Large Japanese Early Meiji Period (circa 1880) Okimono of a Kirin, one of the most magnificent and admired
creatures in Japanese mythology. The Kirin is a Japanese unicorn, an animal-god who punishes the wicked with its single horn. It protects the just and grants them good luck. Seeing a kirin is considered an omen of extreme good luck - if one is a virtuous person. This spectacular carving is a masterpiece. It truly captures this fantastical
creature in every detail...
Late Edo Period (1850 -1868) Kyoto Bronze Vessel with an Encircling Dragon beautifully casted in high
relief. Rich patina, wonderful shape, and a stunning design. Dragons are a Japanese
symbol of strength and valor. 10 inches (25.5cm) tall x 10 inches (25.5cm) across. From a widely renowned and published collection that has been exhibited at the Metropolitan Museum and Japan Society.
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...
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.
Edo Period (circa 1750) Large Japanese Wood Sculpture of a Shrine Horse, a gift from an
upper-class family to a shrine. Images of Horses are highly prized in Japan. It is commissioned and presented to protect a newborn male child. Rising up on its back legs, set to gallop, it strikes an animated, exciting, and beautiful pose that sets it apart from the usual static poses that these horses have...
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...
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...
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...
Large Meiji Period (circa 1900) Japanese Arita Porcelain Charger. Blue and white with gold accents,
featuring an elegant stylized landscape and using sticking glazes to create a
wonderful work of art. 16 inches, 41cm. From a widely renowned and published collection that has been exhibited at the Metropolitan Museum and Japan Society. Pristine Condition.
A Splendid Meiji Period Kyo Satsuma Vase with overglaze enamel decoration by the very well known potter, Taizan Yohei IX, and one of the Meiji Period's foremost painters, Kono Bairei. cf. Meiji Ceramics by Giesela Jahn, page 157, figure 81. Taizan was a renowned Kyoto potter who exhibited and won prizes at a number of international events, including the 1893 Chicago World Expo...
Large Japanese temple cloth woven with cotton and strips of paper, great for a wall decoration. The dimensions are 107" x 47" (271.8cm x 119.4cm). Many things in Japan were made from paper, just like soy sauce was added in almost all cooking. Textiles were no exception...
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 pair of heavy pure silver vases decorated with incised chrysanthemums, copper overlay on leaves, raised chrysanthemum mon on neck of each vase with gold overlay, Meiji Period (1868-1912), signed: Migen Yoshihiku Koku.
Size: 12" high each.
This is a striking Japanese Imari porcelain hexagonal plate boldly decorated with an underglaze cobalt blue large scale design reminiscent of a textile pattern, having a broad scalloped border rim, wavy potting on top of plate, very heavy, greige ground color, the base having a single spur mark, measuring 10 in x 11 3/4 in; Original condition, several rim chips.
This kura (saddle) was used in the rituals which took place on the first day of rice planting. The day is called hana-taue (daue), "the flower-rice planting" and it has been practiced in the southern part of Japan. The links to today’s hana-taue is listed at the end. You can hear where the Dengaku (oldest form of Japanese music) came from in the video.
One side of the saddle is decorated with Shishi (lions) and peonies with a crest of “kiri no mon” (crest of Japanese empress ...
Antique aizome (traditional Japanese indigo dye) cloth taken from a Japanese bed comforter, thick cotton, circa Meiji Period (1868-1912). Excellent tapestry material. The condition is excellent; it was in new condition when we purchased. This was just washed (twice by mistake) prior to when the photos were taken. There are minor holes (shown in photo) concentrated on the top right side. Because of the size (62 1/2L x 58"W), the photos were taken from the bottom and sides.
Ca. late 1800s
Earthenware pair with mirror-image decorated overall with figures of Buddhist Arhats (enlightened followers of the Buddha). The Arhats are depicted in various enamel colors wearing brocade robes picked out in gold enamel. A dragon writhes among them, painted in slightly raised enamel and stylized rocks surround the vases beneath the Arhats’ feet. The Satsuma crest is seen in gold enamel on the shoulder of each vase. The bases are inscribed with the artist’s name: Hakuzan...
Ca. early 1800s
This unusual vessel consists of a tall footed bowl of conical form and a ring-shaped stand encircled by carved ocean waves. The bowl is carved with characteristic Hirado key and triangular fretwork and is heavily potted for the necessary stability of its function to hold the tall branches of a flower arrangement. The interior of the bowl is set with a cylindrical collar 2 ¾ in. in diameter in which a pronged flower holder can be placed to support stems and branches of the ...
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.
Enamel on copper, ca. late 1800s.
Although this item could have been used as a sauce pot, it was probably intended for replenishing water for grinding ink on a calligrapher’s ink stone The interior and base are both enameled.
Good condition, no dents or losses however there is some characteristic pitting to the enamel.
Height: 3 ¾ in.
