Set of two Japanese samurai warrior dolls on horseback. Possibly representing the very well known Toyotomi Hideyoshi or Yoshitsune Minamoto and Benki. One samurai rides a white horse caught in mid stride while his rider leans forward in pursuit. The other warrior is on a black horse that is standing still analyzing his next move. Both warriors have intense expressions and are decorated in full armor with bows and arrows. Very highly detailed with all original parts...

An Extraordinary and Scarce, Museum Quality Find. Early 16th Century Muromachi Period Saga Ningyo of the Goddess Kannon, in a rare and elegant standing form. Carved entirely of wood, her costume is built up with pigments in a technique called 'moriage'. Her gorgeous robes are decorated with foliate scroll slightly raised in relief. This rarest of all Ningyo forms almost never comes up for sale and are never seen except in museums or important private collections...

Japanese antique Zuishin dolls (Ningyo). This set of dolls are often called Daijin minister dolls but they are actually the imperial guardsmen and escorts for the Heian court (794-1185). A beautiful quality set in the perfect size to decorate Hina Goten (Imperial Palace). Meiji Period (1868-1912). Approx. 5” tall, 4 ½” in width.

These are very unique Japanese zuishin dolls from the late Edo period (1603-1868). The dolls are commonly called Daijin minister dolls but they are actually figures of the Toneri, the imperial guardsmen and escorts from the Heian period (794-1185). The clothing of the dolls is rich and elaborate just like Kabuki actors on stage...

Edo Period Japanese Musha Ningyô (Boy's Day Doll) depicting the legendary Toyotomi Hideyoshi seated in a court position wearing dramatic brocades and lacquered armor, a fan in his right hand and wearing a classic Eboshi cap. His face is finely carved with a regal expression. Height: 15 inches (38cm), width: 15 inches (38cm).

Fine old zuishin dolls from the Meiji period (1868-1912), approx. 8” (20.3cm) tall. Zuishin dolls are commonly called daijin (minister) dolls; the elder man on the right (facing) is called "left daijin" and the younger man, right daijin or ya (arrows) daijin. They were created as an addition to the emperor and empress Dairi-bina sometime in the mid 18th century by Kyoto doll makers. Armed with a sword, bow and arrows, they were the toneri (zuishin) from the Heian court (794-1185)...

Takeda dolls are modeled after the characters from 17th to 19th century Japanese theater. They are known for exaggerated postures and often with a vivid facial expression of the Kabuki actors or Jyoruri puppets on stage from the period.

This doll is holding up a "takafuda" bulletin board in one hand and a brush in the other. "takafuda" was an official bulletin board for Tokugawa government (1603-1868) to announce any regulations, or changes etc...

An interesting Japanese puppet head of an old woman used in Bunraku, the traditional puppet theater developed in the Edo period by Uemura Bunrakuken, which the name of the puppet theater was derived from. The puppet consists of several moving parts. The head and neck are two separate pieces that move up and down. The bar on the bottom assist the puppet master to move the head in various ways and the rope as a lever. Age: 19th century. Size: Height: 11" Width: 7" Length: 4"

19th Century Japanese Ningyô of Fukurokuju, one of the Seven Lucky Gods. He is the God of Wisdom, Wealth and Longevity. 11 x 7 inches, 28 x 18 cm. Excellent Condition.

Unique Japanese antique clay doll, Mingei folk art of Japan, Emperor and Empress hina dolls (Dairi bina). Clay dolls were made all over Japan by the late Edo period (1603-1868) by off-season farmers which would often involve the entire family for extra income. These dolls were for the regular people (over 90 percent of the population were farmers then) who could not afford pretty hina dolls made out of cloth...

Late 18th Century Gonin-Bayashi, Five Japanese Musicians displayed on a Hina stand. This set was made as an addition to those Ningyo already displayed on a tiered stand. They imitate a Noh orchestra. This set has very finely carved faces, covered with burnished Gofun. Because of their size and age, these are highly desired by collectors. Average height of figures is 4 inches (10 cm).

Edo Period (circa 1800) Japanese Musha Ningyô (Boys Day Doll) in court attire. This early example is wearing a court hat and court robes of sumptuous brocades. He is holding a fan and sword at his side. It is of very high quality and likely made for a Daimyo family. 11.5 inches, 29 cm tall. From a widely renowned and published collection that has been exhibited at the Metropolitan Museum and Japan Society.

Japanese Edo Period Rare Large Pair of Girl's Day Festival Palace Guardians. They have all of their accessories and they are presented on wonderful stands. Their faces are carved of wood with amazing features. An extraordinary work of Ningyo Artistry. Height: 18 inches, 46 cm.

Rare 18th Century Edo Period Japanese Hai Hai Gosho Ningyô. This extremely rare form of Japanese Doll is one of the most sought after of Gosho Ningyo (Palace Doll). It has a wonderful classic painted face. They were presented to Royalty and upper class at the birth of a baby, and placed in the baby's chamber to protect from and absorb bad spirits. It is covered with many layers of Gofun (Oyster Shell Lacquer) over papier mache. The hair is made of silk...

Exquisite antique Japanese Hina Ningyo (dolls) for Hina Matsuri festival, the Girl’s in Japan. The dolls are probably from the late Taisho to early Showa period, 1910 to 1940 and in excellent condition. The level indicates that they were made in Kyoko by Hinagata-ya, pre WWII in Kyoto, size 2 (second largest). The hair of the emperor and empress appears to be original and brittle. There will be some broken hair fallen whenever the dolls are moved...

Late 19th Century Japanese Kazari-Uma (Battle Horse). This deluxe extraordinary example is attributed to Marurei, one of the most important Ningyô artists. He now has Japanese National Treasure status. This handsomely adorned military horse is displayed on a Boys Day stand. The body hair is done by a technique called Ke-Ue-Saiku "fine work of fur planting" in which silk hairs are pasted on. It has gorgeous silk and lacquer trappings. It is positioned on a fine lacquered stand. This wonder...

Very Large 19th Century Meiji Period Japanese Ningyo pair of an Oiran Bijin, the highest ranking Kyoto courtesan bijin and her Kamuro (attendant), an elaborately attired pair of the finest quality. The Oiran and her attendant are wearing the most gorgeous, sumptuous brocades and textiles, all hand woven and painted chirimen silk crepe of beautiful shabori designs. The faces are exquisitely carved and covered with many layers of gofun (white oyster shell lacquer). Their expressions are just wonde...

Late 18th Century Musha Ningyo of Minamoto no Yoshitsune. This wonderful early example of high quality has a great presence, sumptuous brocades, gold lacquered armor, a spectacular helmet, and many other fine details. His face is gorgeously and masterfully carved with finely burnished Gofun. An extraordinary example. Figure height: 15.75 inches, 40 cm. Overall dimensions: 20 x 20 inches, 51 x 51 cm. Excellent Condition.