Kokeshi, folk toy of NE Japan. Wood, height 9.75". Kijiyama-kei, Akita Prefecture. Made by Abe Youko; born April 3, 1932. This kokeshi probably dates from the 1970's. Women kokeshi makers, such as Ms. Abe, are in the minority in Japan in this craft that is usually handed down from father to son. Also, unique & interesting about Kijiyama style kokeshi is the depiction of the apron ("maekake" or "maedare") on the body.

Kokeshi, folk toy of NE Japan. Wood, Height 9.75". Kijiyama-kei of Akita Prefecture. Made by Satou Shuuichi, born Aug. 7, 1927. This kokeshi probably daes fromt he 1970's-1980's. One of the unique & interesting characteristics of Kijiyama style kokeshi is the depiction of the apron ("maekake" or "maedare") on the body of the doll.

Naruko-kei Kokeshi by Tsugawara Wahei, born Sept. 13, 1945. Wood, Height 7". Although this is a typical Naruko stle kokeshi, the words "Kaizen Damashii" (Group Spirit) have been written over the normal decorative patterns. Also written is "Mogami Denki Kabushiki Kaisha" (Mogami Electric Company, Inc.) This was probably commissioned and given out to company employees at a corporate solidarity event or campaign. Probably dates from the 1980's.

Wonderful Japanese tea bowl RAKU ware. This bowl was made between 1900 and 1940. Excellent condition. It has an exquisite contrast of colours, great form and glazing The potter's mark is in the bottom. RAKU is a light weight ceramic ware with a long history in Japan and particularly prized in the tea ceremony. RAKU means happiness, pleasure, enjoyment, satisfaction. Size: 4.5" X 3.3". Weight: 330gr.

This is a beautiful dark blue Japanese Uchikake (wedding gown) made in Nishijin, Kyoto. The label states the name of Nishijin and the use of pure gold. The gown is woven with fans and Gosho (palace) flower carts which is one of the favorite motifs used for Japanese wedding gowns. They are remainders of the Heian period (794-1192) which was the last graceful era of the aristocrats. The gown is meticulously hand sewn to perfection as most Japanese kimonos are...

Japanese 20th century wooden carving OKIMONO of USOBUKI in a seated position and telling a lie. The OKIMONO measures 8" tall, 7 3/8" wide and 6" deep.

Elegant Japanese kimono wedding gown (Uchikake) designed by Hanae Mori. The gown displays the designer’s logo without a signature; her butterflies and initials are woven all over the red liner. Hanae Mori is truly the first and most famous international Japanese designer of the 20th century. She not only contributed to the Japanese clothing industry but to many other areas since the rebuilding time of Japan after WWII...

This 20th century export Japanese ivory okimono is 7 ¾ inches high, 2 ½ inches wide and 1 ¼ inches deep. It depicts a well dressed young geisha wearing formal straw hat and carrying an instrument ready to perform. There is a red artist signature on the side. It is in excellent condition.

This old cobalt blue Peking glass necklace is 52” long. The even glass beads are 12 mm. It has been restrung and it is in great condition.

Mashiko Yaki Oozara (Large Plates), Dia. 12.25" (31.5cm); Vintage production, purchased in 1965. These plates feature patterns from the four seasons: Ume (Plum) for Spring, Shobu (Iris) for Summer, Nekoyanagi (Pussywillow) for Autumn, and Kiku (Chrysanthemum) for Winter. These types of plates were made using molds and then hand-painted as stock items sold in Mashiko in the 1960's & '70s...

Mashiko ware Vase by local potter Outsuka Sadao. Impressed Inlay Patterning. H. 12.75" x Body Dia. 6.5". Stamped at foot "Sada". Purchased in 1965. Good condition, holds water - tested. Condition notes: you can see in enlargement #2 that the vase has a lean/list to one side. Also, there is a "kamakizu" (kiln scar) of a small rock burst on the body...

Mashiko ware lidded jar by local potter Oushima Shou. H. 14.5" x Body Dia. 10.5". Purchased in 1965. Mottled light green Irabo-type glaze with some color changes on body. There are some chip repairs on the inside of the lid done in lacquer and synthetic gold (see detail photo.) The post-war years in Mashiko saw a growth in decorative pottery such as this...

