Extremely Rare 18th Century Japanese Musha Ningyô (Boys Day) Dolls, Samurai Set. Ningyô this early almost never appear for sale, much less with all of its original accessories, as we have here with this very fine, scarce, museum quality pair. We are very proud to offer this set. They have finely carved faces, and are lacquered with many coats of Gofun (Oyster Shell). They are adorned with sumptuous silk brocades and silk armor, indicative of mid Edo Period Ningyô artists...
Meiji Period (circa 1900) Japanese Satsuma Vase. A very beautiful example of Satsuma
ware, featuring a spectacular eagle on a pine tree, both Japanese symbols of dignity, in thick gold and color
enamels on a cream field. A classically shaped vase with a rich image. 10 inches, 25.5 cm. From a widely renowned and published collection that has been exhibited at the Metropolitan Museum and Japan Society.
Rare, Early Japanese Satsuma Censer. A fine example of Satsuma ware with beautiful complex underglazes of gold, red, blue, green and white, and featuring auspicious
Crane and Floral motifs, creating a beautiful design on a gorgeous shape with
stunning handles and cast silver top of raised flowers. A great find for the
Satsuma collector. Late 18th Century Edo Period. 3 inches (7.5cm)h, 4 inches (10cm)w...
Important Japanese Arita Charger with complex glazes, featuring a performance of Okina by a Noh actor set into an extraordinary design. Okina was traditionally performed for a royal audience. This piece was most likely made for royalty or aristocracy. There are many interesting motifs and intricate patterns in this wonderful work of art. Different from Noh and Kyogen, Okina is a performing art patterned after an ancient ritualistic ceremony...
Japanese Kamakurabori Lacquered Box by Kasen, with a design of Peony and Shishi, Buddha's Guardian Protector. Gorgeous rich red lacquer intricately carved in high relief. A superb example that is rare for its size, quality, and superior technique. Meiji Period, circa 1890. 13 inches x (33cm) long x 11 inches (28cm) wide x 6 inches (15cm) deep. From a widely renowned and published collection that has been exhibited at the Metropolitan Museum and Japan Society.
A unique early Japanese Ikebana Basket with a rich camel
colored bamboo entwined with Wisteria vines with a single, beautifully twisted and gnarled Wisteria
branch. Highly sought after by the discriminating basket collectors. Edo Period, circa 1850. 14 inches (35.5cm) tall x 12.5 inches (31.5cm) wide. From a widely renowned and published collection that has been exhibited at the Metropolitan Museum and Japan Society.
Pair of Important 18th Century Edo Period Cricket Cages of museum quality, made for upper
class or royalty. They are exceptional in every way. The Bamboo bars and
Mother of Pearl inlay are of the finest Japanese craftsmanship, as are the Wisteria
wood cases and red lacquered feet. Work like this is extremely rare and highly
treasured in Japan. This is a unique opportunity to own an extraordinary work of Japanese art. 9 inches (23cm) tall x 8.25 inches (21cm) wide x 5.75 inches (14.5cm) deep...
Beautiful Japanese Bonbori lanterns for hina dolls. Hand painted on silk and it is indeed one of a kind. The bonboris are placed on each side of the Emperor and Empress hina dolls during the Hina Matsuri Festival, Girl's Day, in March.
We have not seen this type of lantern until now. The silk is lifted here and there and detached from the frames with some deterioration (probably a reaction to the glue or metal). The amazing thing is how the original colors maintained without fading...
A Very Fine Imperial Court Traditional Dancer Scroll Painting by Gyokuto:
Japan,19th Century,
The artist is not identified, but his work is so impressively done in this painting with ink, water colors and gold. This painting was executed with such detail of this portrayal of a traditional imperial court dancer wearing a brilliant colored court costume dress. This type of dress is typically worn with various heavy hair ornaments and her hat is painted with gold very intricately...
Dated: 1906
Painted in thick overglaze enamels with a scene of fish with human bodies brandishing sticks at a large turtle-like creature. The base in inscribed in gold enamel with a date, a four-character seal and the English name, Thomas Bigelow written in katakana script. The date reads: Meiji 39 (1906), fourth month, tenth day. It is unusual to find specifically dated porcelains and particularly with an individual western name inscribed...
