The carps and nobori Japanese banners, warrior's Yoroi and Kabuto helmets, samurai dolls and swords are 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 to inspire their boys in manliness, discipline, bravery and the honor codes which are associated with them.

Originally, Nobori was used in the battle field to identify the troops, some were to show the warriors where their taisho (general) was...

An actor portraying a samurai admiring himself in a mirror in a scene from the kabuki theater by Toyokuni III (also known as Kunisada). Signed "by special request of the publisher." Published by Kinjudo between 1847-48. Standard "oban" size panels measuring roughly 15"V x 10"H. Possibly from a triptych. Excellent color with vibrant yellow and green in the background. Good overall condition with no tape stains, toning or tears. The baren marks and image are clearly visible on the back...

This is an ANTIQUE SATSUMA SMALL VASE from an Eastern Shore of Maryland Estate. The size is 5 3/4" Tall X 2 1/2" at the Widest point. Decorated with Red Enamel and Gilded Highlights, this Vase shows Three Boys at Play on the Bottom. Ca. 1900 - 1925 the Condition is EXCELLENT. JPGS provide more info

This middle or late 18th century Japanese wood netsuke is 3 ¼ inches tall, 1 inch wide and ¾ inch thick. It was carved from unknown softwood and not signed. It depicts a famous Chinese historical character GUAN YU. His right hand is holding a weapon (long handled knife) and his left hand is holding a book called ¡°Spring-Autumn Annals¡±. It is in great condition.

This 19th century Japanese unsigned hardwood netsuke of JUROJIN is 2 inches tall, 1 inch wide and ¾ of inch thick. It depicts JUROJIN with both hands in his sleeves in front of him. It is in perfect condition.

Japanese blue and white glazed imari plate with dove on peony branch, Edo Period (19th century, two very minor cracks at rim, beautifully painted. 11 3/4" wide x 1 3/4" high.

Japanese blue and white glazed Imari plate with scrolling vine motif and sho-chiku-bai (three friends of winter: plum, pine, and bamboo) motif, signed with 4 characters on back, one very minor crack near at rim otherwise great condition, Edo Period (18th century). 11 1/4" wide x 2" high.

Japanese lidded porcelain choshi, sake server, blue and white glazed, handle is pierced with decorative holes, melon-shaped body, 18th/19th century, good condition with no cracks, chips or losses. 5 1/4" high x 7 1/8" long (to spout) x 5 1/8" wide.

This is a Beautiful Pair of ANTIQUE SATSUMA VASES. Each Vase is 7 1/2" Tall. The Most Striking Features are the SUNFLOWERS on each Vase ... those Flowers accented with Pink and Gold. Research shows these Vases to be signed with the SHIMAZU Mon; made by the Chin Ju Kan Family. Circa 1900 and in EXCELLENT Condition. A Most Desirable Pair of SATSUMA VASES.

Beautiful Shusu (satin silk) Uchikake kimono from the Meiji period (1868 - 1912). All hand sewn with embroidery and gold couching work - overlaying of threads (real gold wrapped around thread) rather than going in and out of the base fabric.

The dimensions are 50 inches between from tip to tip of the sleeves, 60 inches long and 29 and half for the sleeve length. All the edges and openings are generously stuffed with raw silk...

This kind of Kanzashi is called Gin (silver in Japanese) Kanzashi. The body is usually made out the stronger mixed metal as this one. The darkened metal flowers are tarnished silver, I believe. The bira bira Kanzashi started to become fashionable in late 18th century, Edo Period and this set is from late Meiji to Taisho period, early 1900s. The chains are very light weight so you can wear as a set if you like...

Bowl with overglaze enamel ( polychrome ) decoration .Dehua ware from Fujian.Late Ming period. D : 3,4 inc. Minute rim fritting no chrack !

Bowl with overglaze enamel ( polychrome ) decoration . Dehua ware, Fujian.Late Ming period. D : 3,2 inc. Very good condition !

Japanese one-piece tree trunk heavy wood stand, almost big enough to display a life size statue. 23" x 23" x 23" in triangle, 2 1/2" to 3" thick. It will be great to show off armors, flower arrangements, bonsai or your treasures (tall?).

The Kanzashi hair accessory has been the main jewelry for Japanese women. This antique comb and hair pin set has a wonderful design of turtles in the bay area on one side and landscape on the other side. It is a classic design in gold makie on tortoiseshell with coral inlay. Hair Pin is 5 3/4" long, comb 3" long and 1" in width. Meiji period (1868-1912).

Japanese makie lacquer sake wine Dishes with an auspicous design of Sho-Chiku-Bai (pines,plums & bumboos). This design is a happy ceremonial symbol for the gold taka-makie (raised design) designs with kirigane (small gold leaf squares) on brownish red (with purple tone) lacquer. Each piece is very thin and light and in new condition. There is no wear to the gold and lacquer except one small repair on one dish. This type of set is often used as a set of three...

This is a KYOTO SATSUMA EARTHENWARE VASE circa 1875 to 1900. Painted with Rust & GOLD there are two Primary Painted Scenes. Those being the SAMURAI Panel and another Panel with CHILDREN Playing. Size of this SATSUMA VASE is 4 1/2" in diameter X 6 1/2" tall. At the top the Dragon Motif Handles. Additionally, Painted Butterflies on the sides. A Very Desirable ANTIQUE KYOTO SATSUMA VASE. Note there is some Restoration that to this VASE that was done many years ago...see final two jpgs

Elegant old lacquer towel rack, makie on black lacquer. The dimensions are 25" across at the top, 20 1/4" at the bottom and 22 1/4 inches in height.