Edo Furniture

A wonderful, beautifully aged sukashi (openwork) Tsuba - Japanese sword hand guard often circular, sometimes square, which emerged as an essential part of Japanese sword craftsmansh...

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...

Shioka Sorin (1781-1850) Flowers & Birds of the Four Seasons Pair of six-panel Japanese Screens. Ink, gofun and pigments on silk. Dimensions (each screen): H. 91.5cm x W. 285cm (3...

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...

These trays were made after the late Edo period in Japan (after 1800). This particular type of tray is known as "Negoro-bon." Negoro lacquerware is a specific style of Japanese lacqu...

Description Sharing with you this very nice edo period, 1660-1680, example. With a central scene of figures. Beautifully painted. Unmarked at base Arita ware, also known as Arita-y...

Description A lovely piece with beautiful scene in underglaze blue. For food serving. Condition some very minimal frits/small chips only. Mainly to lowest box. Size: 22x15CM Heightx...

Japan, Edo period (1603–1868) Size: 49 × 30 cm A magnificent double-sided Japanese folding fan (ōgi), hand-painted on paper richly decorated with gold and silver leaf. One side depi...

Tokoname is a region in Aichi Prefecture, Japan, renowned as one of the country's oldest pottery centers, with a history dating back to the 12th century. This jar, despite cracking ...

This is a very interesting old copper vase, believed to have been made in Japan or China. Its distinctive shape and high level of decoration make it a gem that stands out among the many copper vessels I have seen. The body is cylindrical, with a tightened shape at the top and bottom. The legs are slender and tapered, giving the overall design a beautiful sense of tension. This “tapered hem” design lends a special elegance to the vase's appearance. In terms of decoration, the intricate patterns encircling the upper and lower bands are particularly striking. These patterns are geometric abstractions of clouds and dragons. On both sides, small designs resembling animal or dragon faces are attached, adding to the elegant decorative beauty of the design. The copper surface has a deep amber luster from years of use, and the patina from aging captivates the viewer's heart. There are some dents and signs of use on the surface, but these are also charming elements that testify to the fact that this vase has been cherished and used for a long time. When half-filled with water and left for 24 hours, no leaks were detected. It is practical and can be used as a flower vase. Whether filled with fresh flowers, branches, or dried flowers, it will add a sense of sophistication to any space and make a statement wherever it is placed. The accompanying paulownia box is inscribed with “Tang Dynasty Ming Dynasty Antique Copper Vase...

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 stone guardian deity statue created in Japan during the mid to late Edo period (18th–19th century). It is carved from a single piece of natural stone. With a height of 38.5...

A Large Pair of Japanese Cast Bronze Edo Style Cranes Provenance: Private Australian Collection. Dimensions: Height: 215cm. Width: 60cm. Depth: 60cm.

Description A very nicely decorated large charger in Imari palette with landscape scene. Condition report: 1 chip with hairline and crackle lines in body. Size: 34.5x6CM Diameter ...

An antique Japanese Edo period diptych woodblock print from the early to mid 19th century, signed by Utagawa Kuniyoshi. Immerse yourself in the Japanese Edo period artistry with this antique 19th-century diptych woodblock print. Signed by the artist, this captivating piece is a striking depiction of a tranquil interior scene, rendered in a soothing color palette of blue, pink, and black tones. This print comprises two panels, assembled under glass in a custom frame to form a cohesive narrative. The scene captures a specific moment in time, presenting a man surrounded by four women and a child, beautifully adorned in traditional Japanese garments. The intricate details of their clothing are a testament to the artisan's skill, bringing an element of authenticity and depth to the scene. On the left, three women sit in a state of relaxed conversation, while another stands, graciously offering a tray. Adding intrigue, two additional women can be spotted peeking through a slightly open window, one cleverly concealing her face behind a fan. A child, smaller in stature, sits attentively in front of the man, further enhancing the scene's narrative quality. A signature from the artist adds an additional layer of authenticity, making this piece a must-have for collectors of antique Japanese art...

Antique Japanese Suibokuga Landscape by Kano Tokinobu. 17th century. A sumi-e ink on paper painting illustrating an ethereal mountainous landscape at the seashore containing buildings, trees, birds and ship masts. 3 vermillion seals of the artist in the lower right hand corner. Japanese dry mount paper on a wood frame with thin brocade border silver leafed surround and lacquered wood outer frame. Condition: Minor signs of age, wear, 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...

