From our World Handicrafts Collection (Ex-Asia), a charming hand-carved mirror frame from Cuzco Peru, sister city of the famed Macchu Piccu ruins. The wood used here is an indigenous Andean softwood that has been very skillfully carved in Spanish Baroque style, not uncommon since Peru was colonized by the Spanish in the 1500's and Spanish architectural influence still pervades their culture and crafts. The mirrored glass was installed later in the States...

Miharu Hariko papier-mache doll of a Yakko, the lower rank samurai manservant who often ran in front of the samurai retinue carrying banners, trunks, etc. He carries a lantern with the name "Sagamiya" on it. Pairs with MH-14. Miharu Village, Fukushima Prefecture, ca. 1991. H.7.75"(19.5cm) x W.3.125"(8cm.) excellent condition. Miharu-machi (town) is located just NW of Koriyama City in central Fukushima Prefecture...

Miharu Hariko Papier-mache Doll; Miharu Village, Fukushima Prefecture, ca. 1987. Figure of girl, possibly an "oiran" (courtesean) with sake ewer ("hisage" / "kannabe.") H.4.75"(12cm) x W.3.25"(8.25cm.) Excellent condition. Miharu-machi (town) is located just NW of Koriyama City in central Fukushima Prefecture. They say the town’s name “mi’ (3) “haru” (spring) comes from the fact that the three famous blossoms of spring; plum, peach, and cherry, bloom here in profusion...

This ebullient hand carved Oaxacan Alebrije model of an armadillo will give delight for years to come. Its artist made use of traditional Mexican bright colors to make this armadillo pop. Purple and turquoise dominate but yellows and reds complete the ensemble. Signed Rocio R on the belly.

Condition is Excellent.

Dimensions
Height 3 5/8 inch
Width: 2 5/8 inch
Depth: 11 1/4 inch

Miharu Hariko papier-mache doll of a Sumo Wrestler Daikoku, God of Wealth and one of the Seven Lucky Gods. Miharu Village, Fukushima Prefecture, ca. 1991. H.5.25"(13.5cm) x W.3.75"(9.5cm.) Excellent condition. This is a rare image of Daikoku-sama in a fundoshi (loin cloth) as a Sumo Wrestler! It is a great example of the playful nature of Miharu Ningyo. Miharu-machi (town) is located just NW of Koriyama City in central Fukushima Prefecture...

From our World Handicrafts Collection (ex-Asia), a handsome inlaid wooden box from Oaxaca Mexico, very attractively executed with dark brown inlay upon a lighter straw colored base wood. The box is fairly light, not quite balsa wood weight but light nevertheless, and is fragrant on the inside where the exposed surface of the hewn wood has not been varnished. Regrettably, we have forgotten the name of this interesting wood...

Miharu Hariko Papier-mache Doll; Miharu Village, Fukushima Prefecture, Japan, ca. 1986. H.7.5"(19cm) x W.5"(12.5cm.) Figure of a Hikyaku (Courier.) Condition Notes: Cracks to paper on right leg, left arm kimono sleeve, and right hand. Helmet re-glued to head. See enlargements. The Hikyaku was the express messenger or courier of the feudal period, running messages and mail between post towns. Miharu-machi (town) is located just NW of Koriyama City in central Fukushima Prefecture...

Miharu Hariko papier-mache doll of Daikoku, God of Wealth and one of the Seven Lucky Gods. Miharu Village, Fukushima Prefecture, ca. 1999. H.5.125"(13cm) x W.7"(18cm.) Excellent Condition. Here, Daikoku stands with arms outstretched, his kimono dispaying a pattern of pines, camellia, & wisteria, and the sleeves seemingly flapping in the wind. Miharu-machi (town) is located just NW of Koriyama City in central Fukushima Prefecture...

Miharu Hariko papier-mache doll of a Yakko, the lower rank samurai manservant who often ran in front of the samurai retinue carrying banners, trunks, etc. He carries a lantern with the name "Sagamiya" on it. Pairs with MH-16. Miharu Village, Fukushima Prefecture, ca. 1991. H.7.75"(19.5cm) x W.3.125"(8cm.) excellent condition. Miharu-machi (town) is located just NW of Koriyama City in central Fukushima Prefecture...

