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Japanese Metalwork


Japanese metalwork abounds in countless forms, techniques and alloys. Throughout the centuries, Japanese metal craftsmen have imagined and created some of the finest metal artistry on earth.

The varied materials used include bronze, iron, copper, silver, gold and a mix of these known as Japanese shakudo. These have been crafted into remarkable pieces including Japanese tea and Buddhist items like kettles or tetsubin, ikebana vases, religious figures, koro incense burners, bells and lanterns, and hand mirrors.

Perhaps the most notable of all Japanese metal artistry is found in the area of Japanese sword and armor. Blades, tsuba, helmets, chest plates, abumi and sword and armor fittings have long been regarded as unsurpassed in beauty and quality throughout the world.

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Japanese Bronze Okimono, Double Gourd
Japanese Bronze Okimono, Hyotan Double Gourd - JK88123
Our Price: $795.00

Wonderful Japanese bronze hyotan double-gourd okimono, Taisho period, c. 1912-1926. Excellent detail in finely rendered traditional gourd motif.  Dynamic metal work, lovely composition and craftsmanship.   A striking example in very good condition. Dimensions:  5” x 9.25” x 6”.
Japanese Bronze Mizusashi, Tea Ceremony
Japanese Bronze Mizusashi, Tea Ceremony Water Container - JC88141
Our Price: $795.00

Exceptional Japanese bronze mizusashi or fresh water container for use in the tea ceremony, Taisho period, c. 1912-1926.  Rich, dark patina, glossy black lacquer lid, finely rendered patterning, ring handles.  A dramatic piece offering eye-catching beauty and ease of portability.  Very good condition.  Dimensions:  7.5” x 7.5”.
Japanese Bronze Vase, Silver Inlay, Falcon Motif
Japanese Bronze Vase, Silver Inlay, Falcon Motif - JC88142
SOLD
Our Price: $1,295.00

Dramatic Japanese bronze vase in classic bulb form, early 20th century. Large, robust shape and dynamic falcon and pine rendering. Beautiful mellowed brown patina. Artist stamp on underside.  Very good condition.  Dimensions:  14” x 11”.
Japanese Tanuki, Cast-Iron Badger Okimono
Japanese Tanuki, Cast-Iron Badger Okimono - JC88143
Our Price: $795.00

Enchanting Japanese cast-iron tanuki or mischievous badger okimono, Showa period, early 20th century. A mythical creature known for mischief, the whimsical tanuki was adopted as a symbol of aristocratic excess during the Edo period. Often displayed in front of sake houses to hint at the entertainment offered therein. Wonderful, detail and exceptional, imaginative crafting. Very good condition. Dimensions:  23” x 10” x 9”.
JapaneseBronze Okimono, Koi Fish for Ikebana
JapaneseBronze Okimono, Koi Fish for Ikebana - JC88144
Our Price: $1,695.00

Wonderful Japanese handworked bronze koi fish okimono, Meiji period, c. 1868-1912. Excellent detail in finely rendered traditional fish figure with open mouth used for dramatic floral presentation. Dynamic metal work with lifelike feel and animation.   A striking example in very good condition. Dimensions:  4” x 10” x 4.5”.
Japanese Bronze Buddhist Temple Bell
Japanese Bronze Buddhist Temple Bell - JC88146
Our Price: $3,295.00

Huge Japanese bronze Buddhist temple bell, 20th century.  Ideal for use in garden or retreat. Traditionally rung 108 times on New Year's Eve in Japan to correspond to the 108 wicked thoughts in Buddhism.  The ringing is thought to drive them away. Richly resonant with great detail throughout.  A rare find!  Very good condition. Dimensions:  26” x 14”.
Japanese Bronze Koro or Hibachi Handwarmer
Japanese Bronze Koro or Hibachi Handwarmer - JC8882
Our Price: $1,295.00