Lovely Japanese Edo Period (1603-1867) Imari Porcelain Vase in a European form. Created with a vertical scalloped surface, hand painted and hand thrown . Decorated with a medallion i...

This is an old copper tub made in Japan. It was made during the Edo period (1800s-1860s) and used as a tool to draw water from a well. This tool is one of the tools of daily life tha...

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 ...

Phoenix and Peacocks. A pair of six-panel Japanese folding screens by Tsunetake Yotei (n.d.) First half of the 18th century. The signature reads 67 year old Tsunetake. The seals read: -Tsunetake no in, -Yotei, -Seishin Dimensions: Each screen – H. 69” x W. 149” (176 cm x 378 cm) A pair of Kano Grand Picture (Waga) screens depicting phoenix and peacocks rich with symbolic meaning. Dating to the first half of the 18th century, from the Kobikicho Kano school in Edo, this pair of folding...

Anonymous Late 17th century Puppy & Kittens A six-panel Japanese screen. Ink, color, gofun, gold-leaf and gold-fleck on paper. A medium sized late 17th century Japanese screen fe...

Interesting 19th century Japanese Edo period six-panel byobu screen depicting the thirty six immortals of poetry (Sanjurokkasen). Each portrait is accompanied by their poems. The poe...

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

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 pair of six-fold Japanese screens depicting white and bluish-purple clematis on trellises behind woven fences and beside a stream, against an abundance of golden clouds. Ink, colo...

Description Sharing with you this very nice edo period, 1660-1680, example. With a central scene of flowers. The rim beautifully painted. Unmarked at base Arita ware, also known a...

A wonderful, highly erotic Japanese Shunga woodblock print. This work is likely by the renowned Ukiyo-e artist Utagawa Kunisada 1786-1865 (also known as Utagawa Toyokuni III) and created during the Edo period (1603–1867). Shunga is a type of Japanese erotic art...

This wooden statue possesses a quiet presence yet somehow conveys a familiar, populist charm. The work depicts a figure seated atop a lion, a composition reminiscent of **Manjushri ...

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...

A Japanese four-case inro stringed together with a silk cord of a carved wood Ojime and a carved ivory netsuke circa 19th century of Edo period. This fine piece was made in collabora...

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 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 ...

Imari ware is a style of Japanese porcelain made in the town of Arita and exported from the port of Imari. It is characterized by its vibrant colours, typically including underglaze ...

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...

Large Shigaraki Tsubo Vessel or Planter , Edo period . Its melon-shape body resting on three lions' head feet, its exterior glaze with a typical drip of 'Sudare' green and white s...

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...

Beautifully weathered late 17th/early 18th century Japanese edo period four panel byobu screen depicting hotei (fat monk) in a treed landscape with Chinese sages engaged in leisurely...

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 beautiful image by renowned Japanese artist/printmaker Utagawa Kuniyoshi (1797 - 1861 ) titled "Saigyo-Hoshi (no. 86) 西行法師 (The Monk Saigyo) (The Monk Saigyo)" from his famous series "Series: Hyakunin isshu no uchi 百人一首之内 (One Hundred Poems by One Hundred Poets)." This work features the Buddhist monk Saigyo under a radiant blue willow tree on a river bank showing a group of curious children a golden cat...

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...

Fantastic 19th century Japanese Edo/Tokugawa period two-panel byobu screen featuring Chinese children frolicking on a garden terrace with a pavilion and large pine tree. Made in the ...

Hawks on plum and pine Soga Nichokuan (active circa 1625-1660) Pair of six-fold screens. Ink, mineral pigments, gofun, gold and speckled gold l...

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...

from Tohoku area, Japan. Japanese antique small box tansu chest of drawers, Kohikidashi, made of Sugi Cedar. Product of circa 1850s-1870s (late Edo to early Meiji era), estimate from...

Birds & Flowers of the Seasons Pheasants & Plum in Snow Unframed painting. Ink, pigment and gofun on silk Kano Chikanobu 1819-1888 Signature...

