Japanese wood zuishin figures probably from early 1900s. They are figures of the Toneri, the imperial guardsmen from the Heian period (794-1185). Later in the Kamakura period, they became the gate keepers of the Shinto shrines. Zuishin are sometimes called sa(left)-daijin and ya(arrows)-daijin (arrow-minister). The first character 'dai' means large or great and the second character means 'god'...
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...
Taisho Period Japanese Bronze Tear Drop Vase with original box. A classic shape with
a gorgeous caramel patina. 8 inches (20.5cm) tall. From a widely renowned and published collection that has been exhibited at the Metropolitan Museum and Japan Society.
Very Rare Early Edo Period (early 17th Century) Japanese Lion Mask for the Gion Festival. It would have been part of a two man costume, one man holding the mask and the other at the back covered by fabric to
perform the traditional Lion Dance.
To find this mask from such an early period is really quite an important find for the serious mingei collector. 12 inches (30.5 cm)h x 10.5 inches (27 cm)w x 11 inches (28 cm)d...
Large Japanese Early Meiji Period (circa 1880) Okimono of a Kirin, one of the most magnificent and admired
creatures in Japanese mythology. The Kirin is a Japanese unicorn, an animal-god who punishes the wicked with its single horn. It protects the just and grants them good luck. Seeing a kirin is considered an omen of extreme good luck - if one is a virtuous person. This spectacular carving is a masterpiece. It truly captures this fantastical
creature in every detail...
Late Edo Period (1850 -1868) Kyoto Bronze Vessel with an Encircling Dragon beautifully casted in high
relief. Rich patina, wonderful shape, and a stunning design. Dragons are a Japanese
symbol of strength and valor. 10 inches (25.5cm) tall x 10 inches (25.5cm) across. From a widely renowned and published collection that has been exhibited at the Metropolitan Museum and Japan Society.
Exceptionally beautiful Japanese lacquer box with a small doll, mame (pea sized) Ichimatsu nigyo (doll) inside - she actually is 4 ½” tall. This must have been some girl's (or woman’s) treasure box years ago. It may have been a gift from her mother or grandmother. The lacquer box is decorated with auspicious designs; a long tailed turtle emerging from a stream, pine, bamboo and rocks on the bank with a crane flying above...
Samurai Yoritomo (Minamonoto) Japanese Doll, first Kamakura Shogun dressed in Suoh, high ranking Samurai's attire in Kamakura Period. The doll was possibly made by Maruhei in Kyoto. Circa Taisho period, 1920-1930. Damages in the black cloth hat.
The measurements: 14 inches to the tip of his hair and 13 inches across the sleeves at the bottom when the doll is displayed. The bow is a new addition.
Edo Period (circa 1750) Large Japanese Wood Sculpture of a Shrine Horse, a gift from an
upper-class family to a shrine. Images of Horses are highly prized in Japan. It is commissioned and presented to protect a newborn male child. Rising up on its back legs, set to gallop, it strikes an animated, exciting, and beautiful pose that sets it apart from the usual static poses that these horses have...
Early Meiji Period (circa 1880) Japanese Empress Hina Ningyô (Girls Day Doll) She really has quite a regal presence. She wears wears the
many layered Kimono of Royalty, featuring elaborate embroidery. She has a beautifully carved face,
covered with Gofun (Oyster Shell Lacquer). Her fantastic crown is something special. 11.5 inches (29 cm) high and 12 inches (30.5 cm) wide. From a widely renowned and published collection that has been exhibited at the Metropolitan Museum and Japan Society.
Early Meiji Period (circa 1880) Japanese Isho Ningyô of Sugawara no Michizane dressed in court attire. After his death, he was deified as Tenjin, the
God of Literature and Knowledge. He gives an impressive
appearance, elegant and commanding. His face bears an imperial expression. 28 inches, 71 cm. From a widely renowned and published collection that has been exhibited at the Metropolitan Museum and Japan Society.
