Fantastic 18th Century Edo Period Saga Ningyo of a young boy
holding a bird. His head bobs while his tongue goes in and
out. Carved entirely of wood, his gorgeous robes are built up with pigments
in a technique called 'moriage'. He has an outer robe decorated with a foliate
scroll with other beautiful designs and geometric patterns raised in relief. This rarest of all Ningyo forms almost never comes up for sale and are
almost never seen except in museums or important private collections...
A large, rarest of rare Japanese 18th century Bijin Saga Ningyo, depicting a standing female holding her flowing kimono.
Saga Ningyo are the most sought after
of all Japanese Ningyo. They are almost never seen on the market, and only rarely enter Western collections, public or private. This is a once-in-a
-lifetime opportunity for the serious connoisseur of Japanese art.
This finely carved and sculpted figure is a masterpiece from all angles...
Late 19th Century Japanese Kazari-Uma (Battle Horse). This deluxe extraordinary example is
attributed to Marurei, one of the most important Ningyô artists. He now has
Japanese National Treasure status. This handsomely adorned military horse is
displayed on a Boys Day stand. The body hair is done by a technique called
Ke-Ue-Saiku "fine work of fur planting" in which silk hairs are pasted on.
It has gorgeous silk and lacquer trappings. It is positioned
on a fine lacquered stand...
Rare Japanese Iki Ningyo (Living Doll) depicting a man clothed only in a loincloth, showing his perfect physique, with left arm raised and right hand gesturing his strength. Superbly crafted in the latter part of the 19th century for the export market, fulfilling the demand for Japanese “exotica”, following Japan’s opening to the West in the mid-19th century...
An amazing and rare Daki Ningyo of the Imperial class, with a specatularly carved face, wearing the finest silk textiles of brocades, featuring a highly prized shibori collar, wearing tobi socks and a wonderful hat, all original. Height: 30 inches, 76 cm.
An extremely rare and very large 19th Century Meiji Period Japanese Iki Ningyo (living figure) of a young Bijin. An exquisite Ningyo representing idealized feminine Japanese beauty. She is posing as if for a photograph or for an artist. Every aspect is hyper realistic: the hair, eye lashes, accessories, and the painted kimono. She is holding a silver mirror and hair ornament as part of a collection of hair
ornaments featuring a lacquered comb. Her beautiful face changes from
different angles...
A rare wonderful Daki Ningyo with the most artistic style and a beautiful hypnotic face, wearing a gorgeous painted silk kimono of Imperial purple. Made for the Imperial class. Late 19th Century. 27 inches, 68.5 cm.
18th Century Japanese Edo Period pair of Kyoho-Bina Ningyo, an exceedingly rare early 18th century. An exceptional example of this early style. The finest quality in all aspects, featuring rich silk matching brocades in an elegant floral pattern with auspicious treasures on multilayered robes creating a classical form. All accessories and stands are original, very rare for such an early piece. Fine faces of gofun (oyster shell lacquer) aged to a burnished tone, with painted details...
A one of a kind, very large early example of this Musha-Ningyo (Boys' Day Figure). This legendary figure first appeared for Boys Day in the late 19th Century. He is the Japanese equivalent to Hercules. He is always shown with a ruddy complexion, as seen in Japanese woodblock prints, scrolls and screens. He is a magnificent sculpture, Iki and Gosho in style. He holds an Axe and wears a sumptuous embroidery brocade featuring a mythical Turtle. 19th Century (circa 1880)...
Japanese Late Edo Period very large rare pair of Musha Ningyo representing Empress Jingū (Jingū Kōgō) and the old minister Takenouchi no Sukune. He is holding the baby
Ōjin (a son of the Empress Jingū who later became Emperor Ōjin) and is seated on a
camp stool. These are among the largest examples and are of the highest quality and
artistic workmanship...