Mashiko ware black glaze pitcher. H. 10" x Body Dia. 6". Small chip on rim repaired in lacquer & synthetic gold. Purchased in 1965. Mashiko wares from Tochigi Prefecture have gained a worldwide reputation since potter Shoji Hamada settled there in 1923. It's been said that such handles as the one seen on this piece, and not typically Japanese, were introduced by Hamada and by Bernard Leach into Mashiko and other pottery Japanese pottery towns...

This well carved 1970’s jade (jadeite) pendant is half of an inch thick and 2 inches in diameter. It depicts two Qi Lin (or Qi Ren) facing each other on the top, and two stylized characters of “Shou” (Longevity) are carved on the bottom. It is in great condition.

This 1970’s carved jade statue is 4 1/8 inches high, 2 inches wide and 1 inch thick. It depicts two dragons playing with a fire globe and surrounded by clouds. It is in good condition.

Kamakurabori, the lacquerware of Kamakura City in Kanagawa Prefecture, is appreciated all over Japan. This set of pre-war "chataku" tea cup coasters is a fine example of this craft. They measure 15cm(6") in diameter, with a height of 2.5cm(1"). Plenty of references are available on this craft that has its origins in producing lacquered wood carving for the numerous Buddhist temples of Kamakura during the 11th & 12th centuries.

Kokeshi, wooden folk doll of NE Japan. H. 6.25". This is an example of Zao-kei (Zao Onsen [Hot Spring]) of Yamagata Prefecture. The artisan is Kobayashi Chuujiro, who made this piece in his 60's, ca. 1990. For more information on "dentou" (traditional) kokeshi, please visit our weblog, which is accessible via our Trocadero homepage.

This very well made mid 20th century Chinese Canton enamel plate is 7” in diameter and three quarters of an inch high. It depicts two yellow phoenixes over a blue background. There is a red stylized character “Shou” (longevity) on the bottom. It is in great condition.

Kokeshi, wooden folk toy of NE Japan. Heights: 1.1875", 1.75", 2.375". This are examples of the "Naruko-kei" tradition of Miyagi Prefecture. These miniature kokeshi are generally referred to as "issun kokeshi" (one 'soon' [inch] kokeshi). For a brief story on "dentou" (traditional) kokeshi, please see our weblog, which is accessible through our Trocadero homepage.

Kokeshi, wooden folk toy of NE Japan. Height: 8.25". This is an example of "Kijiyama-kei" tradition of Akita Prefecture. The artisan was Abe Heishirou. It is not dated, but was most likely made in the 1960's to 1970's. For a brief story on "dentou" (traditional) kokeshi, please see our website, which is accessible through our Trocadero homepage.

Kokeshi, wooden folk toy of NE Japan. Height: 7". This is an example of "Goroujou" tradition of Iwate Prefecture. It is also a rare example of extant pre-WWII kokeshi. It was made at Yumoto Onsen by the artisan, Fujiwara Masagoro, who was born in Meiji 16 (1883!) and passed away at the age of 64 on June 12th, 1947 (Showa 22.) For a brief story on "dentou" (traditional) kokeshi, please see our weblog, which is accessible through our Trocadero website.

Kokeshi, wooden folk toy of NE Japan. Height: 8.5". This is an example of the "Yamagata-kei" tradition of Yamagata Prefecture. This kokeshi was made in the town of Toune by the artisan Yamaguchi Shuuichi, who was born on June 21, 1924 (Taisho 13.) It is not dated, but was most likely made during the 1970's or early 1980's. For a brief story on "dentou" (traditional) kokeshi, please see our weblog, which is accessible through our Trocadero homepage.

Kokeshi, wooden folk toy of NE Japan. Height: 3.75". This is an example of the "Naruko-kei" tradition of Miyagi Prefecture. This particular shape was called an "ezuko" (basket child) in the local Miyagi vernacular. The artisan was Sakurai Shouji, who was born on January 1st, 1927 (Showa 2.) It is not dated, but was most likely made during the 1960's or 1970's. For a brief story on "dentou" (traditional) kokeshi, plase see our weblog, which can be accessed through our Trocadero homepage.

