A rare four-case 17th century inro of near fossilized ivory carved in cameo with a wraparound depiction of very expressive 'Primordial Dragons' rising from a sea of crashing waves into a sky of celestial rolling clouds. This dynamic rendering is intended as a metaphor for the movement of evolution from the primordial sea to the celestial realm. Late 1600's.

Height: 6.5 cm

An 18th century lacquer four-case inro depicting an inlet bay with passing trade ships in the mist. The composition wraps around the cases as a continuous landscape of island and shore, plentiful with darting plovers and gnarled pines, symbolizing felicitations and the purity of friendship, as well as strength and endurance, respectively. The artist has skillfully rendered this functional work of art with the most sophisticated of fine lacquer techniques. Signed Kajikawa. 

Hiramakié – A low relief of applied lacquer usually with gold metal powders and incised detail.
Takamakié – A high relief of built-up lacquer with gold powders, a technique where extended time is required to allow each layer to harden.
Kirigané – Cut gold leaf in various shapes that often form a mosaic when applied to the lacquer.
Nashiji – A technique of skillfully applying various graduated flakes of gold to a lacquer ground to create atmosphere and perspective. 
Roiro – Black urushi applied in several layers where polishing is required after each layer, resulting in a shiny black waxy ground.

Height: 8.2 cm

A most unusual antique Japanese Tonkatsu where the artist has chosen a tsuishu (red) ground over a coarse underlying hemp cloth. This Ritsuo influence of creative design gives a sense of matrix from which emerges the sacred fungus of the genii (in takamakié). The reishi mushroom has long been revered in the Far East for its medicinal benefits, which modern science has now come to recognize (see award winning documentary 'Fantastic Fungi'). The fitted lid to the container is black pine carved in relief with a design of stylized double bats of happiness. Both top and bottom cord holes are lined in stag antler. Signed in a pressed lacquer seal. Together en-suite with a netsuke of a cluster of five mushrooms growing from a common volva, each with finely carved gills beneath their cap, complete with a three-layer negoro lacquer ojimé.

Height: 9.9 cm

An exceptional antique Japanese Tabaco-iré celebrating the metaphysical dynamism of the Dragon. The tobacco pouch is in and of itself a highly sophisticated functional work of art where the entire ground, cloud patterns and celestial flames emanating from his haunches are executed in individually laid forbidden knots. The hand tooled 950 silver of the kagamibuta netsuke and kanemono clasp are executed with masterful perfection as the undulating scales of these dragons literally overlap and flames, whiskers and claws are overlaid. The very finest of eight silver chains were created to pass through the gentleman's obi where the netsuke would then secure as a toggle for the carrying of the tabaco-ire. Characteristic wear. Circa 1870.

Height: 9.0 cm, Width: 13.7 cm, Kagamibuta Dia: 5.0 cm

An antique Japanese burlwood tonkotsu and sculpted senryu-zutsu in the form of wild mushrooms that secure a silver and bamboo pipe. Ojime of layered Nagoro lacquer. Circa 1880’s.

Length: 21.7 cm

An unusual pipe case of the senryu-zutsu type carved in the form of a large section of timber bamboo that holds a silver and bamboo kiseru. Accompanied by a coral ojime with a woven leather cord. Circa 1880.

Length: 20.1 cm 

The Japanese genius for fashioning found materials into inspired functional works of art never ceases to amaze. This otoshi-zutsu is an exceptional example as the artist employs the darker elements of pith to create depth in perspective revealing a mountain landscape of pilgrimage, monasteries and even the mists of a thundering waterfall. The light of the outer surface is rendered as rolling clouds that reach the length of the zutsu with the himotoshi fashioned from a tendril as a gnarled old pine, symbol of strength and endurance. 19th century.

Length: 20.6 cm

An elegant pure silver pipe depicting dancing waves and darting plovers in katakiribori technique (an uneven engraving imitating brush strokes). Bamboo mid-section to cool the smoke. Both bowl and mouthpiece with pure silver pressed stamps (Jungin). Circa 1880.

Length: 25.2

An antique cloisonne yataté with hinged inkpot and interior brush and miniature knife that slides out to serve to cut sections of the ink cake. Attached is a small leather pouch to carry the ink cakes. Circa 1880. 

Length: 20.0 cm

Ashinaga (long legs) and Tenaga (long arms) are legendary fishermen who employed their unusual attributes in a cooperative venture to wade into the sea and harvest its bounty. In this humorous turn of events, an angry octopus has been provoked to offer them more resistance than they can handle. Tooled in high relief takazogan technique with gold details, intended to serve as a functional work of art to adorn the kanemono or purse clasp of a pouch. Mid-1800's. 

Length: 6.6 cm

A beautiful antique Japanese takazogan (high relief) married metalwork peony blossom, symbol of prosperity, love and honor. The peony is referred to as the 'King of Flowers' in the Far East, perhaps largely due to the fact that it began as a flower decreed exclusive to the Imperial Gardens (as mentioned by Confucius 551 - 479 BC). This rich embellishment was a functional work of art, the menuki. Intended to be wrapped within the handle braids of a sword to help secure the grip of the samurai when engaged in battle. 

A highly refined married metalwork pair of menuki with gold, silver and shakudô detail depicting bamboo ikebana baskets with elegant arrangements of various flora. Late 18th to early 19th century.

Length: 3.4 cm

A pair of menuki of a distinguished design of hunting falcons with bundles of arrows in their talons. Executed in gold, silver and shakudô, the falcon was a symbol of courage and valor, and the practice of falconry was reserved for the elite ruling class of samurai, such as Daimyo and Generals. Early 18th century.

Length: 4.5 cm

An early pair of menuki depicting an elegant nature study of snails traversing leafy boughs, symbol of patience and perseverance. Executed in gold and silver over a core of molten iron, such as was used in early Edo period mounts for swords. Late 17th century.

Length: 3.7 cm

Silver sacred cranes in flight with crown, beak, and feet in gold. The crane is the most auspicious bird in Japanese historical culture, a symbol of wisdom and longevity. The artist here has obviously observed the graceful aeronautics of these glorious birds. Late 18th to early 19th century. 

Length: 3.8 cm