Japanese Early Meiji Period Gosho Ningyo (Palace Doll) depicted with a gift box with Daruma and featuring a crane. He is wearing a fitted silk crepe haragake bib tied at the neck and waist. He has a delightfully rendered face with a bright expression, slightly open mouth, and painted features. His forehead has a painted auspicious mizuhiki (presentation ribbon). He is covered overall in a fine white gofun (oyster shell lacquer). 4.5h x 4.5w inches, 11.5h x 11.5w cm.
Japanese Early Meiji Period Kneeling Gosho Ningyo (Palace Doll) depicted with a gift box
offering, wearing a fitted silk crepe haragake bib with a cherry blossoms design, tied at the neck and waist. He has a delightfully rendered face with a bright
expression, slightly open mouth, and painted features. His forehead has a
painted auspicious mizuhiki (presentation ribbon). He is covered overall in a fine
white gofun (oyster shell lacquer). 4h x 4w inches, 10h x 10w cm.
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...
Though somewhat damaged, this Japanese antique doll retains his charm and personality. Dating from the Edo period, he stands 8 inches high...
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...
I call him sweet face...a bit dirty with age... Japanese hina aka girls day doll from late Edo period. lost his drum..6inches high including hat
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).
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.
A wonderful 19th Century Boy's Day Ningyo of a boy dressed as a Samurai in full armor, featuring a dragon, sword, helmet, and bow and arrows. His wonderful face is
carved of wood and covered with many layers of Gofun (oyster sell lacquer). He is riding a battle horse in full dress, all creating a spectacular work of art. The original wood box is included. Height: 23 inches (58.5cm), width: 18 inches (46cm).
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).
The face of this Japanese Boy's Day Doll, musha ningyo, would certainly scare away any demons...strands of his unkept hair tends to drift across the face, and his costume is elaborately detailed. Without the stand he is 11 inches tall...the stand adds another 2 inches to the height.
Condition excellant with the exception of a couple of small surface paint chips on face reveal white undercoat (clears shown in pictures)
Fine old zuishin dolls from the Meiji period (1868-1912), approx. 8” (20.3cm) tall. Zuishin dolls are commonly called daijin (minister) dolls; the elder man on the right (facing) is called "left daijin" and the younger man, right daijin or ya (arrows) daijin. They were created as an addition to the emperor and empress Dairi-bina sometime in the mid 18th century by Kyoto doll makers. Armed with a sword, bow and arrows, they were the toneri (zuishin) from the Heian court (794-1185)...
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.
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.
During the Edo period, the daimyo (Feudal lords) from each region was required to live in Edo (today’s Tokyo) every other year. This type of Kamishimo (official attire for samurai) with small repeated patterns (komon) was like their uniform when they attended official function in the Edo castle or others. Each region had their own design made. The characteristic of kamishimo komon was that it looked plain (one color) when it was looked at in the distance...
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.
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...
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.
Takeda dolls are modeled after the popular characters from the theater play during the Edo period. They are known for their exaggerated posture and facial expressions of the puppet dolls and kabuki actors on stage. The dolls in this style, with the distinguished Kabuki actor’s makeup called ‘kumadori’ (first created by Danjyuro Ichikawa I, 1660-1704) were made in late Edo to early Meiji period...
This is an impressive set of Emperor and retainer dolls for the Japanese Boy's Day. The decorations for this day include Carps, Yoroi and Kabuto (Samurai's Armor and helmet), swords, arrows and some famous hero and legendary figures from the past. The Emperor doll is 17 inches tall and 15 inches wide (sleeves stretched as shown), the retainer is 11 inches tall. Circa Taisho to early Showa...
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...
Japanese Late Edo - Early Meiji Period TAKEDA actor doll. The doll has GOFUN (powder made from oyster shells) head and hands, painted eyes, cloth and paper clothing, armor and weapons. Great facial and body expression. The doll measures 12 1/2" tall and 9" wide. The stand measures 9 1/2" wide, 2 1/4" tall and 6 3/4" deep.
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
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.
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.
A unique Japanese artistic creation of a Geisha Looking in a Mirror. She is set
inside of a glass enclosed presentation box The two sides are beveled glass
creating an arresting design of multiple images. From the front she catches her reflection in the mirror. This is the only
image we see of her face. She is so interesting in her creative style. Height: 12.5 inches, 32 cm.
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.
Adorable Japanese Gosho-Ningyo doll standing while holding tassel, large hat on head, wonderful jacket painted with flowers, Taisho Period (early 20th century).
Size: 9 3/4" high x 8" wide.
This wonderful Japanese banko nodder is somewhat unusual in that his head nods side to side rather than front to back like most nodders on the market. Dating circa 1880-1899, he was hand molded as evidenced by indentations and finger prints left by the artist on the inside of the bell/body. In excellent condition with the exception of one repair to the neck. At some point in his history, the weight broke in half and was re-attached. No other condition issues, no chips, cracks. This nodder measu...
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 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...
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...
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.
19th Century Japanese Ningyô of Fukurokuju, one of the Seven Lucky Gods. He is the God of Wisdom, Wealth and Longevity. 11 x 7 inches, 28 x 18 cm. Excellent Condition.
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.
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.
19th Century Meiji Period Japanese Hai Hai Ningyô lying on a beautiful Shibori silk pillow. The
Hai Hai is the rarest of the Gosho form. They are presented in the upper
class as a birth presentation gift to protect against bad spirits. This
charming example has a Chomusubi (gift ribbon) on his head. 7.5 inches (19cm) long x 4 inches (10cm) high. Excellent Condition.