Kokeshi, wooden folk toy of NE Japan. Height: 9.75". This is an example of the "Naruko-kei" tradition of Miyagi Prefecture. It was made by the artisan, Oonuma Hideo, who was born on February 17, 1930 (Showa 5.) It is dated September 15th, Showa 50 (1975,) but it is not clear if this was a production date signed by the maker, or a purchase date signed by the collector...

Kokeshi, wooden folk toy of NE Japan. Height: 7.5". This is an example of kokeshi made in Fukushima Prefecture, other than its better known cousin of the "Tsuchiyu" tradition. This was made in 1968 at Takayu Onsen (Takayu Hot Spring) by the artisan, Shinogi Toshio, when he was 37 years old. Shinogi-san was born on September 3rd, Showa 6 (1931). For a brief story on "dentou" (traditional) kokeshi, please see our weblog, which can be accessed through our Trocadero homepage.

Kokeshi, wooden folk toy of NE Japan. Height: 8.5". This is an example of the "Naruko-kei" tradition of Miyagi Prefecture. The artisan, Akiyama Tadaichi, was born in Meiji 34 (1901) and passed away on May 19th, 1984 (Showa 59.) For a brief story on "dentou" (traditional) kokeshi, please see our weblog, which can be accessed through our Trocadero homepage.

This mid 20th century Japanese cloisonné vase is 7 ¼” high and 3” on the widest part. It depicts a finch resting on a branch of a peony tree. It is in excellent condition.

Mashiko ware platter (oozara) with nami-jiro (regular white) glaze and kaki (persimmon-colored glaze) ladle splashes. H.5.5cm(2.25") x Dia.38cm(15"). ca. 1970. Mashiko wares gained worldwide popularity through the connection with National Living Treasure potter Shoji Hamada, who settled in this town of pottery and agriculture in the 1920's. Prior to Hamada's arrival, standard kitchen wares such as grinding bowls, water jars, teapots, and the like, were the standard products of Mashiko. Contempo...

This is a Hard to Find CHINESE COVERED JAR after Chien Lung manufacture made ca. 1950

Large Pigeon Blood Ginbari Cloisonne Silver Vase with Dragon Marked "Silver Japan"

The vase is 12.2 inches (31.1 cm) tall, 8.2 inches (21 cm) wide. It weighs 5.2 lb.

It is in good condition with no repairs or chips, except a hairline crack at the base and minor surface scratches (as seen in the photos).

Our Guarantee: We stand behind all of the items that we sell. That is to say, if you purchase an item from us and are unhappy with it for any reason, return...

This miniature Japanese Satsuma vase is around 50 years old. It is 2 ½” high and 1 ½” at its widest part. It depicts a lake scene. Maple trees, iris and peonies are in front of the lake. A three story pagoda is back behind the lake. There is a painted Satsuma logo on the bottom. Aside from a small chip on the rim, it is in great condition.

This 1920~1930 carved glass snuff bottle is 3” high, 2 1/8” wide and 1 1/8” thick. Stylized lion heads have been carved on either side of the ovoid bottle. The green hard stone cap and spoon are new replacements. Aside from some surface wearing and one tiny chip on its rim, it is in great condition.

This pair of 20th century Chinese carved ivory statues are about 12 ¼” high, 3” wide and 2 ¾” thick. They depict a standing sage and lady. The sage’s left hand carries a stick, a double gourd wine container is tied on the stick. His right hand holds a goose in front of his chest. The lady’s right hand carries a branch of lotus blossom; her left hand holds a lotus shape pouch with a tassel. The marks on the bottom (Da Ming and Kang Xi) are honorable marks. They are in excellent...

This 1980 Japanese carved wood and walrus fisherman is 5 ¾” high, 2” wide and 2 ¼” thick. It depicts a smiling fisherman; one handing is holding a fish, another hand is holding a net. He carries a basket full of fish on his back. The fisherman’s body was carved from walrus; his robe and pants were carved from hard wood. The carver’s signature was placed on a piece of a red rectangular carnelian inlayed into the round wood base. The workmanship is superb and it is in excellent co...

Old (1930s) Chinese Export Famille Rose Brush Holder with Figures

The brush holder is 4.5 inches tall by 3.5 inches in diameter.

It is in good condition with no repairs, chips, nor cracks, except minor lose paint and fading gold.

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Old (1930's) Japanese Boxwood Carved Netsuke Monkey & Trainer with Puppy Signed

The netsuke is 1.75 inches tall, and 1 inch wide.