A rare and finely cast Japanese Buddhist ritual ghanta handbell, featuring a five-pronged vajra handle, dating to the early to mid Edo period. Used in esoteric Buddhist ceremonies, ...

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

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...

A rare and authentic Edo period (1603–1868) horagai—a conch shell trumpet traditionally used in Japanese Buddhist rituals, Shugendō mountain ascetic practices, and by yamabushi (moun...

This wooden Buddhist statue (made from cypress wood) is thought to have been made in the Edo period, probably around the 18th or 19th century. It is one of the types of statues known...

A beautiful Tamba (Tanba) ware (or Sigaraki ware) Japanese pottery vase/jar/pot - produced sometime during the Edo Period (1603-1867). Tamba-yaki ware is a type of Japanese pottery a...

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

Very fine asymmetric handled Burl Dish stamped "Nippon" on the base. Artistic presentation has a wavy attached handle, very smooth to hold feel and having a desirable rich deep honey...

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...

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...

Description Sharing with you this very nice edo period, 1680-1700, example. With a garden floral scene with birds in the style of Chinese Wanli period pieces. Unmarked at base Arit...

A four-tier Japanese Meiji period black lacquer Jubako box with stork and fir tree decoration. Box in four sections with lid.

An extremely fine, elegant and rare late 17th Century Japanese lacquer cabinet, from the Eco period, on later lacquered black stand. Japanese circa 1690 Provenance A private Scottish collection This outstanding cabinet is a fascinating fusion of east and west. The cabinet itself would have been made in Japan, c.1690, and is decorated to the outside with hiramaki-e lacquer. This technique involves the use of sprinkled gold powder which adheres to the lacquer surface. On the best pieces, as with this example, many layers are added in order to create areas of high relief and give depth to the surface decoration. The taste of the Japanese workshops in this period was often for quite restrained pieces with plenty of the black background visible, unlike some of the busier Chinese lacquer or European japanned examples produced around the same time. The Japanese makers seemed content to rely on the outstanding quality of the lacquer itself, regarded by most experts as the finest lacquer ever produced, and did not see the need to cover every surface believing that less was more in this respect. The lacquer here is used to produce a mountainous scene with buildings on the bank of a river, the other side of the river with more buildings and a contrasting flatter and forested landscape. The fine perspective achieved is the result of the clever use of raised and flatter areas in the lacquer itself in combination with the drawing of the design itself. Another remarkable aspect of this piece is the fine metalware throughout, but particularly the lockplate / hasp, hinges and foot mounts to the front. This is all beautifully cast and engraved contrasting against the black background. Interestingly another cabinet on stand with near identical metalwork was advertised in the Burlington Magazine, November 1913, with the dealer W. Williamson and Sons of Guildford. The lacquer on that piece is similarly refined and it seems likely that both pieces came from the same workshop. The European influence in our piece can be seen in both the later ebonised stand and in the japanned decoration which has been applied to the inside of the doors and is also very fine indeed. This consists of two panels with birds of prey perched on branches in colours set against a golden background. The cabinet has a recent Scottish provenance and so it is likely that the ebonised stand was made in Britain though such pieces were made throughout Europe as a way of quite literally elevating these imported pieces of eastern lacquer as in Japan these would have been used on the floor. Inside the cabinet there is a combination of more Japanese lacquer and lock plates and European drawer handles. Most of the lacquer drawer fronts incorporate mountainous scenes and birds in combination, with a few purely one or the other of the two subjects. Again the lacquer is in excellent condition and is of exceptional quality with multiple layers of relief used in one single scene in many cases. As mentioned above, Japanese lacquer is the most technically brilliant of the eastern lacquers and, as such, was highly prized by collectors and connoisseurs throughout Europe when this piece was made. The acquisition of such pieces would only have been possible for a small group of incredibly wealthy individuals, largely royal or high ranking courtiers or merchants connected with the East India trade...

An absolutely gorgeous, wonderfully composed six-panel Japanese Byobu folding screen/room divider depicting a family of playful monkeys among the blooming trees and mountainous lands...

This antique small chest of drawers was crafted in the Edo Era (Tenpō 1830-1844). The aged urushi (Japanese lacquer), worn away in places, enhances the piece’s unique character and ...