Remarkable Antique Japanese Oiran Shoes Koma-geta
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Pre 1920 item# 474826 (stock# 100168)
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Dragon Dance Japanese Antiques
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Oiran were high-ranking courtesans of the feudal period who wore tall lacquered footwear or Koma-geta (or mitsu-ashi - three legs). Unlike geisha and maiko, who only entertained by conversation, singing and dancing, oiran and tayuu were the highest rank in the hierarchy of prostitution in the pleasure quarters. Whereas geisha and maiko wear tabi socks, the oiran and tayuu preferred not to do so (even in winter!) and their toes can be seen poking out under many layers of kimono while wearing these tall geta. A tiny hint of bare flesh must have been very appealing in the Edo period! These shoes were most likely worn to ensure there was no confusion between geisha, maiko and oiran / tayuu. However, an amazing skill of balance must have been required to walk with these geta with their 10" platforms! One sometimes sees maiko hobbling along in okobo, but the pace must have been even more arduous in these tall geta. This particular pair is most likely Taisho period (1912-1926) or early 20thC (or maybe even older). The base is wood which has been lacquered with a straw foot plate. The 'thongs' are cotton covered in rich brocade. This thong section would have been periodically changed. This pair are not new and have been worn slightly. Dimensions: 12" x 6 1/2" x 8 3/4". An absolute must for those with a foot fetish or collection of footwear.
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Antique Japanese Samurai Chochin Kabuto Helmet, Edo
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Pre 1837 VR item# 474766 (stock# 100167)
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An antique Japanese samurai chochin kabuto dating from the mid to late Edo period (1780-1850). Ingenious design allows helmet to be folded down to minimize space during travel. Constructed from four concentric sections and a three lame shikoro. The 'swivel bar' is kept in place by a securing pin that rotates to lock bar in place. The helmet is iron throughout finished in black lacquer with blue silk odoshi lacing. The helmet hand-stitched liner and chin cords / shin obi-no-o are original to the helmet. Chochin kabuto were used by both high and low ranking samurai but the quality of this piece favors the former group. Overall condition is good with loss of lacquer in places but all the lacing is intact with no breaks. Chochin kabuto are rare and this would make an excellent addition to any collection of samurai helmets or items. Dimensions: 13" x 12 1/2" x 10".
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Superb Japanese Bronze Buddhist Temple Bell
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Pre 1920 item# 430595 (stock# 100164)
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A superb Japanese Buddhist temple bell dating to the early twentieth century. The bell comes from an old Buddhist temple in Kyoto prefecture. The Bronze exhibits an excellent patina throughout. Intricate surface design includes two striking places in the shape of the Buddhist Eight Fold Wheel of Life. There are various lines and four sets of sixteen nipples; sixty-four in all, the number having a religious significance. The top of the bell is decorated with two conjoined dragon's heads with a lotus flower bud at the peak. One side features an inscription Shimadu Shou Kai Tokusei which is most likely the foundry mark. The word Buddha means to awaken, and so sound of bells is central to Buddhist practices. In Japan, these bells are rung 108 times on New Year's Eve. It is believed that this number corresponds to the 108 evil thoughts in Buddhism and that the ringing drives them away. This bell has been struck many times and the timbre produced when struck now is still serene. Dimensions: 21" x 13". Weight 23kg. An excellent addition to any collection of Japanese Buddhist items or garden display.
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Antique Japanese Bronze Buddhist Temple Bell 19thC
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Pre 1900 item# 419896 (stock# 100163)
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An excellent Japanese Buddhist temple bell dating to the late Edo period (1800-1868) or earlier. The bell comes from an old Buddhist temple in Okayama prefecture. The Bronze exhibits an excellent patina throughout. Intricate surface design includes two striking places in the shape of the Buddhist Eight Fold Wheel of Life. There are various lines and forty eight nipples, the number having a religious significance. The top of the bell is decorated with two conjoined dragon's heads with a fierce appearance. There is an inscription on the side which reads " Bizen koku wakigun yoshinaga keho". Bizen is the old name for Okayama prefecture and this is where the bell originates. The word Buddha means to awaken, and so sound of bells is central to Buddhist practices. In Japan, these bells are rung 108 times on New Year's Eve. It is believed that this number corresponds to the 108 evil thoughts in Buddhism and that the ringing drives them away. This bell has been struck many times and the timbre produced when struck now is still serene. Dimensions: 20" x 11 1/2". Weight 20kg. Condition is excellent with no cracks whatsoever. An excellent addition to any collection of Japanese Buddhist items.
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Antique Japanese Cast-Iron Lantern Rhombus, Taisho
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Pre 1920 item# 409902 (stock# 100159)
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An unusual antique Japanese solid cast-iron lantern dating to the Taisho period (1912-1926). Although appearing square, the lantern is in fact a rhombus shape when viewed from above. The circular door and catch are in good working order. The sides are decorated with a beautiful pierced bamboo design. Lanterns such as this were traditionally hung under the eaves above the entrance to a Japanese home to provide illumination in the evenings. A chain and hook would pass through the loop on the top of the lantern to allow suspension from the rafters. Beautiful all over pitting giving a difficult to replicate rustic appearance. These types of lanterns are becoming more difficult to find in good condition. They are much sought after by garden designers and landscape architects to give an authentic accent to the many Japanese gardens abroad. Dimensions: 10" high x 11" x 14" (at widest point).
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Rare Antique Japanese cast-Iron Lantern Bell Shape
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Pre 1920 item# 409899 (stock# 100158)
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A beautiful Japanese solid cast-iron lantern in the shape of a temple bell and dating to the Taisho period (1912-1926). Lanterns such as this were traditionally hung under the eaves above the entrance to a Japanese home to provide illumination in the evenings. A chain and hook would pass through the loop on the top of the lantern to allow suspension from the rafters. Beautiful all over pitting giving a difficult to replicate rustic appearance. These types of lanterns are becoming more difficult to find in good condition. They are much sought after by garden designers and landscape architects to give an authentic accent to the many Japanese gardens abroad. The door opens but the hook for the latch has long since disappeared. Dimensions: 9" high x 7" (at widest point).
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