Clars Auctions is proud to present a distinguished Japanese Art department that brings together tradition, craftsmanship, and cultural legacy.
We appraise, sell, and value Japanese art across a range of mediums and historical periods. As one of the trusted Japanese art auction houses in California, we welcome collectors, institutions, and new buyers to explore our curated selections and professional services. With decades of experience in evaluating and marketing Japanese artworks, our team provides appraisals, handles consignments, and places exceptional pieces into strategically timed Japanese art auctions for optimal visibility and returns.
Sold: $33,275
Buy Japanese Art at Auction
For collectors looking to acquire rare and investment-worthy Japanese art, Clars provides several accessible ways to participate in our Japanese art auctions:
Ways to Bid:
- In-Person Bidding: Join us at our Oakland, California, showroom to experience the auction atmosphere and preview artworks up close.
- Telephone Bidding: Register in advance so a representative can call you during the sale and bid on your behalf.
- Live Online: Bid in real-time from anywhere in the world through Clars Live, as well as LiveAuctioneers and Invaluable.
- Absentee Bidding: Submit your maximum bid in advance and let our team place competitive bids up to your limit.
Each auction catalog is published online ahead of the event and includes detailed images, condition reports, provenance (when available), and estimates.
Whether you’re acquiring a woodblock print for your private collection or exploring investment opportunities in antique Japanese bronzes or lacquerware, our team is available to answer your questions and help you navigate the buying process confidently.
Japanese Art We Sell
Each auction features a thoughtful selection of fine Japanese art objects, providing buyers the opportunity to acquire pieces with cultural, historical, and aesthetic significance. Clars features Japanese works spanning the Edo (1603–1868), Meiji (1868–1912), Taisho (1912–1926), and Showa (1926–1989) periods. From the traditional to the avant-garde, our sales often include:
- Ukiyo-e Woodblock Prints: Iconic prints by masters like Hokusai, Hiroshige, Utamaro, and Kuniyoshi, celebrated for their vivid imagery and narrative power.
- Byobu Folding Screens: Hand-painted or gold-leafed folding screens showcasing landscapes, seasonal motifs, and tales from Japanese folklore.
- Lacquerware: Exquisite examples of maki-e and urushi craftsmanship in boxes, trays, inro, and more.
- Satsuma & Kutani Ceramics: Hand-decorated porcelain and earthenware works prized for their intricate detailing and historical significance.
- Bronze Sculptures & Temple Figures: Important religious or decorative bronzes depicting Buddhist deities, animals, or mythical beings.
- Netsuke & Okimono: Intricately carved miniature sculptures from ivory, boxwood, or antler, often depicting animals, daily life, or folklore.
- Textiles & Kimonos: Antique and vintage garments, obi sashes, and fabrics highlighting traditional weaving, dyeing, and embroidery techniques.
Clars works to ensure each piece is carefully vetted, cataloged, and presented with descriptions and professional photography, giving buyers confidence during the bidding process.