Ca. early 1800s
In the style of Okuda Eisen, possibly made in Kyoto at one of the Kiyomizu Kilns. One of a set of five or ten used for individual servings of sweets or other items in a tea ceremony context. Made from porcelain with thick overglaze green enamel and rapidly painted floral designs in red enamel. This style was popular in Kyoto in the late 1700s and 1800s, and was revived again in the 1900s...
Dated: 1918
Heavy, pure silver box with gold, silver, and copper inlaid bronze plaque inset in lid. The bronze plaque depicts a scene of dragonflies amidst autumn grasses. The grass is both incised and raised. The seeds are all inlaid gold. The dragonflies are raised above the surface with silver wings and copper bodies and the smallest dragonfly is inlaid with silver and copper. The sides of the box are incised with floral medallions and the base is raised on four solid silver feet. The i...
Old Japanese doll resembling the Kuge (aristocrat) from the Heian period (794-1185), 16 inches tall. This doll was probably one of the zuishin (imperial guard) dolls for the Hina Festival (Girl’s Day in Japan). His long face mostly resembles the Kyoho-bina which is the imperial pair dolls from the mid Edo period (1603-1868).
Considering the quality, size and time (late Edo), this doll must have been made for someone special.
The costume of hina dolls were all copied from the ...
Ca. 1920
An overall design of plum blossoms and buds on a rich blue background. The base and mouth are rimmed in silver. There is no maker’s mark, but similar works with generally the same pattern were produced by the artist Hayashi Tanigoro in the Taisho period, 1912-1926. Very good condition, having only a very small dent in the edge of the silver rim.
Height: 8 ¼ in.
Ca. late 1800s
Scene of geese on a flowering stream bank. Though unsigned, the design is very well executed in mostly earth-toned enamels. There are some faint stress lines of discoloration in one area under the enamel, otherwise the condition is very good.
Height: 12 in.
Japanese Kesa, buddhist priests' robe, silk brocades, excellent condition. Circa early 1900 to 1940. Dimensions: 46" x 75"
Japanese Kesa, Buddhist priests' robe, "ro" summer silk. 44 1/2" x 77", the color changed evenly to a tannned tone. There are some stains in the front and back, and the handle and the folding lines in the back are soiled.
Japanese Kesa, Buddhist Priests' Robe, soft brocades with silk liner. The liner has some discoloration and is soiled. 46" x 77 1/2"
Two waterfowl in a marsh, issued ca. 1910
Signed Koson with seal, published by Daikokuya ca. 1910, fine impression, color and condition
Overall size: 14 3/8 x 7 1/8 in.
Bird in willow tree, issued ca. 1910
Signed Koson with seal, published by Daikokuya ca. 1910, fine impression, color and condition
Kakuban: 9 3/8 x 10 in.
Ink and mineral pigments on silk
Interior of a fan maker’s shop with craftsmen at work, ca. late 1800s
Unsigned, very good color, good condition, small repair to backing on upper right margin, retaining a portion of its original silver mounting paper probably from being mounted as a framed panel.
Overall size: 13 x 17 ½ in.; image size: 10 ¾ x 16 ½ in.
Portrait of Kabuki actor, Nakamura Utaemon, issued ca. 1830
Signed Gototei Kunisada on lower left, partial loss of signature, Kiwame seal and publisher’s seal (Heikichi) on lower right, moderate impression and good color
Oban tate-e: 9 5/8 x 14 in.
Noh drama performer, dated ca. 1900
Underdrawing for a woodblock print or a study for a painting
Ink on mulberry paper portraying an actor wearing a mask, painting details are noted in Kanji and Katakana characters, description of painting is written in Kanji characters on reverse and showing through on front, backed with old mulberry paper, centerfold, good condition
Shita-e: 10 ½ x 15 in.
Scene of a takara bune treasure ship with corresponding New Year’s related poem, no. 29 from a series illustrating various treasure ship designs, issued ca. 1900
Good impression and color, light mica dust in paper, minor wear, some paper thinning, light soiling on verso
Overall size: 7 x 9 ¾ in.
Various designs for textiles, issued ca. 1900
Good impression and color, very minor soiling, center fold
Album leaf: 9 x 13 ¾ in.