An Extraordinary and Scarce, Museum Quality Find. Early 16th Century Muromachi Period Saga Ningyo of the Goddess Kannon, in a rare and elegant standing form. Carved entirely of wood, her costume is built up with
pigments in a technique called 'moriage'. Her gorgeous robes are decorated with
foliate scroll slightly raised in relief. This rarest of all Ningyo forms
almost never comes up for sale and are never seen except in museums
or important private collections. Saga Ningyo are considered t...
Early 19th Century Edo Period Standing Gosho Ningyo with fine Mizuhiki ribbons painted hair. There are several forms of Mizuhiki, including one used to tie the hair of samurai. This fine ningyo has a round, well executed face with a charming expression, and is covered overall in a fine white gofun with painted features, sexed, and dressed in red chirimen silk crepe. Gosho-ningyô (Palace Dolls) are one of the most distinctive forms of Japanese doll. They were given as gifts within the imperial ...
Rare Large Edo Period (circa 1830-1860) Japanese Gosho Ningyo Depicting a Sumo Wrestler, clothed in exceptional finely embroidered textile with a floral design and Shishi (guardian of Buddha) on chirimen silk crepe. This large scale, wood-carved Ningyô has a beautifully rendered expressive face lacquered with Gofun (Oyster Shell). The pose is most striking, as well. Really an extraordinary find for the Ningyô enthusiast. 18 inches, 46 cm. From a widely renowned and published collection that ha...
Beautiful Japanese Daki Ningyo standing at the unusual height of
26 inches (66 cm), making him a very rare and striking figure of the merchant class. He is wearing an Inro with a pair of Kokishiki dolls inside. It is most uncommon to
see this type of Ningyô outside of Japan, for they are highly prized by the
Japanese. A widely held theory has it that these dolls were commissioned by
patrons of Geisha as presentation gifts. This one is outstanding in every
way. It has a wonderfully expressi...
A fantastic, extremely rare and important Edo Period Daki Ningyo, with a fine
shibori outer kimono, and a red chirimen silk crepe inner kimono with a
fawn-spot pattern. Featuring a beautifully sensitive life-like face.
Looks wonderful in a seated or standing pose. All aspects of this Daki
Ningyo are of the finest quality. We are confident that you have never before seen one of this age and quality offered for sale. Height: 25 inches, 63.5 cm.
Japanese Hai Hai Gosho Ningyô. This extremely rare form of Japanese Doll is one of the most
sought after of Gosho (Palace Doll). They were presented to royalty and upper
class at the birth of a baby, and placed in the baby's chamber to protect from bad spirits. This is a very large example of this type of Gosho. It is covered with many layers of Gofun (Oyster Shell Lacquer) over papier mache. The hair is made entirely of silk. This most adorable baby is wearing a brocade bib and sits on a cus...
Wonderful Japanese antique gosho doll, a charmingly fat little boy with smiling face and beautifully detailed features, he still wears his original silk bib, Edo Period, on metal stand.
Size of doll: 16" high x 15" wide
Rare Edo Period Kokin-bina Style of Empress & Emperor. Minor wear, fading to textile, otherwise fine condition. A classic, very early example of a Dairi-bina Imperial Couple for the Hina-matsuri Girl's Day celebration. The Emperor and Empress are seated atop a woven ungenberi fronted dais. They are a very fine early example. The emperor is wearing a lacquered court cap and tail, holding a shaku scepter, the me-bina lady is wearing a spectacular crown, and has a fabulous painted fan. All
formal...
Japanese Edo Period Musha Ningyo (Boys Day) Dolls, Samurai Set. Ningyo this early
almost never appear for sale, much less with accessories, as we have here
with this very fine quality pair. They have finely carved faces, and are
lacquered with many coats of gofun (white oyster shell pigment). They are adorned with
sumptuous silk brocades and silk armor, indicative of Edo Period Ningyo
artistry. Tallest Ningyo: 19 inches (48.25cm).