Ink and pigments on paper with gilding, ca. early 1600s
Originally mounted as a fan and later remounted on a fusuma sliding door or folding screen. Probably produced in a Kyoto fan workshop by one of a number of Nara ehon picture book painters that migrated to Kyoto from Nara.
Condition is good considering age and original use as a fan, some surface wear to pigments, slight smudging, losses to gilding, light creases and wrinkles, old backing from door or screen mounting remains
Ink and pigments on paper with gilding, ca. early 1600s
Originally mounted as a fan and later remounted on a fusuma sliding door or folding screen. Probably produced in a Kyoto fan workshop by one of a number of Nara ehon picture book painters that migrated to Kyoto from Nara.
Condition is good considering age and original use as a fan, some surface wear to pigments, slight smudging, losses to gilding, light creases and wrinkles, old backing from door or screen mounting remains
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...
A Leaf from the album “Keinen Kacho Gafu” issued 1892
Published by Unsodo Co., title and printer’s name on left margin, very good impression and color, margins somewhat trimmed, light soiling, slight creasing in margins and wear to two corners, dated in Arabic numerals for export
Overall size: 9 ½ x 14 ½ in.
A Leaf from the album “Keinen Kacho Gafu” issued 1892
Published by Unsodo Co., title and printer’s name on left margin, good impression and color, margins somewhat trimmed, minor wear, very slight wrinkles, dated in Arabic numerals for export
Overall size: 9 ½ x 14 in.
Album leaf depicting an antique textile fragment, issued ca. late 1800s
The artist skillfully illustrates the fabric dyeing techniques of stencil printing and tie-dyeing (shibori) using the woodblock print medium
Very good impression and color, centerfold, some thinning of paper on margins
Overall size: 9 ¾ x 14 in.
Sen Sha Fuda—Pilgrim’s temple charm placard, issued early 1900s
Produced by the Tokyo Nai Fuda Club, Very good impression and color, good condition, light center crease, light glue residue on verso
Overall size: 6 ¾ x 8 ¼ in.
Sen Sha Fuda—Pilgrim’s temple charm placard, issued early 1900s
Very good impression and color, light staining in margins, light staining on verso
Overall size: 6 ½ x 8 ½ in.
Sen Sha Fuda—Pilgrim’s temple charm placard, issued early 1900s
Five individual “fuda” pasted side by side on a backing
Very good impression, good condition
Overall size: 6 ¼ x 10 in.
Various designs for textiles, issued late 1800s
Good impression and color, center fold, wrinkle to lower right corner, minor stain on center of upper margin, not backed
Album leaf: 9 ½ x 14 in.
Design for woodblock print or a preliminary sketch for a painting, ca. mid 1800s
Ink on thin paper mounted on an old backing, centerfold, light toning, generally good condition
Shita-e: 10 ½ x 15 in. overall; drawing size: 9 ½ x 12 ½ in.
Illustration of ceremonial flower arrangements, issued early 1900s
Very good printing and color, very heavy paper with remnants of thin backing, very minor soiling overall
Overall size: 9 ½ x 14 ¼ in.
Illustration of a sculpture of the Wind God from the Sanjusangendo in Kyoto, and a design of a lacquer box, issued ca. 1890
Good impression and condition
Album leaf: 9 ¼ x 12 in.
Flowering branch in spring, issued ca. late 1800s
Very good impression and color, original album backing, center fold, minor wrinkling to lower corners
Album leaf: 9 ¾ x 14 ½ in.
Illustration of an early textile fragment, of the Tang Dynasty, Chinese, one of the Shosoin treasures, issued late 1800s
Very good printing (to simulate age and wear), color and condition
Overall size: 8 ¾ x 14 in.
Woodcutter pausing for a drink of sake, issued ca. early 1900s
Hirafuku Hyakusui was a noted painter and illustrator in Nihon-ga style, and was a professor at Tokyo School of Fine Arts and a member of Imperial Fine Arts Academy.
Publisher’s information on lower left with the number 21, good condition
Shikishiban: 9 ¼ x 9 ¼ in.
Kabuki actor portrait of Ichimura Uzaiemon VIII, issued 1861
Signed Toyokuni Ga (Toyokuni III) on lower right, very good impression and color, repaired hole on upper left margin, light soiling and wear, penciled on verso (incorrectly), “Toyokuni II 1785-1864”
Oban tate-e: 10 x 14 ½ in.
Five vignettes of designs by Hiroshige, probably issued the year of his death, 1858
Signed Hiroshige, good impression and color, small glue stains on upper corners, very minor wear, small mark on lower right corner, not backed.
Oban tate-e harimaze-e: 8 7/8 x 13 in.
Yoshimori (1830-1884), pupil of Kuniyoshi
Scene depicting a bizarre tale about dolls, issued 1864
Two chuban size images that form one oban tate-e size print
Signed Yoshimori, title and publisher’s seal on right margin, aratame censor’s seal (1864), good impression and color, very minor wear, not backed.
