A bag for backpacking made of rice straw. It has indigo dyed hemp thread ornament. The cord is cotton. In excellent condition. The first half of the 20th century. W:41cm H:37.5cm Thickness:5cm

A sheet of "tatougami" made of recycled washi (Japanese handmade paper) used at a pawn shop. Hocked items were wrapped in this tatougami and kept. It is made of used washi with letters and kakishibu is painted for insect repellent and for moisture-resisting. The first half of the 20th century. In good condition but has one moth bite hole. 66cm x 66cm

Wood bowl (shikarinpah) with bird motif, made by Ainu craftsman in Hokkaido. All hand-carved and in excellent condition. 20th century. L:24cm W:10.5cm H:5cm

A unique Japanese kanban (shop sign) in the shaped of a pipe, with gilt kanji. It hangs from a length of iron chain. A very fun and attractive piece. Vintage age c1950 Size: 8" height (17.5" hanging) 26.5" length

Vintage Japanese conch shell horn, known as a horagai or a jinkai depending on its usage. The horagai has been used in Buddhist practice for over one thousand years. The jinkai was used as a battle signal by samurai trumpeters called kai yaku. The shell has a bronze mouthpiece and decorative purple tassles. Early 20th century Size: 6" height, 16.5" length,

Lovely Japanese Hira Taiko Drum, made from a light hardwood, and hung from a Hiratsuri stand. The drum has iron studding to keep its drum skins in place and gold kanji/kana on a black metal strip, with a gold taiko logo for Maru Masa. A drumstick is included which hangs off a hook from the Hiratsuri stand. Makes a lovely drum sound as it is intact and in good condition. Taisho/early Showa period (c1930) Size: 33" High x 34 1/2" Wide

Large Japanese Gigaku demon mask, covered with red, gold, and black lacquer. The colors gold and red are associated with the underworld, especially when apparent in a demon's eyes. This mask sports long fangs, a stubby ridged nose, and furrowed brow. The inside of the mask has rice paper with kanji signature of the sculpting artist. Dates from the Tiasho age c1920. Size: 17.25" height, 13" width

Ainu carved wooden doll of woman in traditional Ainu dress. H.12.25"(31cm) x W.4"(10cm.) Finely sculpted features show elements of Ainu traditional apparel & appearance; mouth tattoo, head band and kimono with traditional patterns, and large beaded necklace.

Paper mache Daruma Dolls from Tamashima district of Kurashiki in Okayama Prefecture by Ono Ichi, ca. 1972. Pair or single, smaller (FI-8b): H. 4.875"(12.2cm) x W.3.5"(9cm.); larger (FI-8a): H.5.25"(13.25cm) x W.3.375"(8.5cm.) Painted paper mache. These dolls were made in 11 sizes ranging from 11 - 45cm. The small one here is the second smallest size made, known as "9-go", and the larger is an "8-go" size...

Takamatsu Yomeiri Ningyo; Clay Bridal Trousseau Dolls from Takamatsu, Kagawa Prefecture, Shikoku Island. Set of 5 depicting auspicious images: Happy Couple, Dog, Rabbit, Ebisu with Tai (Sea Bream,) Dog with Tai. H. .75" to 1.125" (2cm-2.75cm) x W. .875" to 1.375" (2.25cm - 3.5cm;) painted clay, ca. 1972. Condition notes: .75cm paint chip on back of Ebisu, paint chipped away on fish of Dog with Tai figure. Others all in excellent condition...

Akebi Hato Guruma, Vine Pigeon on Wheels; Nozawa, Nagano Prefecture. L.4.75"(12cm) x W.2.375"(6cm) x H.2.5"(6.5cm.) ca. 1972, woven akebi vine. The region of Nozawa has long been known for vine weaving craftsmanship, producing utilitarian items like hats, baskets, and teapot trivets. Vines were sourced from nearby mountains and then bleached naturally in local hot springs...

Kubi Furi Tora; Bobbing Head Paper Mache Tiger from Nishi-Oodera, Okayama Prefecture. H.6.5"(16.5cm) x L.6.25"(16cm) x W.2"(5cm.) Painted paper mache, ca. early 1970's. Excellent condition WITH ORIGINAL BOX. Paper mache folk crafts were popular in Nishi-Oodera since the mid-late Edo Period (1600-1868.) This particular style of tiger with high hip, curled tail, heavy black stripes, and fierce countenace has been produced since about 1897...

Hirosaki Hato Bue, Clay Pigeon Whistle from Hirosaki, Aomori Prefecture. Painted clay; L.6"(15cm) x H.4"(10cm) x 2.5"(6.5cm.)ca. 1970's...

Tsuchi Ningyo, Clay Doll. Kintaro with Giant Carp. ca. early 1900's. H.4.25"(11cm) x W.3.375"(8.5cm.) Signed on bottom "Yano." Body is 100% intact and in good condition, but most of the paint has flaked off of the fish...

Matsue Hariko Koma, paper mache horse from Matsue, Shimane Prefecture. H.3.25"(8.5cm) x L.3"(7.5cm) x W.1"(2.5cm). Ca. early 1970's, made by H. Kimura. Painted paper, straw tail. Matsue paper mache dates back to the Edo Period (1600-1868) and has a wonderful robust charm. The horse, in this rural area, is a symbol of good harvest. Matsue is known in the West as the long-time Japanese home of writer Lafcadio Hearn (1850-1904.)

Matsue Hariko Tawara Ushi, Paper Mache Ox Carrying Rice Bales from Matsue, Shimane Prefecture. Ca. early 1970's. Made by H. Kimura. L.3.375"(8.5cm) x H.2"(5cm) x W.2.375"(6cm.) Matsue paper mache dates back to the Edo Period (1600-1868) and has a robust charm. In this rural area, the Ox signifies a good harvest. Matsue is known in the West as the long-time Japanese home of writer Lafcadio Hearn (1850-1904.)

9.5 feet long hand-painted Japanese carp banner (Koi-nobori) for Boy's Day. Here on this banner, a mighty little boy named Kintaro, is hitching a ride on a carp. Kintaro may be a creation from a theater play (jyoruri and kabuki) of the Edo period – although he is said to be a childhood figure of the 10th century samurai, Sakata no Kinsuke - he is extremely strong and still a popular hero figure for Japanese boys...

Kokeshi, folk toy of NE Japan. Wood, Height 9.5". This is an example of the unique Nambu-kei kokeshi from Iwate Prefecture...