Musha Ningyo of Shoki the Demon Queller, mid-19th Century late Edo early Meiji Period. An unusually large and
early version holding a captured Oni (demon). This is a rare find for this
subject. He is powerful and majestic. His face carved of wood with crystal
eyes and massive beard and hair made of silk is a masterwork. He wears a
Chinese cap and a robe with gorgeous, sumptuous brocades. According to Japanese
folklore, the spirit of Shōki is able to scare away demons. Families with
ma...
Edo Period Musha-ningyo of Minister Takenouchi no Sukune and Attendant. Superb
large-scale Edo period example (circa 1800) of Musha-ningyo warrior dolls for
the Boy's Day display. Takenouchi is depicted kneeling and holding the baby Ojin in his arms. He has an unusually animated and well-rendered
face, with fine gofun lacquer and painted features. Both figures have rich silk brocades in near mint
condition. Height: 15 inches, 38 cm.
Rare, Spectacular late Edo Period Musha Ningyo of Toyotomi Hideyoshi. A musha ningyo (Boy's Day Ningyo) representing Toyotomi Hideyoshi in sumptuous gold court robes and armor, wearing an Eboshi winged hat and a fantastic sword, holding a gunbai-uchiwa (military fan). This Musha Ningyo of Toyotomi Hideyoshi is the finest quality example from the late Edo Period. Incredibly carved face covered in many layers of gofun (oyster shell lacquer). Seated on a lacquered platform. Placed in front of a
...
Japanese Gosho Ningyo of Momotaro the Peach Boy. This wonderful Ningyo
represents Momotaro in a magical manner, his robes of chirimen silk crepe with painted designs of takaramono (sacred treasures) and peaches. He holds the pit of the peach in one hand and his banner with peach motif in the other. This is a wonderful ningyo, in great bright condition. Every aspect
is of the highest quality. He has a gorgeous face, beautifully rendered, and is wearing sumptuous silk brocades stretched on a ca...
Wonderful large Japanese Gosho-ningyo baby doll, standing with arms outstretched, charming expression and stance, baby tunic made of silk with gold embroidery, 19th century.
Size: 14 1/2" high x 16" wide
Japanese Edo Period Rare Large Pair of Girl's Day Festival Palace Guardians. They have all of their accessories and they are presented on wonderful
stands. Their faces are carved of wood with amazing features. An
extraordinary work of Ningyo Artistry. Height: 18 inches, 46 cm.
This rare 19th Century Bunraku Puppet of Osome, and rare scroll painting of Osome came
from a private collection of theater art in Japan. The puppet is a heroine in the play, Shinpan Utazaimon Nozakimura
no Dan (Osome Hisamatsu). It is made of wood and covered with many layers of gofun (crushed
oyster shell), with painted features, dressed in a sumptuous brocade silk
kimono and obi. Her head moves up and down, and from side to side. Bamboo stand is included. The painting on paper, with ceram...
An exceptional Pair of Small Japanese Six Panel Gold Leaf Screens that were part of
a Girl's Day Hina display. They depict Imperial children playing in a beautiful setting. Wonderfully detailed paintings and a fresh image of childhood. They
are in near mint condition, unusual for their age. 31w x 13 h inches, 78.5w x 33h cm.
Antique Japanese musha-ningo (samurai doll) of the Empress Jingū-kōgō (Okinagatarashi-hime no Mikoto 170 - 269). The wife of the 14th sovereign, Chuai, Jingū ruled as empress-regent after her husband was killed in battle in 200 A.D. Considered the 15th Japanese imperial ruler, she lead an invasion of "the promise" land (believed to be the Korean Peninsula). After 3 years away, Empress Jingū returned to Japan, surviving a ship wreck. Upon her return, she birthed a son, Ōjin (Honda...
Gosho-ningyô or 'Palace Dolls' are among the most distinctive of the many Japanese doll forms. They were originally given as gifts within the imperial family. This fine example of a chubby boy holding a rope has a classic expression and playful posture. It is made of solid clay covered with gofun (oyster shell lacquer) with painted features and painted vest and a brocade
bib. Height: 7.5 inches, 19 cm.
