Catalog: Archives: Regional Art: Asian (588)

7 twisted gold pines shroud a seedling on the roiro ground of this fine togidashi suzuri bako writing box dated 1931 by Moriya Shotei enclosed in the original signed wooden box. The writing box contains the original suzuri ink stone and water-dropper. Inside the lid is the large character Kotobuki (fortune) followed by an inscription reading 88 year old man Bajo Kasho. The piece is signed Design by Hakuho and dated the fifth month of 1931, the box dated the following year, 1932, titled 8 pine trees and signed Shotei (Moriya Shotei) followed by a studio stamp reading Sansho-An no In. It is 8-1/2 by 6-1/2 inches (22.5 x 16.5 cm) and in fine condition, and will be professionally cleaned before shipping. There is a small chip in the gold on the edge of the ink stone. If desired this can be repaired with gold, at cost. Togidashi is one of the most difficult styles of lacquering; where the design is created, then entirely covered over with the background color and ground down to reveal it, leaving the surface mirror smooth. Moriya Shotei was born in 1890, a period defined by the revival of lacquer arts in the later Meiji. He apprenticed to Shirayama SHosai (1853-1923) and a joint work by these two artists is held in the MOA museum collection. His work was consistently exhibited at the Bunten, Teiten and Nitten National Exhibitions. He died in 1972.

A lucky ammer in red decorates the inside of this large bowl by Mamiya Eishu enclosed in a period wooden box. It appears to read Kishoho or Kishohon (the method to satisfaction or the root of satisfaction respectively). The bowl is 7-1/2 inches (19 cm) diameter and in excellent condition. Eishu (1871-1945)entered the priesthood at the age of nine at Ryutakuji Temple under the training of the priest Tengan. 13 years later he was sent to one of the main temples, Tenryu-ji, in Kyoto to study under Gasan Shotei. After serving at a number of temples he received his certificate of enlightenment from Shaku Soen (the first Zen monk to visit America) at Empukuji. He served as a battlefield chaplain for the Japanese troops during the Russo-Japanese War. Upon his return he became a prolific writer, publishing more than 20 books on Buddhism. He was once again called to comfort soldiers scarred by the tragedies of war in Shanghai, in 1945, where he died of illness. For more on this important figure see The Art of Twentieth Century Zen By Addis/Seo.

An exquisite Murashi-Do Bronze vase signed Shuho and enclosed in the original wooden box. The baluster form is interrupted by three ribs starting at the shoulder and running partially down the sides. The vase is otherwise entirely undecorated, leaving all impression to shape alone. A fantastic piece, it is 12 inches (30 cm) tall, 7-1/2 inches (19 cm) diameter and in fine condition. It dates circa the first quarter of the 20th century.

Festive red paper lanterns parade in a sea of mist across this elegant 20th century scroll by Hayashi Bunto (1886-1966) enclosed in the original signed and stamped wooden box. A wonderful summer-time scene reminding one of all the matsuri-festivals dominating the nights of this season. The silk scene is bordered in blue ending with bone rollers trimmed with gold. The scroll is 22 by 52 inches (56 x 132 cm) and is in fine condition. Bunto studied painting under Yamamoto Shunkyo, and became a preeminent Shijo school artist of the early 20th Century. He is held in the collection of, among others, the Museum of Modern Art, Kyoto, as well as many private collections.

Dragons writhe across the face of this astounding free standing temple which was a long time display piece in a Butsudan Shoten, an example of the finest work available for Japanese altars. The piece is more than 60 years old, as the current owner of the store (third generation) mentions it has stood there for as long as he can remember. It is entirely hand made; each piece of wood finely shaped and lacquered, each bit of metal hand etched before assembly. It rises from a 9 stage base of red, black and gold lacquer, each stage separated by tiny carved and gilded waves, and centering on a pair of 3 dimensional dragons vying for the prized Buddhist jewel between red colonnaded bows, tumultuous waves crashing down the sides. There are almost 100 pieces of decorative brass on the base alone! Enclosed in a scrolled wall is the center section made up of 10 black lacquered pillars heavily embellished with golden trim separated by carved cornices supporting the roof, which I cannot even begin to describe in its complexity, and will have to let the pictures show the work. The temple breaks into four sections, the base, pillared center, middle and top of the roof. It stands 38-1/2 inches (98 cm) tall, 20 inches (51 cm) wide and 12 inches (31 cm) deep. As mentioned before, this was a display piece showing the best available for Butsudan interiors; Butsudan are altars enshrining ones ancestors. The three black lacquer panels in back were added some years ago, and there are a few small pieces which have broken off and gone missing over the years; however it is surprisingly intact for such a delicate item. Pictured both with and without, all of the golden balls on the roof are accounted for. In Japanese altar making, each step is performed by a separate craftsman, cutting the wood, shaping the wood, lacquering, gilding, painting and assembly. Numerous individuals have worked to show the highest quality work for this outstanding altar. Ordered new today, this would be over 20 thousand dollars.

