This ebullient hand carved Oaxacan Alebrije model of an armadillo will give delight for years to come. Its artist made use of traditional Mexican bright colors to make this armadillo pop. Purple and turquoise dominate but yellows and reds complete the ensemble. Signed Rocio R on the belly.

Condition is Excellent.

Dimensions
Height 3 5/8 inch
Width: 2 5/8 inch
Depth: 11 1/4 inch

A painted metal cut-out of a fish, with the word "BAIT" as if to advertise a bait shop. This has an American antique folk art appearance though I believe these are made in Asia, as decorative objects. Add to your Adirondack style interior; excellent for the second house at the lake. Measures 8" by 20" extreme dimensions. The tail area has cracks in the metal so this is delicate and should be handled carefully.

A large basket handmade of bamboo strips. In excellent condition except for a minor break, however no problem for use. 20th century. Diameter:43.5cm, H:17cm

A pair of wood candle stand painted with colorful urushi. The plate for candle on the top is made of metal. In excellent condition except for some tiny chips on the rim of the top plate and urushi came off in the bottom of one candle. 20th century. H:37cm Diameter of the bottom:10cm

Ikkan-bari basket made of bamboo and paper. Ikkan-bari is a Japanese traditional craft which is: many layers of washi (Japanese handmade paper) are pasted on the bamboo or wood frame, or wood or clay mold. And then coated with urushi or kaki-shibu (persimmon juice) when it becomes dry and hard. It has paper(not Japanese paper) pasted on the bamboo basket and coated with kaki-shibu. Cloth hand-painted daruma and Benkei are collaged on both sides. In excellent condition. Contemporary...

Handmade decorative painted box. 9 3/4" x 5" x 4 1/4". Signed "Lady Bell BR".

Miharu Hariko papier-mache doll of a Farmer Riding a Cow holding a sickle. A possible reference to the Kusakari Kannon (Grass Cutting Kannon (J. Kannon,[Goddess of Mercy,] Chinese - Kwan Yin/Guanyin, Sanskrit - Avalokitasvara.) Miharu Village, Fukushima Prefecture, ca. 1999. H.9.25"(23.5cm) x L.9.25"(23.5cm.) Cow has nodding head in the tradition of paper-mache "beko" cows/oxen of NE Japan. Excellent Condition...

Miharu Hariko papier-mache dolls of Hina Ningyo (Imperial Couple) traditinally displayed in the month of March for Girls Day (March 3rd.) Miharu Village, Fukushima Prefecture, ca. 1992. Empress: H.4.875"(12cm) x W.3.625"(9.25cm,) Emperor: H.5.375"(13.5cm) x W.3.75"(9.5cm.) Condition Note: hat of Emperor cracked and repaired. Small crack on back of Emperor where sword protrudes from body...

Miharu Hariko papier-mache doll of a Yakko, the lower rank samurai manservant who often ran in front of the samurai retinue carrying banners, trunks, etc. He carries a lantern with the name "Sagamiya" on it. Pairs with MH-14. Miharu Village, Fukushima Prefecture, ca. 1991. H.7.75"(19.5cm) x W.3.125"(8cm.) excellent condition. Miharu-machi (town) is located just NW of Koriyama City in central Fukushima Prefecture...

Miharu Hariko papier-mache doll of Daikoku, God of Wealth & one of the Seven Lucky Gods. Miharu Village, Fukushima Prefecture, ca. 1988. H.5.5"(14cm) x W.3.625"(9.25cm.) Very Good condition, small paint crack on right shoulder. Daikoku stands poised with raised mallet, his magic hammer that creates an explosion of gold when struck. Miharu-machi (town) is located just NW of Koriyama City in central Fukushima Prefecture...

Miharu Hariko papier-mache doll of Mother, Child, & Fox. Miharu Village, Fukushima Prefecture, ca. 1988. H.7.25"(8.5cm) x W.3.75"(9.5cm.) Excellent Condition. Miharu-machi (town) is located just NW of Koriyama City in central Fukushima Prefecture. They say the town’s name “mi’ (3) “haru” (spring) comes from the fact that the three famous blossoms of spring; plum, peach, and cherry, bloom here in profusion...

