I remember Shogun's Gallery on NW 23rd. They relocated to a warehouse as the street gentrified - their old spot is a vacant lot.
The original family who brought beautiful items from Japan have now largely passed the business to a younger person. I was strolling the neighborhood when a signboard announced an open day. Usually they are by appointment or voice call for entry. If you need their stuff, which you do, make an appointment or voice call for entry.
They are on the 3rd floor of a clean warehouse with an elevator.
They collect in Japan and ship their own containers.
They have household ceramics, some tansu, some beautiful scroll landscape paintings, tools, tables, Japanese clothing, "go boards", sculptures, iron teapots, and more.
Northern Japan is akin to Northwest USA and adjacent BC in climate and native culture. The native people in Japan are the Ainu and I visited their cultural center in Japan. Shogun's had on my visit collection of wood sculptures maybe 18-24" by 12" by 12" of bears catching salmon. It's in my pictures. Yes, Northern Japan has salmon! It is an Ainu native food.
I have been known to haunt Japanese antique sales in Seattle. Some of the Shogun's items are very, very reasonably priced.
I would recommend anyone interested in Japanese antiques, as seen by the photos, to visit by appointment and follow their announcements and other sales channels.
The Northwest has a long relationship with Japan, Portland has a long and continuing relationship with Japan. If you want a little antique Japan in your living space or as a gift, Shogun's is a must-visit! read more