A lacquered wooden box decorated in built up Takamaki-e with Tsuba and Kozuka by Heian Zohiko dating from the first half of the 20th century. Inside is fine even nashiji. The decorations rise quite high off the surface, almost as if genuine tsuba were lying atop the box. One tsuba is in the shape of a Mokugyo, a Buddhist prayer drum of hollowed wood culminating in two dragons. The second is one of the seven lucky gods (shichi-fukujin) Daikoku seated in front of a rice bale, smoking a pipe and petting a puppy. The Kozuka handle is decorated with a traditional entertainer dancing with an umbrella. All the edges are protected by a silver rim. The Zohiko stamp is visible on the underside of the box; an elephant in a cartouche. The box measures 11 x 8-1/2 x 4-1/2 inches (28 x 22 x 12 cm) and is in excellent condition. Zohiko is one of the oldest and most prominent lacquer studios in Kyoto. This was likely produced under the visage of Zohiko VII or VIII.

Sitting demurely, legs folded with her back to the viewer, an oil painting by Yoshii Kosaburo dated 1937 and encased in the original period wooden frame. Oil on canvas, the painting is 15 x 18 inches (38 x 46 cm), the frame 21 x 23-1/2 inches (53 x 60 cm) and is in fine condition. The frame has marks and wear typical of age. It comes with some period documents (Japanese) on the artist. Yoshii Kosaburo was born in 1899, and initially studied under Imperial Art Academy Member Nakagawa Hachiro. In 1922 he moved to France, where he spent three years under the tutelage of Pablo Picasso, exhibiting with the Salon De Toneu and Salon De Plantan. Domesticaly he exhibited with the Bunten and Teiten National Exhibitions.

An important work in the oeuvre of 20th century avant-garde oil painter Nakamura Yoshitane, his first exhibited work at the 1938 Dokuritsu Tenrankai (Independent Painters Exhibition) titled Canna and Cypress retaining the original gilt frame and published in Nakamura Yoshitane Gendai no Ningen Fukei (page 81). Thick application of pigment and very heavy texturing are key features to the work giving it a three dimensional quality. A copy of the book is included with the sale. According to the essay by Otsuro Sakazaki at the beginning of the book, "Canna and Cypress was selected as his first exhibit, but more significant than the fact of this selection is its position as a monument commemorating a turning point in Nakamura's life, from which proceed his later pictures with their new concept of space". The canvas is 57 x 44 inches ((145 x 112 cm). The frame is 65 x 52-1/2 inches (165 x 135 cm). There is some damage typical of age to the frame in the way of chips and losses to the gilding. There are also some very old repairs to the painting, where it appears to have been folded or deeply scratched near the bottom in two places, and a light blue chip more recently filled in the upper blue background about the size of a coin. Due to size the cost of shipping will be accrued separately.
Nakamura Yoshitane (1914-1995) was born in Wakayama city where he took a job as a teacher. Although he began painting much earlier, he first exhibited with an abstract image at the Dokuritsu Tenrankai (Independent Exhibition) in 1938, and shortly thereafter left his teaching position to devote himself full time to painting. In 1942 he was awarded the Grand prize at the Dokuritsu Tenrankai. His paintings were largely abstract until 1972, when he suddenly made a change to human imagery and mannequins. He later served as a professor at Kyoto University of Art and Otemae Women’s Univrsity. For his contributions to the Art World he was granted the Cultural Merrit Award from Kyoto Prefecture in 1984, from Kyoto city in 1986, and the same from Wakayama in 1987. Work by him is held in the Tokyo National Museum of Modern Art (MOMAT) as well as the National Museum of Modern Art Kyoto (MOMAK), and Shiga Prefectural Museum of Art among many others. Not yet well explored in the west, a chance to purchase a Post-war Japanese Abstract Painter for a reasonable price

