Imari ware bowls for serving small amounts of food were known as "kurowanka." These bowls feature a "sansui" land & sea scape scene in underglaze cobalt blue on a porcelain body. Each piece is in god condition with individual measurements of H.4cm X Dia.15cm.

Meiji Era futon-ji; indigo dyed cotton with tsutsugaki (free-hand drawn resist) image of the Three Friends of Winter: Pine, Bamboo, and Plum. L.150cm(59") x W.128cm(50"). Such bedding covers were given as part of a bride's dowry, commissioned with auspicious images or a family crest by the bride's family...

Indigo dyed (aizome) cotton "yutan", or covering cloth, stencil dyed with family crest of pine boughs flanking a "koto bashira", the bridge of a koto musical instrument. L.150cm (59") x W.129cm (50"). Such textiles were commissioned for use as bridal dowry pieces and covered the items taken to the new bride's home. The family crest may have been that of the bride's or groom's family, or possibly a combination of the two, depending on the rank or status of the families...

Sakiori, or "rag weave", was a necessity of many common people in old Japan, especially those of the NE Japan (Tohoku region) which was known for its harsh climate and living conditions. This item is a late Meiji piece from the region showing wonderful color combination, and sporting a few repair patches from its long life. L.144cm(56.5") x W.34cm(13.5").

Onigawara, Roof Tile End Caps, of fired clay with motifs of Daikoku's Hammer and Tama, the Buddhist Jewel of Wisdom. H. 37cm(14.5") x W.56cm(22"0 x D.11cm(4.5"). Excellent condition from Meiji Era. The region of Ogi in west-central Japan was a well-known center of roof tile prodcution, and continues this trade today.

Jizo is of one of the most beloved of Buddhist Boddhisatvas in Japan as a guardian of children and travellers. Sado Island in Niigata Prefecture was once ringed with Jizo statues, and the granite there made it a center of religious sculpture production and sales. This Jizo hails from Sado and holds a lotus leaf in his right hand and a "tama" or Buddhist ball of wisdom in his left. His face is well worn from the elements and time. H.24cm(10") x W.17cm(6.75").

Jizo is one of the most beloved Buddhist Boddhisatva in Japan as a guardian of children and travellers. Sado Island in Niigata Prefecture was once ringed with Jizo statues, and its granite quarries made it a center of religious statue production and sales. This Jizo holds his hands in front of his chest in prayer, or in the traditional Indian greeting of "namaste." His face is well worn from the elements and time, but a faint smile seems to grace his lips. H.25cm(10") x W.13cm(5").

Wooden saddle, "kura" made of wood and iron fittings. Meiji Era (1868-1912,) but the top board is a later addition. This flat board makes it ideal for display items, especially for flowers. H. 44cm(17.25") x W.68cm(26.75") x D. 32cm(12.5").

Large Itomaki, spool, for weaving. Wood with 6 arms. Late Meiji Era (1868-1912.) H.39cm(15.5") x Square Base of 37cm(14.5"). Good condition, has been cleaned and oiled.

Waraji (straw sandal) Gata (mold). This mold was used to make the straw sandals worn by farmers. It is of solid carved wood. L. 50cm(19.75") x H.9cm(3.5") x W.9cm(3.5"). Acquired in Yamagata Prefecture in NE Japan (Tohoku), this piece exhibits the wonderful folk qualities of the region. Hung vertically, the "shelf" portion of the mold can hold a small flower vase, creating a lovely "wabi" arrangement for the tokonoma.

Japanese samurai dolls, Yoroi and Kabuto (armor and helmet), swords, nobori and carps banner are all a part of the display used for the Boy's Day in Japan. The quality set like this will give a wonderful, rich flavor as a decoration to your home all year around. There is no Maruhei label label on the box but we are pretty sure that this was made by the Maruhei in Kyoto. The similar set that we had seen had the Maruhei label that indicates the set was made in early Taisho period (1912-1926)...

Roof tile with a "tomoe-mon", a crest of circular repeating commas in a whirlpool pattern. Fired clay, 19th century. Diameter: 4", Width: 3/4". The round tiles such as this line the bottom roof line, above the eaves. Commonly, the crest of the family or temple was depicted on these tiles. Historically, a center of roof tile production was the town of Ogi, in west-central Japan.

A Japanese Samurai doll (ningyo) with the look of a Daimyo: feudal lord in the Edo period (1603-1868). The Kamishimo with long hakama trousers were only worn for special occasions in the Edo castle. The samurai's blue top kimono is made out of a wash paper (a liner to his original kimono). There is a beautiful patina on his face which is covered with a gofun mixture from the time...

Early 20th C...

A storehouse (kura) lantern(andon) from late 19th century Japan, made of wooden base, and metal wire body, and hanging hook. Interior paper is a later addition. I have found a long Japanese medicine bottle that fits perfectly inside the lantern, making it suitable for flower arranging. H.17cm(6.7") x Dia.8cm(3").

Artist: Tsukioka Yoshitoshi (1839-1892). Subject: Musha-e (Warrior print); “Yoshitoshi Musha Burui” (Yoshitoshi’s Courageous Warriors): kurou [9th son] hangan Minamoto Yoshitsune and Musashibou Benkei under a cherry tree )#15 in this series of 33. Signature: “Yoshitoshi hitsu” (from the brush of Yoshitoshi). Artist’s Seal: Taiso. Engraver: Horikou Muneoka. Publisher: Tsunajima Kanekichi. Date: 1886. Format: oban tate-e, H.13 x W...

Artist: Tsukioka Yoshitoshi (1839-1892). Subject: “Kyoudou Risshiki” (Instructive Models of Lofty Ambition), Toyotomi Hideyoshi seated on a tiger skin listening to a priest speaking on behalf of the Mouri clan. Text by Housai. No...

Artist: Tsukioka Yoshitoshi (1839-1892). Subject: “Kyoudou Risshiki” (Instructive Models of Lofty Ambition)*, The Young Wife, Ukita, Guarding her husband, Lord Tomita Nobutaka Anozu no Shiru who is mounted on horseback. Signature: “taiso Yoshitoshi”. Artist’s Seal: Taiso. Publisher: Matsuki Heikichi. Date: Meiji 35* (1902), 8th month (August,) 5th day. Format: oban tate-e, H.12.5 x W.8.25". Condition: Very good colors and impression, album backing retained, no holes or tears, o...