Ca. early 1900s

This boat-shaped basket, designed for flower arrangements, is well-crafted from strips of bamboo that is stained a rich, dark reddish-brown and had acquired areas of further dark patina from age and use. The ship form probably represents a so-called treasure ship (takarabune) signifying wishes for good fortune and is usually displayed during the New Year’s season...

White Rabbit Ceramic Sculpture by Takegawa Chikusai (1809-1882), created in his final year, 1882. Takegawa Chikusai was responsible for putting Banko Yaki, and the Banko-gama kiln (established 1829) and its home of Yokkaichi City in Mie-ken back on its feet and on the map. Banko Yaki had previously been made in the early Edo Period in Kyoto...

Beautiful and rare Japanese antique choba tansu (merchant's chest), made all of heavy keyaki (elm) wood, keyaki wood bracing on sides and back, original deep reddish brown translucent lacquer finish with wonderful patina, heavy iron hardware, interior has 2 drawers, Edo Period c1800. Size; 36 1/2" high x 40" wide x 23 1/4" deep.

Late 18th Century Musha Ningyo of Minamoto no Yoshitsune. This wonderful early example of high quality has a great presence, sumptuous brocades, gold lacquered armor, a spectacular helmet, and many other fine details. His face is gorgeously and masterfully carved with finely burnished Gofun. An extraordinary example. Figure height: 15.75 inches, 40 cm. Overall dimensions: 20 x 20 inches, 51 x 51 cm. Excellent Condition.

A wonderful large Edo Period Gosho Ningyo of Urashimataro. A delightful, playful rendering of this timeless theme. These type of Palace Dolls are usually smaller. This charming example is a unique, wonderful form from all angles. He is wearing an embroidered cap and bib and has a highly burnished finished gofun pigment. 12h x 11w inches, 30.h x 28w cm. Excellent Condition.

A set of Three Meiji Period Japanese Isho Ningyo of rich, stylish young ladies viewing a book of leaves. They are created in a very unusual style. We have not seen anything like these before. They are gorgeous in every way. A work of art that transcends the usual. 7 inches (18cm) high. Wood base is 15 x 8.25 inches, 38 x 21 cm. Excellent Condition.

A very large and elaborate Meiji Period Takeda Ningyo of a Kabuki actor in the role of the great warrior Akechi Mitsuhide, who rose from a lowly farmer to become one of history's greatest samurai. This Ningyo is in Excellent Condition and is complete, which is amazing considering its complex construction. It was made in northern Japan, giving him him a unique look, as most Takeda Ningyo were made in Kyoto. Total dimensions: h31.5 x w16 x d11 inches, h80 x w40.5 x d28 cm...

A spectacular early 19th Century Edo Period Takeda Ningyo in superb condition, a rare find in this condition. It is of the most elegant, for sure. He is an actor portraying a young Samurai. He has a beautifully carved face and wears sumptuous brocades. He has all of his original accessories, including a suit of armor on his back. He is positioned an a black lacquered stand on four legs. Total height is 20 inches. Figure height is 14 inches. Excellent Condition.

A rare Musha Ningyo three piece set featuring Ojin, Kato Kiyomasa and Attendant, from the Late Edo Period of the 19th Century. It is very unusual to find a set like this in a complete state with all its accessories and original display stand. They all have great faces and sumptuous brocades. The way they work together is very special. Overall height with stand is 17 inches (43cm). Excellent Condition.

Extremely Rare Japanese Set of Five Military Band Musicians from the Russo-Japanese War of 1904-5. We knew of this one-of-a-kind complete set 15 years ago, and have finally just now been allowed to purchase it. These rare sets were produced only during the Russo-Japanese War, and you will likely never see another being offered. Japan used these Ningyo for the Boys Day Festival during this time in history. Heights range from 10.5 to 11.5 inches, 26.5 to 29 cm. Excellent Condition.

Edo Period late 18th/early 19th Century Japanese Ningyo of Yamauba, the Forest Goddess, half woman and half spirit. She found Kintaro abandoned in the forest by his father, and saved his life. She raised him, and he became the Hercules of Japan. For sure one of the rarest of all Ningyo. Also the rarest of female images. Only a few of these may actually exist. She bares her breasts to nurse Kintaro, as seen in Japanese woodblock prints as a popular subject by artists such as Utamaro...

From the collection of the Museum of Fine Arts in Boston comes this fine Edo Period late 18th/early 19th Century Japanese Black Lacquered Box with Mother-of-Pearl Inlaid and Gold Lacquered Boats in a classic wave pattern with exceptionally well rendered mother of pearl motifs. A rare masterpiece from all sides. 8 x 5.5 x 5.5 inches, 20 14 x 14 cm. Excellent Condition.

Edo Period Early 19th Century Japanese Gold Lacquered Box. An extraordinary master work inspired by the Rimpa style of Ogata Korin. This stunning box features a pair of Peacocks by a stream with auspicious Flowers and Butterflies rendered in high relief of gold lacquer and accents of mother of pearl. The beautifully rendered auspicious motif continues in the interior of this magnificent work of art. 16 x 12 x 5 inches, 40.5 x 30.5 x 12.5 cm. Excellent Condition.

Late 18th, Early 19th Century Edo Period Japanese Wood Horse Sculpture in a galloping pose. The horse still has a good amount of its original colors and gold gilt. It would have been offered as a gift to a Shinto shrine from someone with the means to afford more than the usual horse plaque, but not quite the means to afford to give a real horse to the shrine, a gift only the most wealthy could afford to give. A wonderfully rendered sculpture and a special image for equestrian art collectors...

Large rare antique Japanese choba tansu (merchant's chest), from the Mikuni area of Japan, made of heavy solid keyaki (elm) wood throughout, wooden bracing on sides and back, large compartment with sliding panels has 4 smaller interior drawers, safe box has 2 small interior drawers, beautiful heavy iron work, has 3 keys, Edo Period. Size: 35 1/2" high x 47 1/2" wide x 19 1/4" deep.

Antique Japanese pair of lively koma inu (temple fudog guardians), carved of keyaki (elm) wood, left hand creature has mouth open showing teeth and has a curly mane, right hand creature with toothy grin and wavey mane, wonderful detail carving, fain remnants of pigment (mouth, eyes, and whiskers), Meiji Period. Size of each: 17 1/2" high x 18" deep.

Furoshiki (Wrapping Cloth), Indigo-dyed with reinforced sashiko-embroidered corners. Additional center reinforcement panel. A few areas of repair mending and some small holes (please see detail images.)Early 20th Century. 79"(201cm) x 74"(188cm.) The contemporary image of furoshiki brings to mind a pleasantly printed small cloth the size of large handkerchief, used for wrapping one's bento (lunch box) or a small gift when visiting a friend...

Japanese Edo Period Lead and Silver Tobacco Pipe with Incised Darumas, both the man Daruma Taishi and the god Daruma. Acquired in Tokyo in 1986 by a renowned author on and collector of Asian art. 5 1/8 inches, 13.5 cm long.