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Japanese Art & Antiques

Japanese art dates back to as early as the 10th millennium B.C. It is unique in its constant absorption, adaptation, and diversion from outside influencing and invading cultures. Japanese painting stemmed from Buddhist Chinese influence, bronze work was initiated by the Koreans, and constant simultaneous assimilation and rejection of Western missionary oil painting styles characterize the timeline of Japanese art history. While much of Japan's art history is influenced by religion, it is the country's secular artwork that is perhaps the most influential, including theater, wood-block printing, bronze work, poetry, clothing, accessories, and masks.

While early bronze works in Japan indicate a struggle to use the medium, by the first century A.D., the Japanese were able to create arrowheads, daggers, swords, spearheads, and other weapons. By the second century A.D., the Japanese produced geometric-patterned ceremonial bells, and the century after further perfected the art, producing bells with thinner walls. Bronze mirrors are an excellent example of the intricate bronze work of Japan. With one side polished to a very reflective sheen, the other side is decorated with geometric shapes and natural motifs that stemmed from traditional literature. Many bronze mirrors feature handles within the first century A.D.

Another artistic strength in Japan is fashion, most notably the inro and its accessories. These boxes were fastened to the kimono belt, which lacked pockets. In order to fasten an inro to the kimono, it was tied to a netsuke, which anchored the inro in place above the belt, while the ojime bead kept the inro securely shut. As kimonos are no longer in fashion, ojime are no longer of functional use barring ceremonial practices. However, intricately carved and decorated ojime remain a unique decorative collectible.

Recommended Items at Auction

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Ishikawa Toraji "Buryu Inko" Woodblock
May 21, 10:00 AM CDT
Ishikawa Toraji "Buryu Inko" Woodblock
by Revere Auctions
Est: $600- $1,200
$90010 Bids
Yoshitoshi (1839-1892). Taira no Kiyomori holding back the Sun.
May 22, 6:30 PM CEST
Yoshitoshi (1839-1892). Taira no Kiyomori holding back the Sun.
by Bubb > Kuyper: Auctioneers of Books, Fine Arts & Manuscripts
Est: €60- €80
€19010 Bids
A Large Japanese Meiji Period Cloisonne Vase
May 20, 10:00 AM CDT
A Large Japanese Meiji Period Cloisonne Vase
by Link Auction Galleries
Est: $250- $350
$6509 Bids
Yoshitoshi (1839-1892). (Parody on the Chushingura).
May 22, 6:30 PM CEST
Yoshitoshi (1839-1892). (Parody on the Chushingura).
by Bubb > Kuyper: Auctioneers of Books, Fine Arts & Manuscripts
Est: €100- €150
€2209 Bids
An early Japanese ivory pill box (Dia:3.5cm)
May 22, 1:00 PM AEST
An early Japanese ivory pill box (Dia:3.5cm)
by Lawsons
Est: AUD60- AUD80
AUD608 Bids
(3 Pcs) Japanese Carved Bone Netsuke
May 29, 11:00 AM EDT
(3 Pcs) Japanese Carved Bone Netsuke
by Akiba Galleries
Est: $25- $250
$4008 Bids
Very Old Japanese Koto Period Tachi Sword, with 27 inch blade
May 24, 10:00 AM CDT
Very Old Japanese Koto Period Tachi Sword, with 27 inch blade
by Sofe Design Auctions
Est: $4,000- $6,000
$5007 Bids
A Japanese Meiji Period Dragon Urn, 19th Century
May 20, 10:00 AM CDT
A Japanese Meiji Period Dragon Urn, 19th Century
by Link Auction Galleries
Est: $250- $500
$3257 Bids
Toko Shinoda "Dawning" Lithograph 1980
May 21, 10:00 AM CDT
Toko Shinoda "Dawning" Lithograph 1980
by Revere Auctions
Est: $300- $600
$4507 Bids
JAPANESE SCRIMSHAW ORGY SCENE ON CELLULOID TUSK
May 21, 9:00 AM EDT
JAPANESE SCRIMSHAW ORGY SCENE ON CELLULOID TUSK
by Affiliated Auctions & Realty LLC
Est: $100- $200
$1607 Bids
Ishikawa Toraji "Asa (Morning)" Woodblock
May 21, 10:00 AM CDT
Ishikawa Toraji "Asa (Morning)" Woodblock
by Revere Auctions
Est: $600- $1,200
$7507 Bids
A Fine Japanese Meiji Period Cloisonne Vase
May 20, 10:00 AM CDT
A Fine Japanese Meiji Period Cloisonne Vase
by Link Auction Galleries
Est: $250- $350
$7007 Bids
Hiroshi Yoshida "Rapids" Woodblock Print
May 21, 10:00 AM CDT
Hiroshi Yoshida "Rapids" Woodblock Print
by Revere Auctions
Est: $400- $800
$8007 Bids
A large Imari porcelain charger, Diameter 46cm
May 20, 7:00 PM AEST
A large Imari porcelain charger, Diameter 46cm
by Lawsons
Est: AUD200- AUD400
AUD707 Bids

Sellers Who Sell Japanese Art & Antiques


Galerie Zacke

Galerie Zacke

For-Auction

For-Auction

Nagel Auction

Nagel Auction

JG Auction

JG Auction