Antique Japanese Ningyo Doll, Fisherman, Edo

Antiques: Regional Art: Asian: Japanese: Dolls Pre 1900: item #272429
100105

A rare Japanese ningyo or doll depicting a fisherman from the Edo period (1615-1868). One of the most unusual themes for a doll we have seen. The character is a common fisherman in kneeling position complete with fishing rod. The doll maker has tried to be as realistic as possible and no attempt has been made to gloss over the fisherman's pockmarked face. The doll is constructed of wood, straw, felt and silk. The face and hands are covered with painted gofun (crushed oyster shell). His eyes are ... Click for details

Antique Japanese Ningyo Doll, Common Man, Edo

Antiques: Regional Art: Asian: Japanese: Dolls Pre 1900: item #272393
100104

An antique Japanese doll depicting a traveling commoner and dating to the Edo period (1615-1868). A rare and unusual subject for a Japanese doll. Wearing a striped kimono and matching obi of typical Edo period material. His hair is silk and tied up in period fashion. His face and hands are gofun (crushed oyster shell) over wood with glass eyes. He carries a bundle over his shoulder wrapped in traditional fashion. Dimensions: 12" x 5" x 6". Overall condition is good considering age. An interestin... Click for details

Rare Antique Japanese Doll, Falconer, Edo

Antiques: Regional Art: Asian: Japanese: Dolls Pre 1900: item #272250
100105

Falconry or Taka-giri has been a tradition in Japan since the 4th century. It was was introduced to Japan in the age of Emperor Nintoku (355 A.D.) Falconry thrived during the Edo period and continued right up to the arrival of Commodore Perry. The third shogun Tokugawa Iemitsu and the 8th Tokugawa Yoshimune were big fans of falconry: they owned huge falconry areas in Edo and its suburbs. However, falconry lost popularity with the introduction of guns in l492. From the beginning, falconry was th... Click for details

Japanese Boys Day Musha Doll Benkei, Meiji Period

Antiques: Regional Art: Asian: Japanese: Dolls Pre 1910: item #272178
100103

A superb Japanese Meiji period (1868-1912) Musha ningyo doll of the great warrior Benkei. Created for Boy's Day which is celebrated on May 5th every year. Dolls such as this and other displays of the festival were originally meant to instill a sense of courage, valor and bravery into the boys of the samurai families. This example features the distinctive large protruding glass eyes typical of Meiji era dolls. The head is made of painted gofun (crushed oyster shell) with real hair. The costume is... Click for details

Old Japanese Hina Dolls, Large Emperor and Empress Doll

Antiques: Regional Art: Asian: Japanese: Dolls Pre 1920: item #263175

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 empress appears to be partially re-haired, original human hair covered with silk threads. The empress is 21" tall to the tip of the crown and the emperor is 18 1/2" t... Click for details

Old Samurai Kabuki Actor Doll

Antiques: Regional Art: Asian: Japanese: Dolls Pre 1900: item #195076

Antique Hina Empress Doll, Kokin bina

Antiques: Regional Art: Asian: Japanese: Dolls Pre 1900: item #195064

I think we can call this doll, "Kokin-bina" from the late Edo Period. 16 inches tall with hair "kanmuri" and stand, 8 1/2 inches without. Beautiful shiny white face, head and hands are all hand carved and covered with gofun (crushed shell and paste). There is one old crack on her neck which is not visible through her hair. There are some soft gofun spots around her mouth (not the shiny area), Gyokugan glass eyes. All and all, the doll is amazingly in good condition considering the 150 years... Click for details

Meiji Hina Ningyo Imperial Couple, Yusoku-Bina

Antiques: Regional Art: Asian: Japanese: Dolls Pre 1900: item #154704
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This wonderful pair of Japanese Girl’s Day Festival (“Hina Matsuri”) Emperor and Empress dolls are seated on brocade-edged tatami display stands and date to the mid to late 19th century. The emperor is clad in purple silk brocade with a long sword tucked into his waist. The empress is dressed in elaborate multi-layered robes of colorful red silk. Her lapels are embroidered with gold wrapped threads in a scrolling design, and her long sleeves are more intricately embroidered in a floral motif wit... Click for details

Samurai Musha Ningyo Doll

Antiques: Regional Art: Asian: Japanese: Dolls Pre 1920: item #147325

Japanese Takeda Ningyo Samurai Doll, Canon

Antiques: Regional Art: Asian: Japanese: Dolls Pre 1900: item #144997