Koma Inu Shrine guardians decorate this unusually vivid Ako carpet dating from the early 20th century. The color combination is quite striking, especially when held up to the more standard subdued works typical of Ako. It is 95 x 195 cm (37-1/2 x 77 inches) and is in stunning condition. We found this wrapped in paper in the attic of a Kyoto home which had been sealed off during renovations in the 1950s. With a relatively small quantity produced within the rather short history of Japanese carpet making, this is a great collector piece as well as functional antique carpet with very soft texture and attractive design.
Called ‘dantsu’ in Japanese, hand knotted rugs are works of art requiring several months to complete. Inspired in her travels by Chinese benrekisen rugs, Naka Kojima spent years developing the looms and began weaving carpets in Ako in 1874 using high quality cotton, traditional designs and her own innovative weaving techniques. It became a cottage industry in Ako, handed down for decades among the local women while men worked the salt fields. At the peak of its popularity, they adorned the Imperial House of Japan and other governmental buildings and were exported to Australia, the UK, and the US. However, challenges in the world market during the great depression the prohibition of cotton trade leading up to World War II forced not simply a decline, but a near closure of the industry. Some resumed weaving after the war, but found it difficult to compete with machine-manufacturing. In 1991, with the support of Ako City, weaving classes for younger women taught by Kirie Sakaguchi,the only Ako Dantsu weaver left in the city, were begun and since there has been some revival albeit on a very small scale.

A seething dragon in white bronze by Mitsui Yoshio dating circa 1930 enclosed in the original signed wooden box. The very distinct character of the creature is similar to the famous dragons of Yakushiji temple in Nara. It is 32 cm (12-1/2 inches) long, 25 cm (10 inches) tall and in excellent condition.
Mitsui Yoshio (1899-1959) was born in Tokyo and initially studied metal craft under Tsuchida Katsue and then Unno Kiyoshi. While studying at the Tokyo University of Art (then Tokyo Bijutsu Gakko, he was first accepted into the Teiten in 1927; graduating school the following year. He was a member of the Kofukai Crafts Division, and a consistent exhibitor with the Bunten/Teiten.Nitten, National Exhibitions throughout his career. His 1955 work Namazu (Catfish) was awarded and purchased by the Monbusho, and his work from 1956 received the Nihon Geijitsuin Prize. He passed away at the peak of his career at the age of 59.

The tanuki rests, energy spent, among fallen bamboo leaves lit by the crescent moon, only those yellow eyes alert and watchful. A beautiful pigment on silk painting signed Seiei enclosed in the original signed wooden box. It is bordered in patterned green silk and features bone rollers. The scroll is 21-1/2 x 76-1/2 inches (55 x 194 cm) and in overall fine condition.

A delicate white flower blossoms on the pink surface of this exquisite vessel by Kiyomizu Rokubei V which comes wrapped in the original stamped cloth sack and enclosed in the original signed wooden box titled Taireiji Kabin. The vase is 22.5 cm (9 inches) tall and in excellent condition. Taireiji was the most important development by this innovative artist, and pieces are exceedingly rare.
Kiyomizu Rokubei V (Shimizu Kuritaro, 1875-1959) initially studied painting and decorating technique under Kono Bairei, one of the foremost painters in Japan in the Meiji era. After graduating the Kyoto Municipal Special School of Painting, he took a position under his father at the family kiln however. That same year he exhibited his first work at the National Industrial Exposition. He was a co-founder of Yutoen with his father and Asai Chu, and worked ceaselessly to promote the pottery of Kyoto. He helped to establish the Kyoto Ceramics Research Facility (Kyoto Tojiki Shikensho) at the turn of the century which would be the proving ground for many young artist of the era. Doctor Maezaki Shinya has noted that Teishitsu-Gigei-in (Imperial Art Academy Member) Seifu Yohei III also fired his acclaimed works in the Rokubei kiln in the Taisho era. Due to his father’s poor health Rokubei V took the reins unofficially in 1902, commanding the helm until assuming the name Rokubei V in 1913. It was in 1928 that Rokubei changed the reading of the family name from Shimizu to Kiyomizu and applied it retroactively to previous generations. He exhibited constantly, and garnered a great many awards. He worked to get crafts added to the National Art Exhibition (Bunten/Teiten) and served as a judge in 1927, the first year crafts were allowed. In 1937 he was designated a member of the Imperial Art Council (Teishitsu Bijutsu Inkai). Despite changes in the world around him Rokubei persevered, working in all manner of materials and styles. He retired in 1945, perhaps as exhausted as Japan was with the end of the war, or perhaps seeing that capitulation would signal a new era in need of new leaders and a new aesthetic. He passed the name Rokubei to his son and took the retirement name Rokuwa. Uncontainable he continued to create pottery under that name until his death in 1959. His influence is so pervasive he was voted one of the most important potters of the modern era by Honoho magazine, the preeminent quarterly devoted to Japanese pottery. A multitude of works by him are held in the The National Museums of Modern Art, both in Tokyo and Kyoto, the Kyoto Kyocera Museum, The Kyoto Hakubutsukan Museum and the Philadelphia Art Museum among others.

