Maiwai were the pride and prize of Japanese fishermen.
The rolls of dyed fabric were given to the crews of fishing boats by the owners of the boat, fishing net or the captain of the boat after they had the 'great catch'. They were sewn into the robes by their wives or family members at the end of the year and worn during the New Year's ritual when the fishermen visited the shrine in a group. It was followed by the 'sake and dine' feasts (lasting three days) at their bo ...click for details
Unique old Japanese yogi (kimono-shaped futon bed cover) from Kaga, a weeping willow tree with a butterfly family crest, 57" x 72", Meiji Period (1868-1912). Kaga, Located in today's Kanazawa area, was known as "Kaga One-million Koku", the wealthiest domain next to the Tokugawa shogun family during the Edo period (1603-1868). Most samurai received stipends in koku. One koku was equal to the estimated amount of rice to feed one person for a year. Each domain was ass ...click for details
Beautiful old Japanese woven silk uchikake gown in new condition. The size of this gown is small (much shorter) and light in weight. We are not sure how gowns in this style were worn. Our humble guess would be that they were either made into a jacket for upper class women (style is similar to kosode from late Edo period), Noh custumes or wedding gowns (though the sleeves are short). Subtle but beautiful, will make a great wall decoration. Dimensions: 47 1/2"W x 61"L, sleeve 24 3/ ...click for details
Japanese antique gift cover, fukusa, with the design of the Seven Gods of Good Fortune (Shichi Fuku Jin), tsuzure-ri tapestry weave with wide borders (1 3/4"). The liner is made of chirimen crepe silk, Meiji period (1868-1912), 26 1/4" W x 29 1/2"L
This is a beautiful fukusa even with obvious stains. It shows the quality and professional workmanship everywhere.
This fukusa is woven in tsuzure- ...click for details
Japanese nobori banner, hand dyed on cotton. The design painted on this nobori is the famous scene of Yoshitsune (Minamoto family, the Genji) jumping in the air after escaping the attack from Taira no Noritsune (Taira family, the Heike) in the ocean of Dannoura (Dan-no-Ura).
The battle of Dannoura was the last battle of the Genpei War (1180-1185) which was fought between two powerful clans, the Genji (Minamoto ...click for details
Nobori banners, samurai's Yoroi and Kabuto helmets, carps, musha ningyo (warrior doll) were all a part of the display used for Boy's Day (renamed to Children's Day) on May 5th in Japan. They reflect the parents’ wish to inspire their sons in manliness, discipline, bravery and the honor codes that are associated with them.
This is an old Japanese nobori banner with Hideyoshi (Toyotomi), retainers, and a ...click for details
Nobori banners, carps, warrior's Yoroi and Kabuto helmets, samurai dolls and swords were all a part of the display used for Boy's Day (renamed Children's Day) on May 5th in Japan. They reflect the parents’ wish to inspire their sons in manliness, discipline, bravery and the honor codes that are associated with them.
Toyotomi Hideyoshi had been one of the popular characters for Boy’s Day. He was born in a ...click for details
Japanese nobori, Boy’s Day banner, hand dyed on cotton with samurai Yoshinaka (Minamono no) and Tomoe Gozen, a woman warrior.
Yoshinaka is a member of the Minamoto family from the late Heian period (794-1185). He was raised on the mountain of Shinano (Nagano today) under the gardian of a powerful local clan (Nakahara no Kaneto) after his father was killed by a family member. Tomoe Gozen was said to be the daugh ...click for details
The nobori banners, carps, warrior's Yoroi and Kabuto helmets, samurai dolls and swords were all a part of the display used for Boy's Day (renamed Children's Day) on May 5th in Japan. They reflect the parent's wish (at the time that they were made) to inspire their sons in manliness, discipline, bravery and the honor codes which are associated with them.
Japanese futon fabric from an old futon cover with an auspicious motif of Sho-chiku-bai; the combination of pine, bamboo and plums in tsutsugaki rice paste resist technique. The futon bed cover was probably the wedding gift from the parents of bride. Circa Taisho, excellent condition. 63" x 49"
