Kihei Sasajima
Shitenno Jikokuten (one of the Four Heavenly Guardians)
Date: ca. 1960s.
Publisher: Yoneda Minoru (impressed colorless seal at lower margin).
Date: 6.5 x 5 inches.
Medium: Woodblock print.
Condition: Toning in margin. Margin trimming.
A tiny handbag handmade of bamboo strips. It is all handmade of bamboo, such as body, handles and clasp. Generally in good condition but has two tiny holes in the corners in the bottom. The first half of the 20th century. W:17cm, H:13cm, D:9cm
Nice old black and red lacquered cylindrical woven bamboo box from Northern Thailand No holes or broken bits. L: 19.5cm/7.2in and D: 4.5cm/1.8in.
This textile from central Afghanistan was made by Hazara women and depicts the severed hands and shrine of Hazrat Abbas, the half-brother of Hussein ibn Ali, during the battle of Kerbala in Iraq. The scene is embroidered in very fine cross stitch in rayon thread on a polyester background and measures 47 x 59 cm. Condition: Excellent. Estimated age: late 20th century...
A small rug or ashifuki (foot dryer) made of hand-spun cotton and indigo dye shibori pattern, one is sekka shibori (clamp-board dye) and Kumo-shibori. It has two layers of cloth with sashiko. The first half of the 20th century.In good condition except for a stain. 69cm x 46cm
Good Kayan Orang Ulu gawai rice festival ceremonial mask, circa 40 years old, from Sarawak. I bought this piece in Kuching, Sarawak in 2003. Used only twice a year for rice planting and harvesting festivals (gawai), these gatherings were usually a good excuse for a party and celebration to encourage the spirits to ensure a good harvest. H: 25cm/9.8in and W: 16cm/6.2in.
A set of 5 chataku (saucer for tea cup) made of brass and black checker pateern looks painted with urushi. In good condition but some parts where black urushi came off and hair lines. It has engraved mark, "Shobido" in the back. 20th century. Glass tea cup is not included. 11cm x 11cm x 1.2cm
Japanese glass ojime in a form of tombodama bead with two flowers on stems with prickly leaves - appear to be some species of a thistle. Tombodama can be translated as “dragonfly ball” and the name is thought to come about because when the molten glass is applied to the core bead it resembles a dragonfly’s eye. Superbly made piece - see finely textured petals, in perfect condition. Height 0.76 inches.
Japanese glass ojime in a form of tombodama bead of flattened ball shape with inlays of a butterfly and cherry flowers. Tombodama can be translated as “dragonfly ball” and the name is thought to come about because when the molten glass is applied to the core bead it resembles a dragonfly’s eye. Superbly made piece, in perfect condition. Diameter 0.78 inches.
Title: Tokumochi
Artist's signature not read. The second kanji in the signature is read "haru" or "shun."
Print size: Approximately 5.125 x 3.375 inches.
Date: ca. 1930s.
Publisher: Takemura Hideo.
Medium: Japanese woodblock print tipped along its top edge onto a 6.625 x 4.75-inch greeting card containing a signed message.
Condition: Print excellent. Card is discolored.
A wood plate used by a lacquer ware maker. It has layers of red and black urushi. It is used by a craftsperson of Aizu-nuri, from Aizu in Fukushima in Tohoku district. The first half of the 20th century. Diameter:16.4cm, H:4cm
A folding pillow made of wood used on travel. It has two cushions made of cotton velour. Women had a largely fixed hair with wearing kimono, so this kind was used. It has carved letters "Beppu" and the scenery, so that it was made or sold there. Beppu is famous for onen, hot spa, located in Oita prefecture in Kyushu. In good condition. The first half of the 20th century. L:21.5cm, W:5.8cm (folded)
A baby's kimono made of cotton with katazome (stencil-resist-dye), which is imitating shibori pattern. It has thick cotton lining which is from the cold district, such as Tohoku. Generally, in good condition but two belts are damaged and stains in the lining. The 20th century. W:69cm, L:64cm
Elementary student's uniform made of wool and probably blended. It has Longer pants has mending. 1940s. Jacket: W:41cm L:53cm, Long pants: W:38cm :L64cm, Short pants: W:31cm L:50cm
This is a meisen kimono with geometric pattern in white, red and black. In good condition except for the blackish part in the back ( not stain but weaving flaw ) and some stains in the front lining. 1950s 128cm x 150cm
A carved and dark red lacquered oval tea tray with cherry blossom in cinnabar red and yellow-white. Made in Kamakura, the back with a stamped seal mark. Width "17/ 43 cm. Condition: minimal wear.
Title: Mountain Temple and Snow
Artist: Not known.
Print size: Approximately 5.675 x 3.5 inches.
Date: 1950s-60s
Publisher: Watanabe Shozaburo.
Print is tipped along its top edge to original blank card.
Medium: Japanese woodblock print.
Condition: Excellent.
Intricately worked ladder stitch embroidered in green silk thread on a fine doubled muslin background, this old textile from Maqur district in Ghazni province in central Afghanistan would have formed the sleeve cuffs for a woman's dress. Spiral and volute motifs are harmoniously joined to form an exuberant unity in composition. This textile measures 40 x 48.5 cm and is dated to the early or mid 20th century. The textile has some significant staining, unsurpising given its age.