Japanese Meiji Period Gosho Ningyo of Jimmu, the First Emperor of Japan. This is a wonderful ningyo, in great bright condition. Every aspect is of the highest quality. He has a gorgeous face, beautifully rendered. He is wearing sumptuous silk
brocades, stretched on a carved wood body (kimekomi). He holds a bow and arrows. There are arrows in the quiver at his back, and a sword at his side. He is presented on his original lacquered stand. Height: 8.5 inches, 21.5 cm.
Extremely Rare 18th Century Edo Period (circa 1780) Musha Ningyô (Japanese Boys Day Figures) representing the famed brave warrior, Kato Kiyomasa (1562-1611), who accompanied Hideyoshi on his campaign against Korea. He is gloriously represented here, along with his attendant holding a banner. Kato is wearing sumptuous brocades, a black velvet trim robe with gold trim and is holding a spear with a sword at his side. He is in a kneeling position. Kato Figure: 12 inches (30.5 cm) high x 13 inches (...
Edo Period Japanese Musha Ningyô (Boy's Day Doll) depicting the legendary
Toyotomi Hideyoshi seated in a court position wearing dramatic brocades and
lacquered armor, a fan in his right hand and wearing a classic Eboshi cap.
His face is finely carved with a regal expression. Height: 15 inches (38cm), width: 15 inches (38cm).
Rare 18th Century Edo Period Japanese Hai Hai Gosho Ningyô. This extremely rare form of Japanese Doll is one of the most sought after of Gosho Ningyo (Palace Doll). It has a wonderful classic painted face. They were presented to Royalty and upper class at the
birth of a baby, and placed in the baby's chamber to protect from and absorb
bad spirits. It is covered with many layers of Gofun (Oyster Shell Lacquer)
over papier mache. The hair is made of silk. This amazing form is wearing a
broca...
Early 19th Century Edo Period Japanese Takeda Isho Ningyo pair representing Daikoku, the God of Wealth and
Fukurokuju, the God of Knowledge in a sumo match. Wonderfully rendered Ningyo in
a rare and unique pose. Symbolic parody of wisdom over money. Subjects of
Sumo are very sought after in Japan. A great find for Ningyo and Sumo Collectors. Overall Dimensions: 12 x 11 x 9.5 inches, 30.5 x 28 x 24 cm. Excellent Condition. From a prominent and widely exhibited collection.
Late Edo Period Takeda Ningyô of Kabuki Actor Dolls Portraying Benkie and Yoshitune. It is rare to find this type in such fine condition. This wonderfully mesmerizing work of art is so striking in its posing and
expression, positioned on a lacquered and wood platform. A fascinating find
for the Japanese theater enthusiast. 14h x 23w inches, 35.5h x 58.5w cm.
A wonderful and rare late Edo Period Musha Ningyo (Warrior doll or Boy's Day doll) of a seated Empress Warrior Jingu. She has an unusual and striking presence. She is seated (most are standing), and she has all her accessories, wearing sumptuous silk brocade textiles. She has a beautifully carved face and hands of varnished gofun. 20 inches (51cm) high and 16 inches (40.5 cm) wide.
Rare Pair of Early Meiji Period Large Inu Gosho Ningyo, Japanese Dog Dolls made of lacquered papier mache. Most known examples are 3 to 5 inches in height. Chin Dogs were part of the Imperial court for centuries. They are wearing Imperial lacquered bibs, and are constructed in the manner of Gosho Ningyo. 10 inches (25.5cm) high.
Extremely Rare Hina Kazari. This the only complete set we have seen accept for a set that was sold at auction in Japan. They are presented on a sundry. The set features an Empress and Emperor, three Court Ladies, and five Musicians. Meiji Period. Fashioned of silk crepe with beautifully painted faces. Figures range from 4 to 5.5 inches high (10 to 13.5 cm). Overall dimensions: 28.5 x 23 inches, 72.5 x 58.5 cm. Excellent Condition.