Edo Period (circa 1820) Japanese Musha Ningyo of Ushiwaka- maru, a brave boy who grew up to be the
great warrior Minamoto Yoshitsune. This is a wonderful, rare early example with
ail of his original accessories. He is wearing sumptuous brocades and lacquered armor and has a wonderful bearing and just a great face. 13.25 inches, (33.5cm) tall. From a widely renowned and published collection that has been exhibited at the Metropolitan Museum and Japan Society.
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.
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...
Japanese Hai Hai Gosho Ningyô. This extremely rare form of Japanese Doll is one of the most
sought after of Gosho (Palace Doll). They were presented to royalty and upper
class at the birth of a baby, and placed in the baby's chamber to protect from bad spirits. This is a very large example of this type of Gosho. It is covered with many layers of Gofun (Oyster Shell Lacquer) over papier mache. The hair is made entirely of silk...
Rare Large Edo Period (circa 1830-1860) Japanese Gosho Ningyo Depicting a Sumo Wrestler, clothed in exceptional finely embroidered textile with a floral design and Shishi (guardian of Buddha) on chirimen silk crepe. This large scale, wood-carved Ningyô has a beautifully rendered expressive face lacquered with Gofun (Oyster Shell). The pose is most striking, as well. Really an extraordinary find for the Ningyô enthusiast. 18 inches, 46 cm. From a widely renowned and published collection that ha...
Large Meiji Period (circa 1900) Japanese Arita Porcelain Charger. Blue and white with gold accents,
featuring an elegant stylized landscape and using sticking glazes to create a
wonderful work of art. 16 inches, 41cm. From a widely renowned and published collection that has been exhibited at the Metropolitan Museum and Japan Society. Pristine Condition.
A Splendid Meiji Period Kyo Satsuma Vase with overglaze enamel decoration by the very well known potter, Taizan Yohei IX, and one of the Meiji Period's foremost painters, Kono Bairei. cf. Meiji Ceramics by Giesela Jahn, page 157, figure 81. Taizan was a renowned Kyoto potter who exhibited and won prizes at a number of international events, including the 1893 Chicago World Expo. This is a very good example from a great potter of the Meiji Period, with auspicious symbols of Sparrows, Foliage, and ...
Large Japanese temple cloth woven with cotton and strips of paper, great for a wall decoration. The dimensions are 107" x 47" (271.8cm x 119.4cm). Many things in Japan were made from paper, just like soy sauce was added in almost all cooking. Textiles were no exception. Some monks in Japan still make their own paper for their clothes. There are few beautiful samurai haori jackets made out of paper that still exist today in textile museums (which we have only seen in photos). The paper m...
Antique musician dolls for the Japanese Hina Matsuri Festival (Girl’s Day) which is held every March third. Displayed with the ladies-in-waiting, ministers and servants dolls, they are the entertainers of the Imperial Court.
The dolls are from early 1900s, the late Meiji period to early Showa period. The body is made out of straw, old glass eyes and their faces (wood or wood powder) are covered with layers of gofun (white surface coating made out of ground oyster shell and animal glue)...
Japanese pair of heavy pure silver vases decorated with incised chrysanthemums, copper overlay on leaves, raised chrysanthemum mon on neck of each vase with gold overlay, Meiji Period (1868-1912), signed: Migen Yoshihiku Koku.
Size: 12" high each.
This is a striking Japanese Imari porcelain hexagonal plate boldly decorated with an underglaze cobalt blue large scale design reminiscent of a textile pattern, having a broad scalloped border rim, wavy potting on top of plate, very heavy, greige ground color, the base having a single spur mark, measuring 10 in x 11 3/4 in; Original condition, several rim chips.
This kura (saddle) was used in the rituals which took place on the first day of rice planting. The day is called hana-taue (daue), "the flower-rice planting" and it has been practiced in the southern part of Japan. The links to today’s hana-taue is listed at the end. You can hear where the Dengaku (oldest form of Japanese music) came from in the video.
One side of the saddle is decorated with Shishi (lions) and peonies with a crest of “kiri no mon” (crest of Japanese empress ...
Antique aizome (traditional Japanese indigo dye) cloth taken from a Japanese bed comforter, thick cotton, circa Meiji Period (1868-1912). Excellent tapestry material. The condition is excellent; it was in new condition when we purchased. This was just washed (twice by mistake) prior to when the photos were taken. There are minor holes (shown in photo) concentrated on the top right side. Because of the size (62 1/2L x 58"W), the photos were taken from the bottom and sides.