It is in good condition with no repairs, chips, nor cracks, except missing an eye at the shishi mask (as seen in the photos).

Our Guarantee: We stand behind all of the items that we sell. That is to say, if you purchase an item from us and are unhappy with it for any reason, return it for a 100% refund of the amount yo...

This hand made, gold plated over silver, multiple stone bracelet is 7” long and 5/8” wide. It contains six semi-precious gem stones, including jade, ruby and moon stone which are surrounded by a tiny, wired flower design. The workmanship is elegant and superb. Like Item 3359, it came from a retired Hong Kong jeweler. It is 1930~1945 product and is in excellent condition. The back has a woven pattern.

This 1940~1950 carved green quartz snuff bottle is 4 ¼” high, 2 ½” wide and 1 ¼” thick. It depicts seven birds resting on a plum tree. Aside some natural cracks and light yellow spots, it is in great condition.

Very large Samurai doll from the late Showa period with beautiful brocade costumes. This is a hero or musha ningyo doll for Boy’s Day (May 5th) in Japan. Some dolls are made to depict a hero or warriors from the past. This doll is a quite impressive size of 22” in height without the hat and 15” in width

Japanese traditional tribal robe worn by the Ainu people of Northern Japan. Hand woven out of fine strips of elm bark with wide strips of dark indigo cotton cloth with chain stitch embroidery. minor wear consistent with age.

Circa 1920's

Length: 50 inches.

This is a Chinese Famille Verte porcelain bowl, Qing Dynasty, decorated with cranes in flight and sprays of chrysanthemums; mint condition; 7 " diam.

This glass inside painting snuff bottle is 3 inches high and 1 ¾ inches wide. One side depicts well-known scenery of Huang Shan(Hu Bei Province); the other side depicts four cranes under a pine tree. The artist, Hong Sheng, is from Shantou City, Canton Province. It has an ivory spoon and cap made of serpentine. It came with a lacquered wood box and it is in good condition.

This carved ivory statue of a girl holding a flower basket was carved around 1970. It is 7 inches tall (with the base, it is 8 ¼ inches high), 2 inches wide and 1 ½ inches thick. Her left hand is holding a woven flower basket and her right hand is gently grabbing the tassels from the basket. It is in excellent condition.

There are four identical embroideries in this framed picture. These are early 20th century products. Every piece is about 5 ½ inches by 5 ½ inches. The gold frame is 18 ¼ inches long and 18 inches wide. It depicts five young boys, the one in the center is riding on a Qilin, others are on the corners and holding flowers and fruit in their hands. There are some chips on the frame and small scratches on the plexi-glass, but the embroideries are in good condition.

This early or mid 20th century Sino-Tibetan bronze deity is 6 inches tall, 4 inches wide and 2 ½ inches in depth. It is in great condition.

This Chinese well-carved lapis deity is 6 inches tall (with base, it is 7 ½ inches tall), 6 ½ inches wide and 3 ½ inches thick. It depicts the Shou Xing, the Chinese deity for longevity. The deity is holding a staff on his shoulder, a RuYi (scepter) is in his other hand. A boy and girl holding a giant peach with both hands are standing in front of him. A crane which has a small bat in its beak is at his side. The peach, Ruyi, crane and bat all mean good luck. The artist arranged these sy...

These well-carved hardwood Luo Han statues are about 8 1/4 inches tall, 6 inches wide and 4 inches in depth. They were carved around 1950. One is holding a 7 storied pagoda; the other is holding a four sided vase. Both have inlayed eyes, but the latter is missing his right eye. They are in good condition.

Beautiful peonies on a soft pure silk (sho-kinu, 100 percent silk) kimono roll. Hand dyed design (Yuzen zome) went through to the reverse side. The fabric (marked as Tango chirimen) is treated with some new chemical for easier maintenance, wrinkle free, washable (?), etc. Some designs are dyed to be matched for the wider width. Gentle, pale (smoky) purple color, 14 1/2 wide, full roll (enough to make a kimono).

Finely hand carved Japanese Obidome in the shape of a Hannya Noh mask with horns and shiny metal eyes. A Hannya mask in Noh represents a mad woman who turns into a demon out of jealousy. She is vicious and haunts the “other woman” to death. The term, 'Hannya' is used today by a husband who happens to come home late without good enough excuses. He could say (to his buddy) that his wife looked like a Hannya mask when she greeted him at the door.