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.
During the Edo Period, there was a time when puppet play became the most popular form of entertainment among the common people. At one time, they were so popular that Kabuki actors even began mimicking the movement of the puppets.
The era of Ningyo Joruri (puppet play later called Bunraku) began in 1684 when Takemoto Gidayu, a narrator, opened a theater in Dotonbori. He was joined by Chikamatsu Monzaemon, the genius playwright who was often called "the Shakespeare of Japan."
...
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.
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). 29 inches (74cm) 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).
Takeda dolls are modeled after the characters from 17th to 19th century Japanese theater. They are known for exaggerated postures and often with a vivid facial expression of the Kabuki actors or Jyoruri puppets on stage from the period.
This doll is holding up a "takafuda" bulletin board in one hand and a brush in the other. "takafuda" was an official bulletin board for Tokugawa government (1603-1868) to announce any regulations, or changes etc.
Little was known about Takeda do...
Exceptionally beautiful Japanese lacquer box with a small doll, mame (pea sized) Ichimatsu nigyo (doll) inside - she actually is 4 ½” tall. This must have been some girl's (or woman’s) treasure box years ago. It may have been a gift from her mother or grandmother. The lacquer box is decorated with auspicious designs; a long tailed turtle emerging from a stream, pine, bamboo and rocks on the bank with a crane flying above. The combination of pines, bamboos and plums (painted in inside) ...
Samurai Yoritomo (Minamonoto) Japanese Doll, first Kamakura Shogun dressed in Suoh, high ranking Samurai's attire in Kamakura Period. The doll was possibly made by Maruhei in Kyoto. Circa Taisho period, 1920-1930. Damages in the black cloth hat.
The measurements: 14 inches to the tip of his hair and 13 inches across the sleeves at the bottom when the doll is displayed. The bow is a new addition.
Early Meiji Period (circa 1880) Japanese Empress Hina Ningyô (Girls Day Doll) She really has quite a regal presence. She wears wears the
many layered Kimono of Royalty, featuring elaborate embroidery. She has a beautifully carved face,
covered with Gofun (Oyster Shell Lacquer). Her fantastic crown is something special. 11.5 inches (29 cm) high and 12 inches (30.5 cm) wide. From a widely renowned and published collection that has been exhibited at the Metropolitan Museum and Japan Society.
Early Meiji Period (circa 1880) Japanese Isho Ningyô of Sugawara no Michizane dressed in court attire. After his death, he was deified as Tenjin, the
God of Literature and Knowledge. He gives an impressive
appearance, elegant and commanding. His face bears an imperial expression. 28 inches, 71 cm. From a widely renowned and published collection that has been exhibited at the Metropolitan Museum and Japan Society.
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.
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.
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. This wonder...
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...
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...
Antique musician dolls for the Japanese Hina Matsuri Festival (Girl’s Day) which is held every March third. Displayed with the ladies-in-waiting, ministers and servants dolls, they are the entertainers of the Imperial Court.
The dolls are from early 1900s, the late Meiji period to early Showa period. The body is made out of straw, old glass eyes and their faces (wood or wood powder) are covered with layers of gofun (white surface coating made out of ground oyster shell and animal glue)...
Japanese antique Zuishin dolls (Ningyo). This set of dolls are often called Daijin minister dolls but they are actually the imperial guardsmen and escorts for the Heian court (794-1185). A beautiful quality set in the perfect size to decorate Hina Goten (Imperial Palace). Meiji Period (1868-1912). Approx. 5” tall, 4 ½” in width.
Japanese Takeda Samurai doll from late Edo to early Meiji, 1800s. Takeda dolls were made to model Kabuki actors and puppet dolls from the late Edo period (1603-1868). The doll is possibly Benkei, a faithful retainer to Yoshitsune (Minamoto).
Many stories were written based on Benkei and Yoshitsune (Minamoto, Genji family). They first met on the bridge of Gojyo in Kyoto when Benkei challenged Yoshitsune. He had been challenging strangers to sword fights so that he could get their swo...
Japanese antique folk hina dolls, zuishin, the imperial guardsmen and escorts from the Heian period (794-1185). They are often called Daijin minister dolls. The dolls used to belong to the Hina festival (Matsuri) for Girl’s Day. The size of the dolls are 10" tall to the tips of the arrows.
Antique Japanese folk hina dolls, three servants (Shitei,Shicho) from the Heian Imperial Court (794-1185). The dolls are part of the Hina Matsuri festival for girls in Japan. The standing doll is 8 3/4" tall, and the other two dolls are 7 1/4" to 7 1/2" tall.
Antique Japanese folk hina dolls, ladies in waiting from the Heian Imperial Court (794-1185). The dolls are part of the Hina Matsuri Festival for girls in Japan. The approx. height of the tall dolls are 8 1/4" tall, the seated doll is 4 1/2". Made in Osaka, Japan (by NAKAGAWA Kiyojiro)
Antique Japanese samurai doll, a flag-bearer sitting on a chair, 15 inches tall to the top of his head. This is a popular retainer doll paired with a general doll for the Japanese Boy’s Day. All the retainer dolls are usually not handsome; some look quite funny contrary to the handsome general dolls. You can even see a size difference for some in the set; there will be a big handsome general doll and a small retainer doll with a funny face to enhance the difference. The armor and clothes on ...
Antique Japanese samurai doll of the epic hero Yoshitsune Minamoto. Seated with one foot forward, wonderful suit of armor, fantastic face with glass eyes and wonderful heroic expression, long hair gathered in the back.
Size: 25" high