Hartman Rare Art, Inc.

A family-owned business since 1927

For 85 years, the Hartman Family and our associates have consistently worked to provide quality antique merchandise to our customers at competitive prices. Should you have any questions about the pieces we feature on this website or if you would like to inquire further about a specific item, please do not hesitate to contact us.

Our gallery is located in midtown Manhattan and easily accessible on the second floor. Please note the entrance to the building is on 53rd Street between Park and Madison Avenues. We are open to the public Monday to Friday from 9:30AM until 4:30PM.

Shibayama is an art form that originated in Japan. Shibayama is the art of semiprecious shell inlay on lacquer and ivory pieces. The items decorated in the Shibayama style range from vases, boxes and table-screens to swords and entire ivory tusks. Due to the delicate nature of the art form and to the fragility of the resulting pieces, intact Shibayama items are highly valuable and prized by collectors. And please feel free to browse our Hartman Rare Art Ebay Store.

Japanese Silver and Lacquer Cabinet

This fantastic cabinet was made in Japan during the Meiji Period. The cabinet is rectangular and composed of silver panels and lacquer panels with shelves. The front features hinged doors to smaller cabinets. The sides, as well as the cabinet doors are decorated with panels of Shibayama decoration. An engraved silver plaque comprises the back panel. A signature appears in a silver cartouche mounted on the underside. The cabinet measures 9.25 inches height.

SY01

Price: $62,000

Pair of Japanese Lacquer and Metal Vases

This pair of lacquer vases with Shibayama decoration were made in Japan during the Meiji Period. The vases feature lacquered exterior surfaces with inset panels of Shibayama-style landscape scenes with figures. On each vase, a silver dragon is wrapped around the neck and shoulder; one of the dragons clasps a rock crystal sphere, representing a flaming pearl. The vases are signed on the underside in a cartouche with the name, Shusai. Each vase measures 12.25 inches height.

SY02

Price: $67,000

Japanese Lacquer Tray

This lovely Japanese lacquer tray was made during the late 19th/early 20th century. The borders are decorated with elaborate lacquered landscape scenes and segments of intricate patterns; the center is decorated with flowering plants shown in lacquer and applied Shibayama decoration. The tray measures 14 3/8 inches length by 10 3/4 inches width.

SY03

Price: $10,000

Japanese Lacquer Tea Pot

This decorative tea pot, composed of lacquer with Shibayama-style decoration, was made in Japan during the late 19th/early 20th century. The tea pot is flattened circular form and on either side features a large Shibayama-style reserve with plant and animal decoration in various colors of mother-of-pearl and semi-precious stones. The tea pot measures a total 8.25 inches length over the handle and 7 inches height.

SY07

Price: $30,000