Handmade decorative painted box. 9 3/4" x 5" x 4 1/4". Signed "Lady Bell BR".

Miharu Hariko, Papier-mache doll; Miharu Village, Fukushima Prefecture, ca. 1987. H.9.5"(24cm) x W.6.5"(16.5cm.) Figure of Sugawara no Michizane; a politician, poet, and scholar (845-903.) Excellent condition. The story of Michizane (Tenjin-sama) is well-known in Japan. He was a politician and scholar in the ancient Imperial capitol of Kyoto. Through a series of political back-stabbing, he was banished to Dazaifu in remote Chikuzen Province (now part of Fukuoka Prefecture in Kyushu)where he s...

A large basket handmade of bamboo strips. In excellent condition except for a minor break, however no problem for use. 20th century. Diameter:43.5cm, H:17cm

Mayoke Yama Uba, Shinshuu (Nagano Prefecture.) Wood with bark intact, and straw rope. This folk toy depicts a Yama Uba (Mountain Hag) who is also called Yamamba in other parts of Japan. "Mayoke" means "amulet" or "charm," so the item is intended to ward off evil or bad luck, even though Yama Uba are often referred to in stories much like the bogey man is depicted in America. The Yama Uba does have a benevolent side as well, as a Yama Uba was said to be the mother of the legendary mountain boy he...

Miharu Hariko papier-mache doll. Mother nursing child. H.5.5"(14cm) x W.4.375"(11cm,) ca. 1987. Miharu Village, Fukushima Prefecture. Excellent condition. The wonderful image of a bare-breasted woman and suckling child is one of the more popular Miharu Hariko figures. Miharu-machi (town) is located just NW of Koriyama City in central Fukushima Prefecture. They say the town’s name “mi’ (3) “haru” (spring) comes from the fact that the three famous blossoms of spring; plum, peach, and ...

Miharu Hariko papier-mache doll of a Farmer Riding a Cow holding a sickle. A possible reference to the Kusakari Kannon (Grass Cutting Kannon (J. Kannon,[Goddess of Mercy,] Chinese - Kwan Yin/Guanyin, Sanskrit - Avalokitasvara.) Miharu Village, Fukushima Prefecture, ca. 1999. H.9.25"(23.5cm) x L.9.25"(23.5cm.) Cow has nodding head in the tradition of paper-mache "beko" cows/oxen of NE Japan. Excellent Condition. Miharu-machi (town) is located just NW of Koriyama City in central Fukushima Pre...

Miharu Hariko papier-mache doll of Daikoku, God of Wealth & one of the Seven Lucky Gods. Miharu Village, Fukushima Prefecture, ca. 1988. H.5.5"(14cm) x W.3.625"(9.25cm.) Very Good condition, small paint crack on right shoulder. Daikoku stands poised with raised mallet, his magic hammer that creates an explosion of gold when struck. Miharu-machi (town) is located just NW of Koriyama City in central Fukushima Prefecture. They say the town’s name “mi’ (3) “haru” (spring) comes from t...

Miharu Hariko papier-mache doll of "Daiko Uchi Onna" (Dancing Girl Holding Drum.) Miharu Village, Fukushima Prefecture, ca. 2008. H.6.625"(17cm) x W.3.75"(10cm.) Excellent Condition. Miharu-machi (town) is located just NW of Koriyama City in central Fukushima Prefecture. They say the town’s name “mi’ (3) “haru” (spring) comes from the fact that the three famous blossoms of spring; plum, peach, and cherry, bloom here in profusion. This colorful backdrop, along with a scenic rural s...

A painted metal cut-out of a fish, with the word "BAIT" as if to advertise a bait shop. This has an American antique folk art appearance though I believe these are made in Asia, as decorative objects. Add to your Adirondack style interior; excellent for the second house at the lake. Measures 8" by 20" extreme dimensions. The tail area has cracks in the metal so this is delicate and should be handled carefully.