Design of a kite with a takara bune (treasureship) design with a poem, probably designed as a New Year’s greeting, issued ca. early 1900s
Printer’s information on lower left (no. 41), good condition
Shikishiban: 9 ¼ x 9 ¼ in.
Portrait of Kawarazaki Gonjuro as a wandering monk (Komuso) issued ca. 1860
Signed Kunisada Ga, good impression, color skip on grey robe, thumbnail size paper loss mended on upper right corner.
Oban tate-e: 10 x 14 ½ in.
Portrait of a courtesan with her young attendant, issued 1830s
Signed Gofukutei Sadatora on lower left, fair impression and color, some thinning and wear, small nicks to edges reinforced, not backed.
Oban tate-e: 8 7/8 x 13 in.
Three figures with bonsai and other vendors, issued 1855
Signed Toyokuni (III) on lower left, good impression and color, lower margin trimmed into publisher’s seal, some wear and light soiling, not backed.
Oban tate-e: 9 ¾ x 14 ¼ in.
Portrait of a Kabuki actor, no. 7 from the series “Juni ka getsu hana awase” issued 1880
Signed Toyohara Kunichika in upper right and titled in cartouche in upper left, dated Meiji (1880), good impression and very strong color, very light soiling on upper margin, slight creasing to upper right corner, very light soiling on upper corners on verso, not backed.
Oban tate-e: 10 x 14 5/8 in.
Portrait of a Kabuki actor, no. 6 from the series “Juni ka getsu hana awase” issued 1880
Signed Toyohara Kunichika and titled in cartouche in upper left, dated Meiji (1880), very good impression and color, very light soiling near bottom, upper corners lightly creased, very minor wear, not backed.
Oban tate-e: 10 x 14 ½ in.
Scene from a Noh play, issued ca. 1920
Signed Kogyo with red artist’s seal, fan shaped publisher’s seal, very good impression and color, small areas of faint soiling.
Oban yoko-e: 10 x 14 ¾ in.
Scene from a Noh play, issued ca. 1920
Signed Kogyo with artist’s seal, fan-shaped publisher’s seal, very good impression, color and condition, remnants of attachment paper on back of four corners.
Oban yoko-e: 10 x 14 ½ in.
Diptych—two chuban prints originally joined in an album depicting a scene from the Osaka Kabuki stage, issued ca. 1865
Yoshitaki was one of the best known designers of Osaka actor prints from the 1860s to 1880s.
Both signed Yoshitaki Ga in red cartouches, very good impression, color and overall condition, old album backing paper intact.
Each print size: 9 ¾ x 7 in.
Album leaf illustrating “antique” textile designs for Tang Dynasty China and later, printed ca. 1900
The characters beside each design describe the motif and type of fabric.
Very good impression and color, vertical center crease, minor wear, remnants of old backing.
Overall Size: 9 ¾ x 14 in.
Scene for “Tokyo Daily Newspaper” with “Tokyo Nichi-Nichi Shinbun” inscribed in the banner at top, issued ca. 1890
Yoshiiku was noted for his prints included in the popular illustrated newspapers at the time.
Signed Ikkeisai Yoshiiku on lower left with artist’s seal ca. 1890, very good impression and strong color, vertical center crease, various areas of moderate soiling, slight backing tape residue on upper left corner, not backed.
Oban tate-e: 9 ¼ x 14 in.
Kunisada (1786-1864) collaborating with Hiroshige (1797-1858)
From the series: “Kannon Reigen Ki” (Account of the miracles of Kannon) issued 1859.The larger image by Kunisada depicts a miracle performed by Kannon. The upper image by Hiroshige is a temple scene.
Signed Kunisada and Hiroshige on respective images, aratame seal and publisher’s seal on left margin, very good impression and color, very light wear and minor thinning at edges, not backed.
Oban tate-e: 9 7/8 x 14...
Shini-e (memorial portrait) of three individuals, including their names and dates of death, issued ca. 1860.
Very good impression and color, light soiling and wear, small loss to upper-right corner, upper corners reinforced, two very small holes in right side, not backed.
Oban tate-e: 9 ½ x 13 ½ in.
Two young women caring for silkworm cocoons
Signed Kunitoshi Ga in a red cartouche with date: 1881 and publisher’s information in yellow cartouche, good impression, excellent color, very light soiling, upper corners thin with remnants of paper attachments, not backed, margins trimmed right and bottom.