Japanese large seated gosho-ningyo doll, a boy child holding a silk scarf in two hands, he is seated with one chubby leg in front and one in back, he wears a little silk bib embroidered with a tortoise in gold thread, he has a hat on his head tied with a cord around his chin, Edo Period.
Total size including hat: 13 1/2" high x 10" wide x 8" deep.
Edo Period (circa 1800) Japanese Musha Ningyô (Boys Day Doll) in court attire. This early example is wearing a court hat and court
robes of sumptuous brocades. He is holding a fan and sword at his side. It is of very high quality and likely made for a Daimyo family. 11.5 inches, 29 cm tall.
From a widely renowned and published collection that has been exhibited at the Metropolitan Museum and Japan Society.
A rare Meiji Period Isho Ningyo depicting the Tale of the Tongue Cut Sparrow. This pair is brilliantly crafted and attributed to the famous Ningyo artist Mauari, a National Treasure in Japan. His work is highly prized there. 9.5 inches, 24cm tall. Excellent Condition.
A “Gosho Ningyo” doll of a plump kneeling male child carrying a “hyotan” gourd. The large gourd symbolizes health, vitality, prosperity and immortality. The kneeling boy is wearing a bib with painted accents in white, green, navy blue, brown and gold pigments. There are two ties in the back for the bib. The hyotan (gourd) is also painted in greens, navy-blues, gold and grey of 3-leafed motifs that appear to be paulownia flowers. The eyes, eyebrows and “hair accents are painted i...
Munga Ningyo of a Samurai in Court Attire by Toyotomi Hideyoshi. Late Edo Period. Height: 10 inches, 25.5 cm.
Japanese Dairi-bina Imperial Couple for the Hina-matsuri (Girl's Day), late Edo/early Meiji pair with Me-bina female wearing kokin-style surcoat with embroidered sleeves featuring a floral design, sumptuous kinran textiles, elaborate kanmuri crown, and cobra hairstyle. The O-bina male is wearing a rich brocade of white silk yusoku-style surcoat with floral cobalt blue roundels, lacquered paper kanmuri court cap, long curved sword at hip, shaku scepter in hand. The well-rendered faces are covere...
Japanese antique living room in Victorian style, circa 1880, possibly exhibited at a world's fair. It is a rare, fascinating creation set in a silk brocade fabric box, with inlaid shibiyama style mother of pearl teak furniture. There are many miniature works of art featured, including a wonderful Gosho Ningyo, two flower containers, an ivory book, a three panel iris screen, ivory bird in a cage, etc. All objects in perfect proportion. 10h x 15.5w x 6d inches, 25.5h x 39.25w x 15.25d cm.
Exceptional Gonin Bayashi Five Musician set for the Hina Matsuri (Girl's Day)
celebration. Just a wonderful grouping: a chanter, flute player, two hand
drummers and a floor drummer, each with an expressive and well-modeled
face, finely carved fingers and hands in precise gestures for their
individual instruments, sumptuous silk brocade costumes, short swords,
silk fiber hair, and large inset glass eyes. They are of the finest quality. 7 inches, 18 cm tall.
Late Edo Period Musha Ningyo (Boys' Day Doll) of a Samurai and Attendant. Pairs of ningyo of this very fine quality almost never appear for sale, much less
with all the accessories, as we have here. They have finely carved faces, and are lacquered with many coats of gofun (white oyster shell lacquer). They are adorned with
sumptuous silk brocades and lacquered armor, indicative of this period
of ningyo artistry. Seated Figure: 19h x 14w inches, 48.25h x 35.5 cm; Attendant Height: 15 inches, ...