Oban tate-e: 9 ¾ x 14 ½ in.
Interior scene of a courtesan and attendants from the series “Junshoku Sanjuroku Kasen” issued 1881
Signed Toyohara Kunichika hitsu, dated Meiji 14 (1881), good impression and color, not backed.
Oban tate-e: 10 x 14 1/8 in. including margins
Interior scene of three women in the Winter from the series “Junshoku Sanjuroku Kasen” issued 1881
Signed Toyohara Kunichika hitsu, dated Meiji 14 (1881), good impression and color, very light and even toning, full margins, minor creases to corners, not backed.
Oban tate-e: 9 7/8 x 14 ½ in. including margins
Album leaf illustrating “antique” textile designs for Tang Dynasty China and later, printed ca. 1900
The characters beside each design describe the motif and type of fabric.
Very good impression and color, vertical center crease, minor wear, remnants of old backing.
Overall Size: 9 ¾ x 14 in.
Album leaf illustrating “antique” textile designs for Tang Dynasty China and later, printed ca. 1900
The characters beside each design describe the motif and type of fabric.
Very good impression and color, vertical center crease, minor wear, remnants of old backing.
Overall Size: 9 ¾ x 14 in.
Kunisada (1786-1864) collaborating with Hiroshige (1797-1858)
From the series: “Kannon Reigen Ki” (Account of the miracles of Kannon) issued 1859.The larger image by Kunisada depicts a miracle performed by Kannon. The upper image by Hiroshige is a temple scene.
Signed Kunisada and Hiroshige on respective images, aratame seal and publisher’s seal on left margin, very good impression and color, very light wear and minor thinning at edges, not backed.
Oban tate-e: 9 7/8 x 14...
Kunisada (1786-1864) collaborating with Hiroshige (1797-1858)
From the series: “Kannon Reigen Ki” (Account of the miracles of Kannon) issued 1860. Main image by Kunisada depicting the miracle occurance
Signed Toyokuni (III), publisher’s seal and censor’s seal on left margin, very good impression and color, very minor wear and light stains on the margins.
Oban tate-e: 10 x 14 ½ in.
No. twelve from the series: “Ukiyo Juni Ka Getsu” (Twelve Months of the Floating World) issued 1890
Signed Gekko with artist’s seal, dated 1890 in a red cartouche on lower left, margins intact, fine impression and color, some wear and light creasing, very light soiling, not backed.
Oban yoko-e: 9 x 13 in.
From the series: “Twelve New Tales from the Miserable Storehouse” issued 1859
Two uncut horizontal chuban prints – numbers eleven and twelve on one oban leaf.
The upper print depicts a warrior battling demon ghosts and the lower is a shrine scene.
Upper and lower prints are both signed Yoshitsuya in red cartouches with aratame and date seal to 1859, good impression, color and condition, remnants of recent hinge paper on upper corners, a new narrow line of old backing paper on ...
Two Kabuki actors in a rather intense moment, issued ca. 1860
Published by Ise-ya Kanekichi, very good impression and color, light rubbing and slight wrinkling to edges, upper corners with small reinforcements, not backed.
Oban tate-e: 9 ¾ x 14 1/8 in.
Shini-e (memorial portrait) of the Kabuki actor Kikugoro, issued 1903
The actor died at age 60. He is shown holding a Buddhist sutra and his “death poem” in is cursive script above his head.
Signed Utagawa Toyosai, dated: 1903, fine impression and color, left margin slightly trimmed, small brown spot above sutra page, original paper backing possibly from time of issue.
Oban tate-e: 9 ½ x 14 in.
A kneeling fish seller beholding his coop with huge fishes. The earthenware figure painted in polychrome colors, the skin areas in matt glaze orange. Condition: Good. Dimensions: 10,7 cm high x 9,5 cm wide. Weight: 302 gram.
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)
Meiji period, Japanese Kutani porcelain teapot and the sugar bowl with covers, finely hand painted in gold, red, black and green with beautiful various images of butterflies in foliate scrolls. Booth Pieces hand signed on the bottom by the artist in Japanese characters.
MEASUREMENTS: Height of the tea pot: 20,5cm (8in) Width: handle to spout: 21cm (8 ½ in) Height of sugar bowl: 14,5 cm (8in) Width: handle to handle 16cm (6 ¼ in).
For further details (pictures) please visit ou...
Japanese choba tansu (merchant's chest), original dark brown translucent lacquer finish, made of sugi (cryptomeria), iron hardware, one shelf on interior of
slider compartment, Meiji Period (1868-1912).
Size: 43" high x 37 1/4" wide x 15 1/4" deep.
Wonderful old Japanese Imari boat, incense burner (koro) or a nice dish for ... sashimi with soy sauce and wasabi in one side, circa Meiji period (1868-1912).
8 1/4" long x 4 1/2" wide x 3 1/2" tall