Oban tate-e: 9 ½ x 14 in.
From the Birds and Flowers series: “Sho-utsushi shiju-hattaka” issued 1858.
Signed Sugakudo, with two seals beneath the signature, censor’s seal and publisher’s seal, left margin; good impression, evenly toned, thin corners, light staining, two upper corners with glue remains from attachment, not backed.
Oban tate-e: 10 x 14 ¼ in.
This doll is modeled after Kanpei, a samurai from the “Chushingura (Kanadehon).”, the story of 47 samurai who took revenge for their lord was shamed in public and forced to commit seppuku (suicide). It is based on the true story that occurred in 1701. Kanpei is portrayed as a handsome playboy who was deeply occupied with his girlfriend, Okaru, at the time of emergency for his lord. Deeply shamed, he waits to join a group for revenge while making a living by hunting in Okaru’s father’s...
Sessho was a student of the legendary Tani Buncho. His paintings were collected and much appreciated by Emperor Meiji. He painted this gorgeous flower painting in a deliberately straightforward manner in order to take focus away from his superior technique and have you consider only the beauty of the subject. Silk Canvas and Mount. Mount: 72 x 25 inches, 182.5 x 63 cm. Painting: 44 x 20 inches, 112 x 50.5 cm. cf. C.H. Mitchell's The Illustrated Books of the Nanga, Maruyama, Shijo, and other Rela...
Yoshitoshi Tsukioka's Very Scarce (only about a dozen known copies) Book with Six Full Oban Size Prints, The Flowers of Japan and the Art of Floral Arrangement (First Edition). This is the best known existing copy of this book. Because the prints are in a book, they have been exposed to almost no light, so the colors are more vivid than anything you will ever see. Because there is no color loss, this is a unique opportunity to see what antique Japanese woodblock prints must have looked like when...
This striking black and gold Japanese antique shop sign is from a Meiji Era (1868 - 1912) headquarters for a drug store chain. It dramatically declares that this shop carries the best elixirs for vitality, the best remedies for high blood pressure, and the most expedient cures for fever. 17.5 x 41 inches (44.5 x 104 cm). Excellent Condition.
A warm grained Meiji Period (1868 - 1912) two piece Yonezawa Isho Tansu (clothing chest from Yonezawa) finely constructed of pine (matsu) and highly desirable paulownia (kiri). 42 x 34 x 16 inches (107 x 86 x 41 cm). Very Good Condition. This chest is from Shonai, a region of Yonezawa that makes chests that are highly prized for their combination of understated Japanese design with a sense of tradition.
In keeping with our tradition of bringing you Rare and Fine Japanese Antiques that you can't find elsewhere, we present this 19th Century Elm Wood Japanese Rice Mill, a striking conversation piece for any home or office. 51.5 x 70 x 29 inches (131 x 178 x 74 cm). Excellent Condition.
An especially fine Meiji Period (1868 - 1912) Gilded and Red and Black Lacquered Butsudan (Japanese Buddhist Altar) with an endless variety of luxuriously designed details, hidden drawers within secret compartments behind hidden panels, marvelously rendered images and elaborately carved sculpture. All other butsudan pale in comparison with this rare, museum quality showcase piece. This piece would have taken the maker close to 2 years to complete. 65 x 44 x 27 inches (166 x 112 x 69 cm). Excelle...
Okutani Shuseki (1871-1936) was born in Osaka and lived in Kyoto for most of his life. His artistic lineage is among the
very best. He, along with Yamamoto Shunkyo and others, studied under Mori Kansai, who was the pupil and adopted son-in-law
of Mori Tetsuzan, who was one of Maruyama Okyo's best pupils. Like all painters of the Mori family school, Shuseki's nature
paintings are remarkable for their unsentimental naturalism, showing his keen interest in the essence of nature. He won prizes...
Okutani Shuseki (1871-1936) was born in Osaka and lived in Kyoto for most of his life. His artistic lineage is among the
very best. He, along with Yamamoto Shunkyo and others, studied under Mori Kansai, who was the pupil and adopted son-in-law
of Mori Tetsuzan, who was one of Maruyama Okyo's best pupils. Like all painters of the Mori family school, Shuseki's nature
paintings are remarkable for their unsentimental naturalism, showing his keen interest in the essence of nature. He won prizes...