Obidome is an accent piece used on the ...

An exquisite old Japanese hair comb, lacquered on wood (kiri, boxwood?), practical yet ornamental with make design of wisteria like flowers. It is almost like new, never been used condition. The shape of this comb is unusual, irregular from one side to the other side. The shape is called Shin-bashi shape/style. Shinbashi is located in Minato-ku in Tokyo. The shape came out in early Showa period (end of 1928 to beginning of 1986). 4 1/2"

Japanese folk art, farmer's clay doll: This man is Ninki Danjyo, the villain of the Kabuki play. The more awful the villain is, the lovelier the princess looks and the nice guy more angelic especially in Kabuki plays. Danjyo, with his magical power, is trying to transform himself into a rat. Holding in his mouth a fake “Ren-pan-jyo”, a scroll containing the fake signatures of innocents who were supposedly plotting to take over the power from the 2 year old Regional Lord by vanishing h...

Large Japanese Satsuma Pagoda (Could be Use as Lantern or Lamp) Signed Senzan

The pagoda is 13.5 inches tall, and 5 inches wide.

It is in good condition with no repairs, nor chips, except a hairline crack at the base (as seen in the photo).

Our Guarantee: We stand behind all of the items that we place on Trocadero. That is to say, if you purchase an item from us and are unhappy with it for any reason, return it for a 100% refund of the amount you orig...

This hand made gold plated cloisonn¨¦ and turquoise bracelet is 7 inches long and half of an inch wide. There are eight turquoise pieces surrounded by a butterfly design. The workmanship is wonderful. Aside from missing one small wire piece on the side, it is in great shape. It is an early 20th century product and is from the collection of a retired Hong Kong jeweler. The back has a woven pattern.

This very well carved small lapis snuff bottle is 2 inches tall, 1 5/8 inches wide and 3 /4 of an inch in depth. It is 1970¡¯s product. One side depicts two cranes standing under a pine tree; the other side is plain. The color of the lapis is quite dark and interesting. It is in excellent condition.

This large carved 1970¡¯s lapis snuff bottle is 3 ½ inches tall, 2 ½ inches wide and 1 ¼ inches in depth. One side depicts two magpies standing under a rose bush; the other side is plain. It was carved and polished very well and it is in great condition.

This large carved rose quartz snuff bottle is 3 ¼ inches tall, 2 ¼ inches wide and 2 inches in depth. One side depicts a crane standing on one leg and a Ling Zhi (a tree mushroom that symbolizes longevity) in its mouth; the other side depicts a deer facing a pine tree. The snuff bottle is late 1970¡¯s product. It has some natural flaws and some small chips on the top of the rim.

This well carved turquoise snuff bottle is 2 ½ inches tall, 1 ½ inches wide and a little more than 1 inch thick. One side depicts a standing smiling Buddha (Hotai in Japanese), the other side is plain. The snuff bottle was made in the 1970¡¯s. It has its original cap carved from the same turquoise as the body. It is in excellent condition.

This small carved jade (jadeite) snuff bottle is 2 ¼ inches tall, 1 ½ inches wide and a little more than half inch thick. One side depicts a dragon leaping out of the ocean trying to catch a fire globe. The pattern on the other side evokes the eight trigrams from the Book of Changes. The symbol of Ying and Yang is in the middle. It was carved around 1980. The workmanship is excellent and it is well hollowed. It has an agate cap which is quite possibly a replacement. It is in...

This large carved turquoise snuff bottle is 3 inches tall, 2 ½ inches on the widest part and 1 ¾ thick. One side depicts two old gentlemen chatting in front of a small hut, a tall pine tree is in the middle and a third gentleman is sitting alone in meditation next to the tree. The other side depicts an old man walking through a pass toward to a hut under a mountain. This piece was carved around 1980. It has a silver cylinder shape cap, but the spoon is gone. It is in great con...

This 1950¡¯s ivory carved beauty is 9 ¼ inches tall (10 ½ inches tall with wood base), 2 inches wide and 1 ½ inches thick. She wears a phoenix design hairpin. Her right hand is holding a round fan; in her left hand, is a flower. She is in excellent condition.