HEAD OF NINGYO JORURI DOLL
Head part of the wooden male doll actually used for 'Ningyo Joruri' (ref. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bunraku) as the traditional Japanese puppet theatre, late Edo - early Meiji period, 19th century, Japan,
attached with an wooden detachable pedestal arranged for its display in recent years. Head without insertion bar: H 23 x W 14cm (9.05 x 5.51in) / Total with pedestal: H 85 x W 28cm (33.46 x 11.02in).
Aged deterioration as is, wi...
Japanese antique seated gosho-ningyo doll, a boy child holding a toy in one hand, he is seated with one chubby leg in front and one in back, he wears a little silk bib embroidered with flowers, Edo Period.
Size: 9" high x 11" wide x 7 1/2" deep
Rare Meiji Period Japanese Court Lady Ningyo with chin-biki dog. Beautifully rendered with gorgeous hand crafted embroidery. The details are incredible, including that of the dog in red cape. This rare Ningyo is featured in 'Japanese Dolls, The
Fascinating World Of Ningyô' by Alan Scott Pate. Height: 10 inches, 25.5 cm.
Japanese Keto Kyomasa Iki Ningyo. 21 inches (with helmet; 27 inches with staff and stand.
Edo Period (circa 1820) Japanese Musha Ningyo of Ushiwaka- maru, a brave boy who grew up to be the
great warrior Minamoto Yoshitsune. This is a wonderful, rare early example with
ail of his original accessories. He is wearing sumptuous brocades and lacquered armor and has a wonderful bearing and just a great face. 13.25 inches, (33.5cm) tall. From a widely renowned and published collection that has been exhibited at the Metropolitan Museum and Japan Society.
Antique Japanese Musha-ningyo doll of a samurai warrior, the hero Minamoto Yoshitsune. He is seated and wears an elaborate kabuto with dragon meadate. His quiver and arrows are strapped to his back and his two swords are intact. His clothing is made of silk brocade and his armor is metal and lacquer. His face is made of gofun (polished oyster shell powder), his features are finely painted and his eyes are made of glass.
Age: Edo Period (early 19th century)
Dimensions: 22 1...
Kimikomi Ningyo by Jinku-ru. 9.25 inches, 23.5 cm.
Japanese Musha Ningyo of Old Minister Takenouchi, Meiji Period, late 19th Century. 12.5 inches (31.75 cm) height.
Late 18th Century Gonin-Bayashi, Five Japanese Musicians displayed on a Hina stand. This set was made as an addition to those Ningyo already displayed on a tiered stand. They imitate a Noh orchestra. This set has very finely carved faces, covered with burnished Gofun. Because of their size and age, these are highly desired by collectors. Average height of figures is 4 inches (10 cm).
Antique Japanese gosho ningyo doll. Called a "palace doll" as these were once given as gifts from the Emperor and Empress to young princes and princesses. These young baby dolls represent a hope for happiness and prosperity. Made of ceramic and painted with gofun (a paste made from fine itabo oyster shell powder). The gofun was applied in many layers before carving, shaping, polishing and finally painting the details on. This doll is painted with royal gold and purple robes. It's face and h...
19th Century Japanese Musha Ningyô of Ushiwakamaru, the boy who would grow up to become the great 12th Century warrior, Minamoto no Yoshitsune. This wonderful Boys Day Ningyo is the
rarest of all the Boys Day figures. He is a fine example of Meiji Period Ningyo
making. He wears gorgeous brocades and has a very expressive face. He is never
seen wearing a helmet, in order to show his fantastic hairstyle. 12.25 x 16.5 inches, 31 x 42 cm. Excellent Condition.
Japanese Standing Female Isho Ningyo of a Bijin, Meiji Period. 15.75 inches (40 cm).
Lovely pair of Japanese Geisha Isho Ningyo. The style of this gorgeous set is fashioned after the work of early Japanese woodblock prints artists, such as Utamaro. They are
finely painted and wear sumptuous kimonos over their graceful, elongated forms. Each figure is 12.5h x 7w inches, 32h x 18w cm. Excellent Condition.