Okutani Shuseki (1871-1936) was born in Osaka and lived in Kyoto for most of his life. His artistic lineage is among the
very best. He, along with Yamamoto Shunkyo and others, studied under Mori Kansai, who was the pupil and adopted son-in-law
of Mori Tetsuzan, who was one of Maruyama Okyo's best pupils. Like all painters of the Mori family school, Shuseki's nature
paintings are remarkable for their unsentimental naturalism, showing his keen interest in the essence of nature. He won prizes...
Okutani Shuseki (1871-1936) was born in Osaka and lived in Kyoto for most of his life. His artistic lineage is among the
very best. He, along with Yamamoto Shunkyo and others, studied under Mori Kansai, who was the pupil and adopted son-in-law
of Mori Tetsuzan, who was one of Maruyama Okyo's best pupils. Like all painters of the Mori family school, Shuseki's nature
paintings are remarkable for their unsentimental naturalism, showing his keen interest in the essence of nature. He won prizes...
Getzuzan inherited from his renowned father an effortlessness with the brush, shown here in the easy curves of the robe and face of the 12th Century Zen master, Taikobo, and the gentle washes that are used to compose the soft landscape that is the lovely place where he meditates and fishes. Gekko had several students who achieved fame, but he always favored his son. Getsuzan paintings that are available for sale are very rare. 45.5 x18 inches, 115.5 x 45.5 cm, unmounted
A prominent Japanese dealer is currently offering a Kawabata Gyokusho painting of similar size for $21,500. You can find this painting online. Kawabata Gyokusho is considered the last great representative of the Shijo school of Japanese painting. His work is quite delicate, making use of Japanese technique in a realistic manner. He had many pupils who later became well known. His paintings are in the permanent collections of many major museums, including Oxford's Ashmolean Museum, New York's Met...
Unique antique Japanese doll set of warrior dolls (musha ningyo) for the Japanese Boy's Day. 17 3/4 inches tall empress Jingo with her faithful minister, Takenouchi no Sukune, 12 inches tall holding prince Ojin (Oh-jin), the future 15th Japanese emperor who later became known as "The God of War".
Boy's Day in Japan was traditionally held among Samurai and aristocrat families in the Edo period. Samurai's armor along with their helmets were displayed and the nobori banners and spears ...
Japanese 2-panel Taisho Period screen painting of woman in flower garden, she is almost obscured by bright blossoms but can be seen bending over, a pair of scissors in her hand, her flower basket sits on the ground beside her, painted in bright colors with much use of raised gofun on gold silk, signed and seal "Gaun" which is the artist name for "Yamanouchi Shinichi".
Size:67" high x 74" wide
Yamanouchi Shinichi. Biog.: Western-style painter. Born in Kyoto in Meiji 23rd (1890), Studi...
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. While the early clay dolls in the
Edo period
still carried religious mean...
Beautiful Meiji(1868-1912) Japanese hina ningyo (dolls), 20 inch empress doll and 17 inch emperor doll. The Hina Festival in Japan takes place every March 3rd. It is a day of celebration for the
well being of every girl in the family. In earlier days, people were more susceptible to natural disasters or diseases, and in order to keep evil spirits away, this day was spent giving offerings to God. This custom was originally adopted from the 7th century, Chinese ceremony that took place on the...
Old Japanese gift cover, fukusa with a black mask and a mask box, bells, hat and fan used in the Noh(No) play, Okina (the sacred old man). The Dance of Okina start with a comtemporary prayer for 'a peaceful reign over the land' Okina wearing a white mask. The black mask is worn by the Kyogen actor in the third dance, "Sanbaso".
Embroidered on satin, lined with red crepe silk. Dimensions: 28" X 29"
Japanese woodblock print by Yoshitoshi, from "36 Ghosts" series.
This is a superior Takeda ningyo (doll), an old Japanese theater doll which was most likely modeled after the character, Teiseiko from “Kokusenya-ya-Gassen.” It was a popular theater play in 18th to 19th century Japan.
The setting of the play is during mid 17th century China towards the end of the Ming Dynasty. Teiseiko (also known as Watonai) was fighting the battle for the old dynasty. The play is based on a true story of "Teiseiko" who was born from a Chinese sea merchant and a Japanese...