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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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Utagawa Kunisada (1786-1865) - Lot consisting of two woodcuts, Japan, Meiji period
Feb 21, 10:00 AM EST
Utagawa Kunisada (1786-1865) - Lot consisting of two woodcuts, Japan, Meiji period
by Eldred's
Est: $120- $240
$2003 Bids
The Great Wave off Kanagawa
Dec 31, 9:45 AM PST
The Great Wave off Kanagawa
by Abell Auction
Est: $500- $700
$4000 Bids
The Great Wave off Kanagawa
Dec 31, 9:45 AM PST
The Great Wave off Kanagawa
by Abell Auction
Est: $500- $700
$4000 Bids
The Great Wave off Kanagawa
Dec 31, 9:45 AM PST
The Great Wave off Kanagawa
by Abell Auction
Est: $500- $700
$4000 Bids
The Great Wave off Kanagawa
Oct 31, 9:45 PM EDT
The Great Wave off Kanagawa
by Grogan & Company
Est: $500- $700
$4000 Bids
The Great Wave off Kanagawa
Oct 31, 9:45 PM EDT
The Great Wave off Kanagawa
by Grogan & Company
Est: $500- $700
$4000 Bids
The Great Wave off Kanagawa
Oct 31, 9:45 PM EDT
The Great Wave off Kanagawa
by Grogan & Company
Est: $500- $700
$4000 Bids
The Great Wave off Kanagawa
Dec 31, 7:30 PM CET
The Great Wave off Kanagawa
by Tajan
Est: €500- €700
€4000 Bids
The Great Wave off Kanagawa
Dec 31, 7:30 PM CET
The Great Wave off Kanagawa
by Tajan
Est: €500- €700
€4000 Bids
The Great Wave off Kanagawa
Dec 31, 7:30 PM CET
The Great Wave off Kanagawa
by Tajan
Est: €500- €700
€4000 Bids
AN IMARI-PALETTE SLENDER VASE AND AN IMARI JAR AND A COVER The vase, 17th century; the jar, Kangxi; the cover later
Mar 10, 11:00 AM EDT
AN IMARI-PALETTE SLENDER VASE AND AN IMARI JAR AND A COVER The vase, 17th century; the jar, Kangxi; the cover later
by Figlio Designs Auctioneers and Appraisers
Est: $2,500- $3,500
$2,5000 Bids
The Great Wave off Kanagawa
Oct 31, 8:00 AM PDT
The Great Wave off Kanagawa
by Mark Sublette Medicine Man Gallery
Est: $500- $700
$4000 Bids
The Great Wave off Kanagawa
Oct 31, 8:00 AM PDT
The Great Wave off Kanagawa
by Mark Sublette Medicine Man Gallery
Est: $500- $700
$4000 Bids
The Great Wave off Kanagawa
Oct 31, 8:00 AM PDT
The Great Wave off Kanagawa
by Mark Sublette Medicine Man Gallery
Est: $500- $700
$4000 Bids

Sellers Who Sell Japanese Art & Antiques


Eldred's

Eldred's

Theodore Bruce

Theodore Bruce

Grogan & Company

Grogan & Company

Abell Auction

Abell Auction