiful standing Edo Period wood carved antique Japanese Kannon Bodhisattva Buddha Amida sculpture/statue. This Buddha is one of four we acquired that were rescued from an abando...

This Edo-period Isho-dansu (clothing chest) is a masterclass in functional artistry, featuring a two-section stacked configuration that highlights the beautiful verticality of Japane...

This anodized 6-panel screen captures the serene and minimalistic beauty of a bamboo grove, embodying the aesthetic principles of the Edo period. The screen features subtle and delic...

An uncommon Edo-period samurai jingasa, distinguished by its gilded crest decorations and richly lacquered red interior. Jingasa of this type were worn by samurai, ashigaru, and reta...

This gorgeous Japanese red lacquer traveling shrine (zushi) protects a miniature statue of Bishamonten, the Buddhist God of Warfare here depicted as an armor-clad warrior. A fearsome protector, he is thought to defend sacred places, punish evil-doers, expel demons and bestow wealth. In this example, Bishamonten stands atop a crouching demon, dressed in finely painted armor...

Description A large Japanese Imari porcelain charger, centrally depicting stylised flowers surrounded by six panels with dragons alternated by phoenixes, the flat everted rim with fo...

A fine, professionally framed original Japanese woodblock print attributed to the master Utagawa Kunisada (1786 – 1865), also known as Utagaw...

Step into the world of Mid Edo Japan with our six-panel Hawk screen, each depicting a different hawk. In this period, hawks were revered not only for their majestic beauty but also f...

Suzuribako (writing box) in black lacquer, rectangular in shape, with a gold lacquer (maki-e) decoration of a pavilion by the edge of a waterfall and a mountain river surrounded by v...

A wonderful Japanese woodblock print by famed Japanese artist Utagawa Hiroshige (Ando Hiroshige) (1797-1858) tilted "Yoroi Ferry at Koami-cho (Yoroi no ...

Large 19th century Japanese Edo period six panel folding byobu screen made in the Kano school style. Beautifully crafted with signature after Kano Tan'yu. Ink and natural color pigme...

A truly beautiful and supremely serene Japanese Amida Nyorai Buddha. A magnificent work. Meticulously hand carved in such fine and amazing detail (see hands and flowing robes). Gilded throughout. Seated with narrowed eyes in deep meditation and hands in Buddhist Abhaya Mudra position offering a blessing of protection, reassurance, peace, and benevolence. This hand position, also known as the "fear not" gesture, was achieved by Buddha immediately following his enlightenment. This work is from the late Edo period, (1603-1868)/ early Meiji period (1868-1912). From a California collection. Would be a fantastic addition to any Japanese or Asian artifacts/buddha collection or eye-catching stand-alone accent work in about any setting. One of the best Japanese Buddha sculptures...

This is an old Japanese wooden carving of Daikokuten, created during the Edo period (1800s–1860s). It is carved from sugi (Japanese cedar). Having endured the passage of centuries, i...

A six-fold paper screen painted in ink and colour on a gold ground with grape vines hanging from a pergola and woven fence amongst golden clouds, the details in gin-sunago (cut silver leaf) and moriage (raised design). The metal mounts are decorated with cloisonné enamel, a special detail rarely seen on screen mounts. Japan, 17th/18th century, Edo period. Grapes represent the autumn season and have been regarded as an auspicious symbol of fertility and prosperity since ancient times. Also the Japanese word of grape ‘budō’ is the same word for martial arts. Often paired with squirrels (‘risu’ in Japanese meaning, to follow discipline), the subject was a favourite of the samurai class. Designs incorporating grape vines have been used for ceramic and lacquer works as well as paintings from early times and screens depicting this subject matter seem to have been particularly popular in the early Edo period, however only a few examples are known today. These known examples depicting grape vines are rendered in a similar manner using gold leaf and moriage (raised design): A pair of screens from the Kano School housed in the Tokyo Fuji Art Museum (17th century, Momoyama period) A pair in the Gardner collection (17th century, accession no. P14e3) There are another comparable pair of 17th-century screens housed in the Okura Museum of Art, Tokyo and there are a pair of sugido (cedar wood doors) with the same subject housed in the Nagoya Castle, Aichi prefecture. Paravent à six volets peint à l'encre et à la couleur sur fond doré, représentant des vignes suspendues à une pergola et une clôture tressée parmi des nuages dorés, avec des détails en gin-sunago (feuille d'argent découpée) et moriage (motifs en relief). Les montures métalliques sont décorées d'émail cloisonné...

This exceptional Edo-period sculpture depicts a seated monkey in an incredibly lifelike manner, with finely carved details and expressive features. Made using traditional Dojin-yaki ...