Impressive Japanese bronze koro or incense burner, late Edo-early Meiji period, c. 1860-1912.  Fabulous metal craftsmanship in rendering featuring chrythanthemum blooms. Enchanting bamboo-form handles. Removeable cover allows for the insertion of dry incense in this tea ceremony vessel often used in the traditional tokonoma or alcove found in Japanese homes.  A rare and remarkable item! Artist’s inscription. Very good condition. Dimensions:  9” high, 12” diameter.
Japanese Bronze Temple Guardian Nio Figures
Japanese Pair Bronze Temple Guardian Nio Figures - JJ881211
Our Price: $6,995.00

Magnificent Japanese bronze temple guardian or Nio figures, Meiji period, 1868-1912.  Fabulous rendering shows traces of paint over solid, heavyweight bronze.  Half-nude figures with rippling muscles a dynamic display of power and exaggerated realism characteristic of early Japanese sculpture.  Delicately detailed fingers, nostrils, eyes and teeth.  Called Misshaku Kongo (Agyo) and Naraen Kongo (Ungyo) one figure represents overt strength with bared teeth and raised fist the other latent strength, holding his mouth tightly shut.  These figures are traditionally placed at the entrance of a temple or shrine for security and protection.  Very rare to find a pair.  A must for the collector!  Dimensions:  22" high, 10" wide, 4.5" deep.
Japanese Snow Lantern, Iron Garden Lamp
Japanese Snow Lantern, Iron Garden Lamp - JK88122
SOLD
Our Price: $3,995.00

Highly sought-after Japanese iron snow lantern, Taisho period, c. 1912-1926.  Elegant broad roof traditionally used to keep melting snow from extinguishing the lighted candle inside.  Often seen in the tea or temple garden.  Raised calligraphy on the roof adds great rustic charm.  Multi-sectional lantern with tripod feet.  Ideal for any Asian landscape decor.  Very good condition.  Dimensions:  15” high, 19” diameter.
Japanese Bronze Wall Hanging, Kotobuki Long Life
Japanese Bronze Wall Hanging, Kotobuki Long Life - JK87276
Our Price: $395.00

Whimsical Japanese bronze character, mid-20th century. Wonderfully rendered in heavy weight with great dynamism.  Reads kotobuki or long life.  Great for use in garden or interior. Very good condition. Dimensions:  16” x 12.25”.
Japanese Bronze Candle Stands, Shokudai
Japanese Bronze Candle Stands, Chrysanthemum Shokudai - JC87194
Our Price: $2,995.00

Fabulous, massive pair of Japanese bronze candle stands or shokudai, late Edo period, c. 1800-1868.  Elegant, refined kiku (chrysanthemum) motif in the traditional design.  Antique matching pair difficult to find, especially in these phenomenal dimensions.  Spectacular size ideal for eye-catching interior décor, entertaining, or collective display.  A remarkable collector’s set.   Dimensions: 29”" high, 8” diameter (at base).  Very good condition.
Japanese Bronze Vase for Ikebana Display
Japanese Bronze Vase for Ikebana Display - JC87196
Our Price: $895.00

Elegant Japanese bronze vase in classic bulb form, early 20th century. Robust shape and graceful floral rendering with even, textural finish. Beautiful mellowed brown patina. Artist stamped on underside.  Very good condition.  Dimensions:  7.5” high, 10” diameter.
Japanese Bronze Vase, Mottled Finish
Japanese Bronze Vase, Mottled Finish - JT8712
Our Price: $1,195.00

Strong Japanese bronze vase in unique, stylized bottleneck form, Taisho period, c. 1912-1926. Sleek, finely rendered shape.  Elegant mottled finish and beautiful mellowed brown patina. Artist signed, Yasumi.  Comes with original, inscribed kiri wood storage box. Very good condition Dimensions:  8.5” high, 3” diameter at widest.
Japanese Bronze Vase, Hyotan Double-Gourd
Japanese Bronze Vase, Hyotan Double-Gourd - JT8713
Our Price: $2,495.00