Miharu Hariko papier-mache doll of a Court Noble ("kuge") seated on a dias. Miharu Village, Fukushima Prefecture, ca. 1988. H.7.5"(19cm) x W.6.5"(16.5cm.) Very good condition, slight paper cracking where sword protrudes from back of body. Miharu-machi (town) is located just NW of Koriyama City in central Fukushima Prefecture...

Miharu Hariko Papier-mache Doll; Miharu Village, Fukushima Prefecture, ca. 1987...

Miharu Hariko papier-mache doll. Mother nursing child. H.5.5"(14cm) x W.4.375"(11cm,) ca. 1987. Miharu Village, Fukushima Prefecture. Excellent condition. The wonderful image of a bare-breasted woman and suckling child is one of the more popular Miharu Hariko figures. Miharu-machi (town) is located just NW of Koriyama City in central Fukushima Prefecture. They say the town’s name “mi’ (3) “haru” (spring) comes from the fact that the three famous blossoms of spring; plum, peach, and ...

From our World Handicrafts Collection (Ex-Asia), an interesting hand-made wool prayer rug, probably Persian but it could possibly come from the Caucasus region as well. The rug features a main central medallion in rust colored ground, two minaret motifs towards the top, and geometrical motifs on the borders. The workmanship seems to be a combination of natural mineral pigments and synthetic dyes.

Size and Condition: 60 inches long, 39 inches wide. This rug has seen a fair amount of we...

From our World Handicrafts Collection (Ex-Asia), a very interesting Afghani hand-made tribal rug decorated with American military helicopter and B-52 bomber motifs. This piece was acquired about 16 months after the American military campaign in Afghanistan was launched in response to the 911 attacks, and in a fascinating example of art imitating life, the villager who crafted this rug chose to fashion it in this manner, reflecting the military aircraft he/she no doubt saw in the sky day after d...

From our Southeast Asia Collection, a large and very attractive Indonesian tribal mask, crafted from a dark hardwood we think is either teak or some other rosewood variant, inlaid with mother of pearl or shell. They craft a lot of masks in different versions in Bali, but the more frequently encountered version you see there is a much smaller but heavily painted multicolor style, that we tend to find a bit gaudy. We selected this style from Central Java for its austere but artful presence, achiev...

From our World Handicrafts Collection (ex-Asia), a handsome inlaid wooden box from Oaxaca Mexico, very attractively executed with dark brown inlay upon a lighter straw colored base wood. The box is fairly light, not quite balsa wood weight but light nevertheless, and is fragrant on the inside where the exposed surface of the hewn wood has not been varnished. Regrettably, we have forgotten the name of this interesting wood. In any event, a lovely gift item.

Size 8 7/8 inches long, 3 1/2 ...

From our World Handicrafts Collection (ex-Asia), a handsome leather-wrapped wooden chest from Cusco, Peru, with chocolate colored leather sheets that have been hand-worked with stylized Inca motifs, overlaid onto a wooden body and secured with brass studs. The inside is lined with a red velvet/ felt type material. A charming authentic handicraft from the indigenous population and a lovely gift item.

Size: 9 inches long, 6 1/2 inches tall, 6 1/4 inches deep.

This contemporary antelope carving from Bali is 4 ¼ inches tall and 2 inches wide. It depicts two frogs sitting among foliage. The workmanship is great and it is in excellent condition.

Nantucket woven rattan basket or purse having 2 scrimshawed ivorite plaques, one features a sailing ship with the inside plaque featuring Marblehead Harbor. This basket has a swing handle, leather hinges and a wood base. Made in Rhode Island, it is signed Farnum on the bottom and a penny glued inside dates the basket 1996. Measures 11" long x 8" high with the handle down.