An interesting comment on the circle of life, the huge cicada, with only a three day (above ground) life, is dissected and carried away by a line of tiny ants, birth and death, the mighty and the tiny, and the cycle of life continues. This image is by Ishikawa Chikuson and comes enclosed in the original signed wooden box. It is performed with ink and light color on handmade paper, mounted in a field of soft-blue silk extended with beige. The scroll is 22 x 48-1/2 inches (55 x 123 cm) and is in overall fine condition. Ishikawa Chikuson (1884-1952) was born in Tokyoand was given his mothers name. At the age of 18 he apprenticed under Matsumoto Fuko and Suzuki Kason. Much lauded at the time, he moved to Nagoua after the Great Kanto Earthquake in 1923 destroyed his studio, establishing a studio and a following in his new home, but was again, later in life, displaced by war and the allied bombing of Nagoya. He took refuge in rural Mie prefecture. After the signing of peace terms, he returned to the barren Nagoya where he took a job as a postal worker while rebuilding his studio.

An accordion album featuring calligraphy and paintings by various well known Zen priests of the first half of the 20th century. Including the opening there are 30 pages. The book is 22 x 31 cm and in overall fine condition. The opening pages are by Kutsu Deiryu (Izawa Kanshu 1895-1954, head priest of Kaiseiji), the famous protégé of Nakahara Nantenbo. It is followed by;
1. Daruma by Goto Zuigan, 1878-1965, Myoshinji, Daitokuji
2. Mineo Daikyu, 1860-1954, (head priest of Myoshinji)
3. Chawan, Takeda Eisen 1878-1945 (head priest of Kenninji)
4. Rozan Eko 1865-1944 (head priest of Myoshinji)
5 Takagi Dokuho, no dates, (head priest of Eigenji)
6. Obaku Hoshino Jikio (sp?) 1867-1937 head priest of Manpukuji
7. Seki Seisetsu 1877-1945 (head priest of Tenryuji)
8. Miura Shoten (Hekiun) 1870-1957 (head priest of Myoshinji)
10. Seigo Hogaku 1875-1942
11. Hamamura Seido 1869-1935
12. Yamazaki Taiko 1876-1966 (Head priest of Sokokuji)
13. Ozeki Honko (Horin) 1873-1944 (head priest of Tofukuji)
14. Hoshino Daigen (Saishoken)
15. Tokai Totatsu 1870-1945 (head priest of Myoshinji)
16. Ito Keishu (Seiko) 1881-1935 (Kinkakuji)
17. Maruyama Yoso (Denne) 1870-1940 (Daitokuji)
18. Takibuchi Kenko ?
19. Yokoi Gyokusen
20. Mamiya Eishu, 1871-1945 (Hokoji Temple)
21. Sugimoto Zenki, 1890-1949 (Myoshinji)
22. Hayashi Kaishu (Keikyo) 1890-1979 (Tofukuji)
23. Ota Josei, (Daikai) 1875-1946 (Daitokuji)
24. Konaka Hosu (Zuishoken), (Tokugenji)
25. Akai Giyu (Nanzenji)
27. Yamazaki Ekishu 1882-1961 (Buttsuji)
28. Kozuki Tesshu 1883～1941 (Empukuji)
For more on many of these famous figures see Zenmi, a Taste of Zen (2011, Veljko Dujin) or The Art of 20th Century Zen (Shambhala, 1998).