Exquisite Japanese bronze vase in the form of a hyotan or double-gourd, early 20th century.  Sleek, finely rendered form, rich dark patina.  Artist signed on underside. Comes with original, kiri wood storage box inscribed Heian Zoroku-zo. Very good condition. Dimensions:  11” high, 4” diameter at widest.
Japanese Bronze Vase, Textured Metalwork
Japanese Bronze Vase, Textured Metalwork - JT8710
SOLD
Our Price: $3,495.00

Graceful Japanese bronze vase in classic form, Meiji period, c. 1868-1912. Robust shape and precise rendering with even, textural finish. Beautiful mellowed brown patina. Artist stamped Jomi on underside.  Very good condition.  Dimensions:  9” high, 5.5” diameter.
Japanese Bronze Vase, Gold and Silver Inlay
Japanese Bronze Vase, Gold and Silver Inlay - JT879
Our Price: $2,595.00

Remarkable Japanese bronze and mixed metal vase featuring dramatic fishing scene in high relief, Taisho period, c. 1912-1926. Extraordinary quality, imaginative composition, exquisite rendering. Raised gold and silver inlay against rich, rippled red ground, suggesting the effect of a stone’s effect on a body of water.  A highly refined piece, would make a wonderful addition to any collector.  Dimensions:  9” high, 6” diameter (at widest).
Pair Japanese Silver Sake Kettles or Ewers
Pair Japanese Silver Sake Kettles or Ewers, Meiji - JI8MY286
Our Price: $1,995.00

Lovely pair Japanese silver sake ewers or kettles, Meiji period, c. 1868-1912.  Distinctive eggplant form with delicate handle and cap.  Beautifully hammered throughout.   Fine metalwork artistry skillfully achieved.  Impressive pieces for display or traditional use. Accompanied by tomobako wood storage box. Very good condition.  Dimensions:  6.5” (16 cm) high w/ handles, 2.75” (7 cm) diameter.
Japanese Copper Vase for Ikebana
Japanese Copper Vase for Tea Ceremony Ikebana - JJ8MY163
SOLD
Our Price: $395.00
Sale Price: $316.00

Exquisite Japanese copper vase, mid-20th century.  Gorgeous slender, stick-neck form. Lovely mottled finish. Typically used for ikebana floral display at tea ceremony. Comes with kiri wood storage box  Very good condition.  Height:  11”.
Japanese Bronze Koro Incense Burner
Japanese Bronze Koro Incense Burner - JJ8MY501
Our Price: $195.00
Sale Price: $156.00

Sublime Japanese bronze koro or incense burner, early 20th century. Lovely metal craftsmanship in subtle rendering and fine bulb form.  Enchanting vessel often used in the tea ceremony and placed in the traditional tokonoma or alcove found in Japanese homes.  Very good condition. Dimensions:  3.5” x 4.5”.
Japanese Kettle and Brazier, Iron Furogama
Japanese Kettle and Brazier, Iron Furogama - JJ8MY505
Our Price: $495.00
Sale Price: $396.00

Exceptional Japanese furo-gama, cast-iron kettle and brazier for the tea ceremony, early 20th century. Rustic design with fabulous orange peel texture.  Bronze lid with persimmon form knob. Tripod iron base and ring handles.  Very good condition. Dimensions:   14” x 13”.
Japanese Bronze Suiban, Ikebana & Bonzai
Japanese Bronze Suiban, Ikebana Floral or Bonzai Basin - JC8A91618
Our Price: $1,695.00

Fantastic Japanese bronze suiban flower or bonsai basin, Meiji period, c. 1868-1912.  A rare piece featuring intricate patterning and mythical creatures topping each leg.  Remarkable underside shows dramatic dragon and artist stamp. Very good condition.  Dimensions:  4” high x 9.25” long x 6” wide.
Japanese Silver Vase, Solid Sterling Ikebana
Japanese Silver Vase, Solid Sterling Ikebana Vessel - JC8A91619
Our Price: $1,995.00

