Antique Japanese samurai doll, a flag-bearer sitting on a chair, 15 inches tall to the top of his head. This is a popular retainer doll paired with a general doll for the Japanese Boy’s Day. All the retainer dolls are usually not handsome; some look quite funny contrary to the handsome general dolls. You can even see a size difference for some in the set; there will be a big handsome general doll and a small retainer doll with a funny face to enhance the difference...

Many stories were written about the rising power of the samurai class in late 12th century Japan. Kanjincho, the Kabuki adaptation of the Noh play, Ataka, was first performed at the end of the Edo period in 1840. The costume and hat of this doll tell us that this is Togashi, a chief officer at Ataka inspection barrier in the Kabuki play, “Kanjincho”...

Antique Japanese musha-ningyo samurai doll of the old warrior, Takenouchi no Sukune and the baby Ōjin. Takenouchi was the vassal of the Empress warrior, Jingū-kōgō.
The wife of the 14th sovereign, Chuai, Jingū ruled as empress-regent after her husband was killed in battle in 200 A.D. Considered the 15th Japanese imperial ruler, she lead an invasion of "the promise" land (believed to be the Korean Peninsula)...

Exceptional Gonin Bayashi Five Musician set for the Hina Matsuri (Girl's Day) celebration. Just a wonderful grouping: a chanter, flute player, two hand drummers and a floor drummer, each with an expressive and well-modeled face, finely carved fingers and hands in precise gestures for their individual instruments, sumptuous silk brocade costumes, short swords, silk fiber hair, and large inset glass eyes. They are of the finest quality. 7 inches, 18 cm tall.

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...

A 19th Century Isho Ningyo set of two Geisha entertainers, one a Koto Player, the other the highest ranking Orian singing. They are of the finest quality. They have beautifully carved faces and hands, and wear gorgeous, sumptuous brocades with fantastic embroidery. The Orian has fine embroidery of a carp ascending a waterfall, a crane, and turtles on waves. The Koto Player has embroidery of cherry blossoms and patterns of gold threads. The Koto is made of paloma wood, teak, and ivory...

Japanese Meiji Period Musha Ningyo (Boys' Day Doll) depicting Emperor Jimmu Tenno, the first Emperor of Japan, in an unusual seated position. A fine and rare Ningyo, wonderfully well-executed face with strong features, covered overall in a fine tinted gofun (oyster shell lacquer), with a spectacular silk fiber hairstyle, sumptuous silk brocades, and a sword at his hip while holding a fabulous polearm weapon. 10.5 inches, 26.5 cm.

Antique Japanese adorable doll. Doll is dressed in traditional japanese layered garments with multi-colored orange and red flower scenery. Sash has an embroidered dragon design, with fan accessory tucked in. Face is well sculpted with hand painted lips and eyebrows. Taisho Period (Circa 1920) Dimension: 27" Tall, 12" Wide at Arms

Japanese Shoki (demon queller) doll for the Japanese Boy's Day. The story of Shoki came from ancient Chinese folklore. He was known to cure ailing emperor of the Tang Dynasty when he was plagued with nightmares. Shoki showed up in the emperor's dream and chased the demons away. This store was later adopted by the Japanese. Shoki became to be the only non-Japanese figure displayed in early Japanese Boy's Day festival since the Edo period (1603-1868). Circa 1910 to 1930...

The 5 musicians from palace set of Girls Day Hina Dolls...the 2 musicians in the rear are are seated on stools are each 4.5 inches tall. The 3 seated on the floor are 3.5 inches tall

This set of dolls was made for Japanese Boy’s Day. It comes from one of Japanese folklores, Peach Boy, Momotaro. Momo is translated to peach and Taro (ta-ro-o) is a common name for boys. The writing on the label (on the box) is "Wakana Ningyo", the date of purchase is the 10th years of Taisho (1921), 92 years ago! The condition is excellent (old but new condition) - the set appears newer than it actually is in the photos...

Very early rare Edo Period Japanese ishô-ningyô of an Archer. It is a prototype of the takeda-ningyô Kabuki actor doll. This exceptional ningyô is a fine artistic masterpiece. He has a classic face with painted features creating a charming expression and is wearing sumptuous brocades, possessing the presence of highly sought after early Edo ningyô. Height: 15 inches, 38 cm.

The face of this Japanese Boy's Day Doll, musha ningyo, would certainly scare away any demons...strands of his unkept hair tends to drift across the face, and his costume is elaborately detailed. Without the stand he is 11 inches tall...the stand adds another 2 inches to the height.

Condition excellant with the exception of a couple of small surface paint chips on face reveal white undercoat (clears shown in pictures)

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...

Ningyo of Young Lady Looming Textile. 15 inches (38cm) wide x 10 inches (25.5cm) high.

Late Edo Period Musha Ningyo of Ushiwaka- maru, a brave boy who grew up to be the great warrior Minamoto Yoshitsune. This is a Ningyo of the finest quality. He has a wonderfully carved face and hands and sports a fantastic hair style and has a beautiful costume of sumptuous brocades. 8h x 6.75w inches, 20.5 x 17 cm.

Early 19th Century Edo Period Japanese Takeda Isho Ningyo pair representing Daikoku, the God of Wealth and Fukurokuju, the God of Knowledge in a sumo match. Wonderfully rendered Ningyo in a rare and unique pose. Symbolic parody of wisdom over money. Subjects of Sumo are very sought after in Japan. A great find for Ningyo and Sumo Collectors. Overall Dimensions: 12 x 11 x 9.5 inches, 30.5 x 28 x 24 cm. Excellent Condition. From a prominent and widely exhibited collection.

Japanese Late Edo Period very large rare pair of Musha Ningyo representing Empress Jingū (Jingū Kōgō) and the old minister Takenouchi no Sukune. He is holding the baby Ōjin (a son of the Empress Jingū who later became Emperor Ōjin) and is seated on a camp stool. These are among the largest examples and are of the highest quality and artistic workmanship. The heads and hands are carved of wood, covered with many layers of tinted gofun (oyster shell lacquer),...