Peach bands of silk arranged in vertical columns stagger across six feet of Kesa interspersed with colorful patches featuring flowers and geometrics. The Kesa is backed with sumptuous orange silk. It is accompanied by a smaller piece of the same design called Ohi, a sash worn along with the Kesa. The Kesa is 78 x 45-1/2 inches (198 x 115.5 cm), the smaller Ohi 12 x 57 inches (30 x 142 cm). A fabulous wall hanging, they likely date from the early 20th century and are overall in very good condition. The unusual pattern of Kesa (Kasaya in Sanskrit) is based on the garment worn by the Buddha, purportedly made by him from scraps of funerary cloths picked up along the banks of the sacred Ganges. It is said the Buddhas Kesa was 10 feet long. The design of kesa is a symbol of the Mandala, the four corners protected by patches representing the four Guardians of the Cardinal points of the universe. At the top of the third and fifth columns are patches representing the Buddhas of benevolence and wisdom. The oldest examples of Kesa in Japan date from the 8th century.

A truly magnificent vase of pastel blue floral designs on yellow-green body by Miyanaga Tozan enclosed in the original signed wooden box. It is 8 inches (20 cm) tall and in excellent condition. It retains the original wooden base. I believe this is by the second generation.
Miyanaga Tozan I (1868-1941) is one of the most important names in Kyoto ceramics. He was born in Ishikawa prefecture, and graduated from the (now) Tokyo University of Art. While a government employee, he represented Japan at Arts Expositions, and studied art in Europe before returning to Japan in 1902 to devote himself to the production of ceramics, with great emphasis on celadon, one of the most difficult of all ceramic wares. He was direct teacher or mentor to a number of prominent artists including Kitaoji Rosanjin and Arakawa Toyozo. He was succeeded by his adopted daughter who brought a refreshing variation of color and delicate touch to the porcelains they produced. The kiln is now in the third generation, run by his grandson.

Bright colors decorate this life-like set of Porcelain Okimono in the style of Chinese fruit by Suwa Sozan (no box). This set dates to 1931 and is published in the book Suwa Sozan Sakuhin Shu (1971), p. 85. A bursting pomegranate, Persimmon, Bunch of Grapes and Buddhas Hand, with a fifth piece, a fig, missing from the set. Please note there are a few chips in the edges of the leaves of the fruit (circled in the photos). Each piece is roughly life-size the Buddhas hand is 15 cm (6 inches) long.
Sozan I (1852-1922) was born in Kutani country, present day Ishikawa prefecture, where he initially studied before moving to Tokyo in 1875. Over the next 25 years he would gravitate between Tokyo and Kanazawa, working at various kilns and research facilities. He again relocated, this time to Kyoto in 1900 to manage the Kinkozan Studio. His name became synonymous with celadon and refined porcelain. He was succeeded by his adopted daughter upon his death. He is held in the Kyoto National Museum among many others. Sozan Torako was born in Kanazawa in 1890, and was soon adopted by her uncle, Suwa Sozan I. Her ceramics resemble those of Sozan I, but are considered to be more graceful and feminine. Torako assumed the family name upon her uncles death in 1922. She is held in the collection of the Imperial Household Agency among others.

A radical ink landscape by legendary artist Fukuda Kodojin. Ink on paper in a green silk patterned border set in beige with wood rollers. It is 13 x 70 inches (33 x 178 cm) and is in excellent condition.
Fukuda Kodojin (1865-1944) an eccentric self taught artist, his status as a poet, calligrapher and literati artist has reached legendary status. Born at a time of great change (4 years before the final fall of the Edo Government), he lived through the westernization of Meiji, Taisho Democracy, the rise of Imperialism and final defeat of the Showa eras. He was self taught, part of a small group of artists existing outside conventional circles in pre-war Japan. He moved to a village outside of Kyoto in 1901, where he supported himself and his family by privately tutoring those who wished to learn Chinese-style poetry. Kodojin was simply a scholar. His poetry, painting, and calligraphy all stem from a life-long cultivation of the mind. He was known to have taken the time just before his death to destroy the large portion of his own remaining work, leaving only that which must have met some personal criteria. For more on his life see the book Old Taoist, or Unexplored Avenues of Japanese Painting. Twenty five paintings by the artist formed a private exhibition (from Gitter-Yelen) at the New Orleans Museum of Art in 2000, and he is part of the Hakutakuan collection among many others