Dazzling Japanese sterling silver vase, Taisho period, c. 1912-1926. Wonderful shape and fabulous rendering of highly detailed peony motif.  Comes with original wooden storage box.  Very good condition.  Dimensions:  10” high x 6” diameter.
Japanese Bronze Vase for Ikebana Floral Display
Japanese Bronze Vase for Ikebana Floral Display - JC8A91628
Our Price: $495.00

Fabulous Japanese bronze vase in unique trumpet form, Taisho period, c. 1912-1926. Wonderful shape and rendering with sleek, modern look and beautiful mellowed brown patina. Very good condition.  Dimensions:  13” high x 6.5” diameter.
Japanese Bronze Hibachi Handwarmer
Japanese Bronze Hibachi Handwarmer - JC8A91603
Our Price: $395.00

Excellent Japanese bronze hibachi or hand warmer, Meiji period (1868-1912). Traditionally used to burn coals and wood ash for indoor heating. Lovely bulb form.  Exceptional workmanship, highly detailed decor features landscape cartouches.  Remarkable chrysanthemum handles. Very good condition. We have two. Order one or two. Dimensions:  10” x 10”.
Japanese Bronze Hibachi Handwarmer, Hexagonal
Japanese Bronze Hibachi Handwarmer, Hexagonal - JC8A91604
Our Price: $395.00

Wonderful Japanese bronze hibachi or hand warmer, Meiji period (1868-1912). Traditionally used to burn coals and wood ash for indoor heating. Fine hexagonal form.  Exceptional workmanship, highly detailed patterning.  Fantastic fish handles. Very good condition. Dimensions:  8” x 10”.
Japanese Bronze Hibachi Handwarmer, Incised
Japanese Bronze Hibachi Handwarmer, Incised Floral Motif - JC8A91605
Our Price: $395.00

Gorgeous Japanese bronze hibachi or hand warmer, Meiji period (1868-1912). Traditionally used to burn coals and wood ash for indoor heating. Lovely bulb form.  Exceptional workmanship, highly detailed, incised floral motif.  Very good condition. We have three. Order one, two or three. Dimensions:  10” x 11”.
Japanese Bronze Hibachi Handwarmer,  Brazier
Japanese Bronze Hibachi Handwarmer, Large Brazier - JC8A91601
Our Price: $1,295.00

Exceptional Japanese bronze hibachi or hand warmer, Meiji period (1868-1912). Traditionally used to burn coals and wood ash for indoor heating. Exceptional workmanship, highly detailed incised decor against textured ground.  Mythical beast handles. Very good condition. Dimensions:  15” high, 20” diameter.
Japanese Lantern, Cast Iron Garden Lamp or Andon
Japanese Lantern, Cast Iron Garden Lamp or Andon - JJ8A711
Our Price: $495.00
Sale Price: $396.00

Splendid, large Japanese iron tea garden andon or hanging lantern, mid-20th century. Lovely design in pagoda form. Intricate metal latticework with hinged door lends great charm. Raised base adds to traditional design.  Often used with lighted candle in courtyard or tea garden. Ideal for any Asian landscape or interior decor. Very good condition. Dimensions:  16" high, 12" diameter at top.
Japanese Buddhist Temple Lanterns, Tsuridoro
Pair Japanese Buddhist Temple Lanterns, Tsuridoro - JJ8A712
Our Price: $395.00
Sale Price: $316.00

Lovely etched brass Japanese Buddhist temple andon or lanterns, Meiji period, c. 1868-1912. Pagoda form with hinged doors for use with votive candle. Wonderful item for display or devotional use in home shrine. Fine detail overall and in very good condition. Dimensions:  6” x 5”.  (May be purchased individually.)
Japanese Metal Tea Tray, Pheasant & Peony
Japanese Metal Tea Tray, Pheasant and Peony Motif - JK8M01202
Our Price: $395.00

Fine Japanese oval, scalloped metal tea tray, Meiji period, c. 1868-1912.  Highly detailed, exceptionally well rendered pheasant and peony motif.  A remarkable piece in very good condition.   Dimensions:  10” x 7.5”.
   
 
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