Japonesque Gallery

«San Francisco, oh how I love thee!» Your wonderful shops and galleries never cease to amaze me. And, I’m adding Japonesque to my sort of small «cream of the crop» list. I have visited this store only a couple of times. It is also situated in one of my favorite sections of the city-​the design district of Jackson Square. Each visit, I was transported into a humble, minimal, ethereal, delicately and beautifully arranged collection of «natural objects» sculptures, artwork, and design objects.
Everything in this two level (make sure you visit the downstairs portion) gallery has a way of transporting the most feeble-​minded into a state of «awe» and appreciation of how natural objects-​stone, wood, clay, paper, some very old and some new, can be arranged into wonderful art.
My last visit also tapped into my sense of smell! The gallery owner showed me what it was — incense from Japan – but NOT your ordinary incense. The aroma was amazing-​different, subtle, not overpowering and totally blended in with the environment of the gallery. Unfortunately, I don’t remember the name of it – it had a woodsy, gummy scent, and was about $ 50. for a nice size bunch of incense sticks tucked inside a box, which, by itself, is a work of art and can make for a nice display on a coffee table! The scent transported me into a place outside THIS world and crowned my visit as well as crowned me (my long hair picked up the scent and I enjoyed it for many hours after leaving the gallery).
My next visit to Japonesque will require the incense purchase. I would also love to buy an old wooden Buddha that my eyes spotted hanging on the wall near the front window. That purchase will have to wait until I publish my book or rob a bank-​whichever comes first!
SIGH-​O-​NARA!
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Gorgeous collection.

My favorite gallery in SF. I covet almost everything in there — the curator has a great eye.
Contrary to Chris M’s review, I think there’s actually very little that reminds me of Noguchi. Which is what I love about Japonesque: its collection reflects the diversity of contemporary Japanese art, not just what’s made its way to Design Within Reach. Particularly impressive are the sculptures and shaped /​carved canvases.
If I ever have $ 60K to spend on some woodwork, I know where to go. In the meantime, this place will have to remain my lunchtime retreat.

Incredible (though small) collection of contemporary and collectible Japanese art, primarily from the Noguchi aesthetic. Wonderful stone pieces and wood carvings from the Japanese tradition.