Ca. late 1800s
Earthenware pair with mirror-image decorated overall with figures of Buddhist Arhats (enlightened followers of the Buddha). The Arhats are depicted in various enamel colors wearing brocade robes picked out in gold enamel. A dragon writhes among them, painted in slightly raised enamel and stylized rocks surround the vases beneath the Arhats’ feet. The Satsuma crest is seen in gold enamel on the shoulder of each vase. The bases are inscribed with the artist’s name: Hakuzan...
Ca. early 1800s
This unusual vessel consists of a tall footed bowl of conical form and a ring-shaped stand encircled by carved ocean waves. The bowl is carved with characteristic Hirado key and triangular fretwork and is heavily potted for the necessary stability of its function to hold the tall branches of a flower arrangement. The interior of the bowl is set with a cylindrical collar 2 ¾ in. in diameter in which a pronged flower holder can be placed to support stems and branches of the ...
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.
Enamel on copper, ca. late 1800s.
Although this item could have been used as a sauce pot, it was probably intended for replenishing water for grinding ink on a calligrapher’s ink stone The interior and base are both enameled.
Good condition, no dents or losses however there is some characteristic pitting to the enamel.
Height: 3 ¾ in.
Ink and pigments on paper with gilding, ca. early 1600s
Originally mounted as a fan and later remounted on a fusuma sliding door or folding screen. Probably produced in a Kyoto fan workshop by one of a number of Nara ehon picture book painters that migrated to Kyoto from Nara.
Condition is good considering age and original use as a fan, some surface wear to pigments, slight smudging, losses to gilding, light creases and wrinkles, old backing from door or screen mounting remains
Ink and pigments on paper with gilding, ca. early 1600s
Originally mounted as a fan and later remounted on a fusuma sliding door or folding screen. Probably produced in a Kyoto fan workshop by one of a number of Nara ehon picture book painters that migrated to Kyoto from Nara.
Condition is good considering age and original use as a fan, some surface wear to pigments, slight smudging, losses to gilding, light creases and wrinkles, old backing from door or screen mounting remains
Japanese Takeda Samurai doll from late Edo to early Meiji, 1800s. Takeda dolls were made to model Kabuki actors and puppet dolls from the late Edo period (1603-1868). The doll is possibly Benkei, a faithful retainer to Yoshitsune (Minamoto).
Many stories were written based on Benkei and Yoshitsune (Minamoto, Genji family). They first met on the bridge of Gojyo in Kyoto when Benkei challenged Yoshitsune. He had been challenging strangers to sword fights so that he could get their swo...
A Leaf from the album “Keinen Kacho Gafu” issued 1892
Published by Unsodo Co., title and printer’s name on left margin, very good impression and color, margins somewhat trimmed, light soiling, slight creasing in margins and wear to two corners, dated in Arabic numerals for export
Overall size: 9 ½ x 14 ½ in.
A Leaf from the album “Keinen Kacho Gafu” issued 1892
Published by Unsodo Co., title and printer’s name on left margin, good impression and color, margins somewhat trimmed, minor wear, very slight wrinkles, dated in Arabic numerals for export
Overall size: 9 ½ x 14 in.
Album leaf depicting an antique textile fragment, issued ca. late 1800s
The artist skillfully illustrates the fabric dyeing techniques of stencil printing and tie-dyeing (shibori) using the woodblock print medium
Very good impression and color, centerfold, some thinning of paper on margins
Overall size: 9 ¾ x 14 in.
Sen Sha Fuda—Pilgrim’s temple charm placard, issued early 1900s
Produced by the Tokyo Nai Fuda Club, Very good impression and color, good condition, light center crease, light glue residue on verso
Overall size: 6 ¾ x 8 ¼ in.
Sen Sha Fuda—Pilgrim’s temple charm placard, issued early 1900s
Very good impression and color, light staining in margins, light staining on verso
Overall size: 6 ½ x 8 ½ in.