Mayoke Yama Uba, Shinshuu (Nagano Prefecture.) Wood with bark intact, and straw rope. This folk toy depicts a Yama Uba (Mountain Hag) who is also called Yamamba in other parts of Japan. "Mayoke" means "amulet" or "charm," so the item is intended to ward off evil or bad luck, even though Yama Uba are often referred to in stories much like the bogey man is depicted in America. The Yama Uba does have a benevolent side as well, as a Yama Uba was said to be the mother of the legendary mountain boy he...

Miharu Hariko papier-mache doll of "Hebi" (Snake) made in 1988 for the Asian Zodiac Year of the Snake in 1989. Miharu Village, Fukushima Prefecture. H.4.75"(11cm) x Dia.2.875"(7cm.) Moveable tail. Some minor toning to paper due to age. Snake years include: 1941, 1953, 1965, 1977, 1989, 2001, 2013. Miharu-machi (town) is located just NW of Koriyama City in central Fukushima Prefecture. They say the town’s name “mi’ (3) “haru” (spring) comes from the fact that the three famous blosso...

Miharu Hariko papier-mache doll of "Ne Ushi" (Reclining Cow / Ox) made in 2008 for the Year of the OX in 2009. Miharu Village, Fukushima Prefecture. H.2.25"(5.5cm) x L.4.75"(12.5cm.) Excellent condition. Asian Zodiac Ox years: 1949, 1961, 1973, 1985, 1997, 2009, 2021. Miharu-machi (town) is located just NW of Koriyama City in central Fukushima Prefecture. They say the town’s name “mi’ (3) “haru” (spring) comes from the fact that the three famous blossoms of spring; plum, peach, and...

Miharu Hariko papier-mache doll of "Daiko Uchi Onna" (Dancing Girl Holding Drum.) Miharu Village, Fukushima Prefecture, ca. 2008. H.6.625"(17cm) x W.3.75"(10cm.) Excellent Condition. Miharu-machi (town) is located just NW of Koriyama City in central Fukushima Prefecture. They say the town’s name “mi’ (3) “haru” (spring) comes from the fact that the three famous blossoms of spring; plum, peach, and cherry, bloom here in profusion. This colorful backdrop, along with a scenic rural s...

Miharu Hariko papier-mache doll of Daikoku, God of Wealth and one of the Seven Lucky Gods. Miharu Village, Fukushima Prefecture, ca. 1999. H.5.125"(13cm) x W.7"(18cm.) Excellent Condition. Here, Daikoku stands with arms outstretched, his kimono dispaying a pattern of pines, camellia, & wisteria, and the sleeves seemingly flapping in the wind. Miharu-machi (town) is located just NW of Koriyama City in central Fukushima Prefecture. They say the town’s name “mi’ (3) “haru” (spring) co...

Miharu Hariko papier-mache doll of a Yakko, the lower rank samurai manservant who often ran in front of the samurai retinue carrying banners, trunks, etc. He carries a lantern with the name "Sagamiya" on it. Pairs with MH-16. Miharu Village, Fukushima Prefecture, ca. 1991. H.7.75"(19.5cm) x W.3.125"(8cm.) excellent condition. Miharu-machi (town) is located just NW of Koriyama City in central Fukushima Prefecture. They say the town’s name “mi’ (3) “haru” (spring) comes from the fact...

Miharu Hariko papier-mache doll of a Sumo Wrestler Daikoku, God of Wealth and one of the Seven Lucky Gods. Miharu Village, Fukushima Prefecture, ca. 1991. H.5.25"(13.5cm) x W.3.75"(9.5cm.) Excellent condition. This is a rare image of Daikoku-sama in a fundoshi (loin cloth) as a Sumo Wrestler! It is a great example of the playful nature of Miharu Ningyo. Miharu-machi (town) is located just NW of Koriyama City in central Fukushima Prefecture. They say the town’s name “mi’ (3) “haru” ...

