Catalog: Antiques: Regional Art: Asian: Japanese (168)

Gargoyle or bat-like dragon-esque creatures spread their wings among tendrils of flame on the heavily decorated blue sides of this large pair of 19th century Sometsuke Japanese nesting bowls. Within boats ply the placid waters. The larger bowl is 24.5 cm (just less than 10 inches) diameter,10cm (4 inches) tall. The smaller is 21 cm diameter, 10cm tall and both are in excellent condition, dating from the 19th century.

A striking baluster from vase decorated with sinister crows hunched in the silhouette of a leafless winter tree signed on the base Satsuma Kinunzan and dated on side the fifth month of 1911. This fits in perfect with our Kwaidan theme this month, the brooding figures austere against the bleak winter sky, something ominous, a lingering threat. It comes enclosed in a wooden box with a long inscription inside the lid which appears to state it was received from the master of the Satsuma Kinunzan studio in 1917. The vase is 18 cm (7 inches) diameter, 29.5 cm (11-3/4 inches) tall and is in fine, original condition.

A masterpiece basket made from used split bamboo arrows by Maeda Chikubosai enclosed in the original signed wooden box titled Jidai Yadake-sei Hanamori (Basket made of Old Arrows) dated Showa 5 (1930). Hints of red and gold lacquer give clues to the origin of the bamboo shafts, making this an example of one of the most sought of all types of baskets by this elusive artist. It is roughly 19 cm (7-1/2 inches) diameter, 49 cm (19 inches) tall and in excellent, original condition. Maeda Chikubosai I (1872-1950) was one of the most important bamboo artists working in the first half of the 20th century and was pivotal in promoting individual expression in the bamboo arts. Chikubosai I was from the Kansai Region and active in Sakai, Osaka prefecture. He was instructed by Wada Waichisai I (1851-1901). From 1912, he worked alongside Tanabe Chikuunsai I (1877-1937). Late in the Taisho era (1912-1926), he made presentation baskets on behalf of the Imperial Household. Chikubosai's bamboo flower baskets, in particular, gained widespread acclaim for their exquisite craftsmanship and elegant designs. He experimented with various weaving techniques, incorporating intricate patterns and textures to create visually stunning pieces that were both functional and decorative.

An unusual mask with gaping jaws and flattened features covered in red and black lacquer with golden teeth and eyes dated a lucky day in the 6th month of Tenmei 2 (1782). The mask is of carved wood covered in cloth over which has been applied layers of colored lacquer, gold and gofun (powdered shell) to form the white eyebrows. It is quite unusual in configuration. Most masks are open at the back, however this is carved with curling hair all the way down to the neck. Two holes in the teeth were likely so that the dancer could see out when the mouth was closed. The mask is 33.5 x 42.5 x 23.5 cm (13-1/4 x 17 x 9-1/4 inches). There are losses and cracks in the lacquer consistent with age.

A wildly crafted bronze image of a shishi lion breathing out a cloud forming the basin for a flower arrangement (known as an usubata). The curly hair has been somehow flaked off and maintained during the casting process, quite an exceptional example. The basin can be removed from the mouth of the creature. Assembled it is 32 x 28 x 33 cm tall (12-3/4 x 11-1/4 x 13 inches) and weighs 4390 grams (9.5 pounds). It is in fine original condition.

Love lasts beyond the grave, here a skeleton walks, her pate decorated with flowers and a bundle of daisies in her hand as she strolls grinning under the shade of a dilapidated umbrella held by an attendant, a poignant painting signed Shoken dating from the Taisho period (1922). Completely restored in a chic Tsumugi cloth border with black lacquered wooden rollers, the scroll is 59 x 192 cm (23-1/2 x 75-1/2 inches) and is in excellent condition.