Kokeshi, Japanese Folk Toy, Naruko-kei

Vintage Arts: Regional Art: Asian: Japanese: Folk Art Pre 1980: item #414357
PNK-10

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.

Horse, Japanese Folkart

Vintage Arts: Regional Art: Asian: Japanese: Folk Art Pre 1970: item #412348

This is a miharu-goma horse toy, a traditional folk craft of Japan's Fukushima prefecture. The custom of giving these toys to children in this village (Miharu) dates back several hundred years. They were believed to be a talisman, to ensure that the child grew up healthy. This one is approximately 30-50 years old. In good condition. It is handpainted with traditional Japanese pigment paint, which uses soy milk as its binder, making the colors opaque. Made of a solid piece of soft wood (paulow... Click for details

Japanese Hair Ornament - Kanzashi

Vintage Arts: Regional Art: Asian: Japanese: Folk Art Pre 1960: item #394617

A Pair of Newer Japanese Bridal hair ornaments with floral design. The smallest piece measures approximately 6" long and 2 3/4" wide at the top. The larger piece measures 7 1/2" long and also 3" at the top. All in excellent condition.

Japanese Seto Vase

Vintage Arts: Regional Art: Asian: Japanese: Folk Art Pre 1950: item #392367
JJ-30

This early to mid-1900’s black Seto vase is wonderfully shaped as a gourd. It has a dominant black glaze with dark brown shades showing through on a light clay base. Height: 7”

Japanese Toad Okimono

Vintage Arts: Regional Art: Asian: Japanese: Folk Art Pre 1950: item #391243
JK-42

This is a very naturalistic wooden carving of a toad. Wonderful attention to detail and signed by the artist San Syo. Early to mid-1900’s. Dimensions: 4 ½” x 2 ½” x 2 ¼”

Old Copper Shrine Bell, Japan

Vintage Arts: Regional Art: Asian: Japanese: Folk Art Pre 1940: item #379491

This large copper bell once hung from the eaves of a Shinto shrine in Japan. Before beginning to pray, visitors would pull down on the cord to call the "kami" (god-sprits). Clapping their hands twice, they would then pray.

When rung, this bell makes a very wonderful hollow sound. It has a charming, all-over greenish patina. Hard to date, but patins suggest significant age. See my pics of Hanazono shrine in Shinjuku, Tok... Click for details

Silk bag for transportation, Japan, 20th century

Vintage Arts: Regional Art: Asian: Japanese: Folk Art Pre 1950: item #376620
10273

Small bag for transporting a bottle or such. Finely knotted silk threads, made into a shippo design. A thicker and a thinner cord are used for keeping the upper side shut and for strapping the bag to the back or to one’s luggage. Golden yellow silk. Japan, first half 20th century.
Length of bag 12 in. (31 cm).
Some of the threads broken a... Click for details

Japanese Wooden Ikebana Container

Vintage Arts: Regional Art: Asian: Japanese: Folk Art Pre 1980: item #355508
JH-26

This section of heavy wood has been transformed into a flower arranging container. It has a copper liner to hold the water. The rich brown color, texture and movement would enhance any flower arrangement. Excellent condition. Dimensions: 6” x 3”

Portable lunch box, wood, Japan, early 20th century

Vintage Arts: Regional Art: Asian: Japanese: Folk Art Pre 1940: item #341772
10183

Very simple box made of sugi-wood, corners and seams fortified with copper strips. Inside, behind a slide there is a pile of three boxes, the top most with a cover. On the top company? name burned into wood: Maefune. H 9 ½; W 6; D 10 inches (24,1 x 15,1 x 25,5 cm). Japan, early 20th century. Traces of usage, some warping, few tears in wood, generally good condition.
This piece was probably used by a craftsman.

Large Old Japanese Pottery Sake Bottle with Writing

Vintage Arts: Regional Art: Asian: Japanese: Folk Art Pre 1930: item #330456
dr9110

Large Old Japanese Pottery Sake Bottle with Writing

The bottle is 13.75 inches tall, and 5.8 inches wide.

It is in good condition with no repairs, chips, nor cracks, except manufacture defect skip glaze, pits on body, and chips on foot. A small chip on lip (... Click for details