Miharu Hariko papier-mache doll of elderly biwa (lute) player. Miharu Village, Fukushima Prefecture, ca. 1989. H.6"(15cm) x W.2.125"(5.5cm.) With lute strapped to his back and propped up with a cane, this strolling eldery musician looks composed and serene. Miharu-machi (town) is located just NW of Koriyama City in central Fukushima Prefecture. They say the town’s name “mi’ (3) “haru” (spring) comes from the fact that the three famous blossoms of spring; plum, peach, and cherry, bl...

Miharu Hariko papier-mache doll of Dancing Maiden with Fan, Sword, Bow & Arrows. Miharu Village, Fukushima Prefecture, ca. 1988. H.8.5"(21cm) x W.6.75"(17cm.) Very Good Condition, small 1/8" paint loss on bow. A highly expressive figure in the tradition of Miharu Ningyo Dancing Maidens. Miharu-machi (town) is located just NW of Koriyama City in central Fukushima Prefecture. They say the town’s name “mi’ (3) “haru” (spring) comes from the fact that the three famous blossoms of spri...

Miharu Hariko papier-mache doll of Samurai on Horseback armed with sword, bow & arrows. Miharu Village, Fukushima Prefecture, ca.1988. H.7.5"(19cm) x L.7"(18cm.) Excellent Condition. Miharu-machi (town) is located just NW of Koriyama City in central Fukushima Prefecture. They say the town’s name “mi’ (3) “haru” (spring) comes from the fact that the three famous blossoms of spring; plum, peach, and cherry, bloom here in profusion. This colorful backdrop, along with a scenic rural s...

Miharu Hariko papier-mache doll of Young Maiden Carrying Water Buckets. Miharu Village, Fukushima Prefecture, ca. 1988. H.7.5"(19cm) x W.5.5"(14cm.) Excellent Condition. Miharu-machi (town) is located just NW of Koriyama City in central Fukushima Prefecture. They say the town’s name “mi’ (3) “haru” (spring) comes from the fact that the three famous blossoms of spring; plum, peach, and cherry, bloom here in profusion. This colorful backdrop, along with a scenic rural setting, and a...

Miharu Hariko papier-mache doll of Kabuki Actor Sitting on a Drum, Fukushima Prefecture, ca. 1987. H.6.5"(16.5cm) x W.4.5"(11.5cm.) Excellent condition. Miharu-machi (town) is located just NW of Koriyama City in central Fukushima Prefecture. They say the town’s name “mi’ (3) “haru” (spring) comes from the fact that the three famous blossoms of spring; plum, peach, and cherry, bloom here in profusion. This colorful backdrop, along with a scenic rural setting, and a long craft hist...

Miharu Hariko, Papier-mache doll; Miharu Village, Fukushima Prefecture, ca. 1987. H.9.5"(24cm) x W.6.5"(16.5cm.) Figure of Sugawara no Michizane; a politician, poet, and scholar (845-903.) Excellent condition. The story of Michizane (Tenjin-sama) is well-known in Japan. He was a politician and scholar in the ancient Imperial capitol of Kyoto. Through a series of political back-stabbing, he was banished to Dazaifu in remote Chikuzen Province (now part of Fukuoka Prefecture in Kyushu)where he s...

Miharu Hariko Papier-mache Doll; Miharu Village, Fukushima Prefecture, Japan, ca. 1986. H.7.5"(19cm) x W.5"(12.5cm.) Figure of a Hikyaku (Courier.) Condition Notes: Cracks to paper on right leg, left arm kimono sleeve, and right hand. Helmet re-glued to head. See enlargements. The Hikyaku was the express messenger or courier of the feudal period, running messages and mail between post towns. Miharu-machi (town) is located just NW of Koriyama City in central Fukushima Prefecture. They say ...

From our World Handicrafts Collection (Ex-Asia), a charming hand-carved mirror frame from Cuzco Peru, sister city of the famed Macchu Piccu ruins. The wood used here is an indigenous Andean softwood that has been very skillfully carved in Spanish Baroque style, not uncommon since Peru was colonized by the Spanish in the 1500's and Spanish architectural influence still pervades their culture and crafts. The mirrored glass was installed later in the States. A lovely and unique gift item.

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