These dolls are a part of the Hina doll set displayed for the Japanese Girls Day, Hina Matsuri (Festival) in March. The day is also called Peach Festival. When the peach blossoms open in February to March by breaking through the snow, it is an announcement of the beginning of spring in Japan. The blossoms are very much associated with women’s strength and for this reason, along with their beauty, daintiness and softness, these are all desirable characters for women...

The carps and nobori Japanese banners, warrior's Yoroi and Kabuto helmets, samurai dolls and swords are all a part of the display used for Boy's Day (renamed Children's Day) on May 5th in Japan. They reflect the parent's wish to inspire their boys in manliness, discipline, bravery and the honor codes which are associated with them.

Originally, Nobori was used in the battle field to identify the troops, some were to show the warriors where their taisho (general) was...

An actor portraying a samurai admiring himself in a mirror in a scene from the kabuki theater by Toyokuni III (also known as Kunisada). Signed "by special request of the publisher." Published by Kinjudo between 1847-48. Standard "oban" size panels measuring roughly 15"V x 10"H. Possibly from a triptych. Excellent color with vibrant yellow and green in the background. Good overall condition with no tape stains, toning or tears. The baren marks and image are clearly visible on the back...

This is an ANTIQUE SATSUMA SMALL VASE from an Eastern Shore of Maryland Estate. The size is 5 3/4" Tall X 2 1/2" at the Widest point. Decorated with Red Enamel and Gilded Highlights, this Vase shows Three Boys at Play on the Bottom. Ca. 1900 - 1925 the Condition is EXCELLENT. JPGS provide more info

The wood statue Shou Xing (longevity) is carved from a part of a tree joint and it is quite heavy. He is holding a staff and a peach. The statue is 11 ½ inches tall, 2 ¾ inches thick and 5 inches on the widest part. It is late 19th century piece. The carving is simple but elegant. There is single Chinese character ¡°Wang¡± which was scratched on the back of Shou Xing¡¯s robe, maybe by collector. There are some crack lines and small chips due to the age...

13"H buff-colored earthenware Yangshao type funerary urn decorated on the shoulders with bold black and red geometric designs. The symbolic significance of this decoration is apparently unknown. Ovoid form with a wide body extending to its widest girth at the mid-section and tapering to a narrow base. Two strap handles at the sides. Neck ending in an everted rim with evenly spaced tiny holes. Machang type (circa 2200 B.C.) of the Majiayao culture, Gansu Province...

This middle or late 18th century Japanese wood netsuke is 3 ¼ inches tall, 1 inch wide and ¾ inch thick. It was carved from unknown softwood and not signed. It depicts a famous Chinese historical character GUAN YU. His right hand is holding a weapon (long handled knife) and his left hand is holding a book called ¡°Spring-Autumn Annals¡±. It is in great condition.

This 19th century Japanese unsigned hardwood netsuke of JUROJIN is 2 inches tall, 1 inch wide and ¾ of inch thick. It depicts JUROJIN with both hands in his sleeves in front of him. It is in perfect condition.

This early 20th century Chinese carved wood statue is 9 ¼ inches tall, 6 inches wide and 4 inches in depth. The statue presents a legendary Chinese character who is a member of the eight immortals. According to legend, one day he told his follower that his spirit was going to travel far away. He asked the young follower to watch his body for seven days while he was away. If he did not come back after the seventh day, the young man must burn his body...

Japanese blue and white glazed imari plate with dove on peony branch, Edo Period (19th century, two very minor cracks at rim, beautifully painted. 11 3/4" wide x 1 3/4" high.

Japanese blue and white glazed Imari plate with scrolling vine motif and sho-chiku-bai (three friends of winter: plum, pine, and bamboo) motif, signed with 4 characters on back, one very minor crack near at rim otherwise great condition, Edo Period (18th century). 11 1/4" wide x 2" high.

Japanese lidded porcelain choshi, sake server, blue and white glazed, handle is pierced with decorative holes, melon-shaped body, 18th/19th century, good condition with no cracks, chips or losses. 5 1/4" high x 7 1/8" long (to spout) x 5 1/8" wide.

This is a Beautiful Pair of ANTIQUE SATSUMA VASES. Each Vase is 7 1/2" Tall. The Most Striking Features are the SUNFLOWERS on each Vase ... those Flowers accented with Pink and Gold. Research shows these Vases to be signed with the SHIMAZU Mon; made by the Chin Ju Kan Family. Circa 1900 and in EXCELLENT Condition. A Most Desirable Pair of SATSUMA VASES.

Beautiful Shusu (satin silk) Uchikake kimono from the Meiji period (1868 - 1912). All hand sewn with embroidery and gold couching work - overlaying of threads (real gold wrapped around thread) rather than going in and out of the base fabric.

The dimensions are 50 inches between from tip to tip of the sleeves, 60 inches long and 29 and half for the sleeve length. All the edges and openings are generously stuffed with raw silk...

A nice example of an early small Mayan cylinder with several small stress cracks from the pre-Classic [1500 BC-300 AD] period. 3.5" wide and 2.75" deep.

A Mezcala stone figure from the pre-Classic period [1200 BC-300 AD] with folded arms. 5.25" high.

A Mezcala stone figure from the pre-Classic period [1200 BC-200BC]. There are drilled holes at the base of the neck for wear as a pendant. 6.5" high.

This kind of Kanzashi is called Gin (silver in Japanese) Kanzashi. The body is usually made out the stronger mixed metal as this one. The darkened metal flowers are tarnished silver, I believe. The bira bira Kanzashi started to become fashionable in late 18th century, Edo Period and this set is from late Meiji to Taisho period, early 1900s. The chains are very light weight so you can wear as a set if you like...