Miharu Hariko papier-mache doll of Samurai on Horseback armed with sword, bow & arrows. Miharu Village, Fukushima Prefecture, ca.1988. H.7.5"(19cm) x L.7"(18cm.) 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...

Miharu Hariko papier-mache dolls of Hina Ningyo (Imperial Couple) traditinally displayed in the month of March for Girls Day (March 3rd.) Miharu Village, Fukushima Prefecture, ca. 1992. Empress: H.4.875"(12cm) x W.3.625"(9.25cm,) Emperor: H.5.375"(13.5cm) x W.3.75"(9.5cm.) Condition Note: hat of Emperor cracked and repaired. Small crack on back of Emperor where sword protrudes from body...

Saitama Inu Hariko: painted paper; H.3" x L.3.5"; contemporary; Saitama Prefecture. The dog in Japanese folk lore symbolizes many things. This one can be a talisman for easy child birth (as dogs experience) and as a protector of children. Dogs in general are symbols of protection and loyalty, and also have the ability to recognize demons (and other animals such as fox and tanuki) in human form...

A pair of wood candle stand painted with colorful urushi. The plate for candle on the top is made of metal. In excellent condition except for some tiny chips on the rim of the top plate and urushi came off in the bottom of one candle. 20th century. H:37cm Diameter of the bottom:10cm