Kokeshi, Togatta-kei, by Satou Jirou, Miyagi Prefecture. Birth date = Taisho 4 (1915) July 13. H.9.5” x Dia.1.375”(24 x 3.5 cm) Dated: 59-sai (59 yrs old)=1974. Dentou, or "traditional," kokeshi hail from the northeastern part of Japan known as the Tohoku region. Tohoku is comprised of Aomori, Akita, Yamagata, Iwate, Miyagi, & Fukushima Prefectures...

Kokeshi, Yajiro-kei, by Niiyama Shinji, Miyagi Prefecture. H.9.5” x Dia.1.25”. Dentou, or "traditional," kokeshi hail from the northeastern part of Japan known as the Tohoku region. Tohoku is comprised of Aomori, Akita, Yamagata, Iwate, Miyagi, & Fukushima Prefectures...

Kokeshi, Naruko-kei, Miyagi Prefecture, by Itou Shouichi. H.9.5” x Dia.1.875” ca. 1970-1980. Dentou, or "traditional," kokeshi hail from the northeastern part of Japan known as the Tohoku region. Tohoku is comprised of Aomori, Akita, Yamagata, Iwate, Miyagi, & Fukushima Prefectures...

Kokeshi, Sakunami-kei, Miyagi Prefecture, by Hiraga Teruyuki. Showa 47 (1972) March 1. H.11.75” x Dia.1.5”(24 x 3.25 cm) Inscription: Nagoya Kokeshi-kai, nihyaku kai, Hesei 7-gatsu, 9-nichi. (Nagoya Kokeshi Club, 200th Meeting, July 9, 1995) Dentou, or "traditional," kokeshi hail from the northeastern part of Japan known as the Tohoku region. Tohoku is comprised of Aomori, Akita, Yamagata, Iwate, Miyagi, & Fukushima Prefectures...

This is a very nice basket vase from Japan probably made in early 1970s to decorate/handicraft item, it is old pattern look like classical vase shape and very nice work of art with gilt gold pattern on it, ship worlwide by SAL registered at $20

Japanese folk art, farmer's clay doll: 11 1/2"h x 5 3/4"w

All the clay dolls are somehow originated from the Fushimi clay doll of the Kyoto area. Fushimi dolls were originally sold as souvenirs to the pilgrims on the road of Fushimi Kaidou from Kyoto to Fushimi Inari Shrine in the early Edo period (1600-1868). By the end of 19th century, these dolls were made all over Japan...

Japanese clay doll, Kabuki doll with a dragon. 13"h x 9 1/2" at the widest.

This type of clay dolls are somehow all originated from the Fushimi clay doll of the Kyoto area. Fushimi dolls were originally sold as souvenirs to the pilgrims on the road of Fushimi Kaidou from Kyoto to Fushimi Inari Shrine in the early Edo period (1600-1868). When the hina dolls were still very limited to a few wealthy people in early 1900s, these clay dolls were for the regular people...

Yuki-boshi (snow hat) or yuki-kabuto (snow helmet) made of palm tree fiber and vegetable indigo dye cotton inside. It has washi painted with Paulownia oil for waterproof, between outside and cotton indigo lining. It is from Shonai region in Yamagata prefecture in Tohoku district. It is said it was worn by "matagi", a hunter. The second half of the 19th century. In good condition with belts inside are left, which is rather rare. 40cm x 57cm

Tsuto made of rice straw which is used for containing ceramic plates. It has a small wooden tag "12 plates". In old age, there was no plastic cushioning material so that rice straw was used much for it and for other crafts. In good condition and very few scraps which is usual for old crafts made of rice straw. The first half of the 20th century. Diameter:24cm, H:26cm

Iwai-Bandori which is a backpack pad for carrying household items on wedding, made in Shonai region in Yamagata prefecture in Tohoku. It is made of cotton rags. In good condition. The first half of the 20th century. L:110cm, W:28cm

One of a kind art deco Ca. 1935 wood stand for incense burner or object. Thick wood and old Negoro lacquer indicates even an older time period. Condition good with some age wear. see pictures. 12" high by 12" wide with a depth of 7". Very rare. Ask for shipping quote.

A fragment of washi with mending patches, whose ground paper as well as mending patches are kakishibu (persimmon tannin) dye for waterproof and sturdiness. It has several layers of old recycled washi. The original usage is not clear. Late 19th to early 20th century (Meiji). 40cm x 40cm

A fragment of washi with mending patches, groud paper as well as mending patches are kakishibu (persimmon tannin) dye for waterproof and sturdiness. It has several layers of used old washi. The original usage is not clear. Late 19th to early 20th century (Meiji). 40cm x 32cm

A pair of snow shoes made of rice straw which is from Tohoku district in Japan Sea side prefecture such as Yamagata or Akita. In excellent condition. 20th century. L:28cm, W:11cm, H:12cm

Rare hat made of rice straw and indigo dye cotton cloth which is hand-spun. It was worn by a hunter or a worker in the mountain. From Yamagata prefecture in Tohoku. Generally in good condition. The first half of the 20th century. L:52cm (indigo cloth 42cm ), W:32cm

A pair of goldfish lantern made of washi (handmade paper) and bamboo strips which is the origin of Nepta (or Nebuta) used at Nepta festival in Hirosaki city in Aomori prefecture. The goldfish lantern made of paper and bamboo strips were used till around 1980s, but now it is replaced to one made of vinyl and wire. In good condition except for some brownish spots in the white parts. Large one: H:35cm W:34cm, Small one: H24cm W20cm

A bag for backpack made of Miyama Kansuge, "hiroro" by dialect which is a group of carex. It is made in Aizu region in Fukushima prefecture. It has purple and dark indigo cotton cloth interknitted in the cord. 20th century. In excellent condition. 40cm x 39cm.

A bag made of rice straw. In good condition but some scraps of rice straw fall. The first half of the 20th century. W:39cm H:21cm Thickness:12cm

A bag for backpacking made of rice straw. It has indigo dyed hemp thread ornament. The cord is cotton. In excellent condition. The first half of the 20th century. W:41cm H:37.5cm Thickness:5cm

A sheet of "tatougami" made of recycled washi (Japanese handmade paper) used at a pawn shop. Hocked items were wrapped in this tatougami and kept. It is made of used washi with letters and kakishibu is painted for insect repellent and for moisture-resisting. The first half of the 20th century. In good condition but has one moth bite hole. 66cm x 66cm

Wood bowl (shikarinpah) with bird motif, made by Ainu craftsman in Hokkaido. All hand-carved and in excellent condition. 20th century. L:24cm W:10.5cm H:5cm

A unique Japanese kanban (shop sign) in the shaped of a pipe, with gilt kanji. It hangs from a length of iron chain. A very fun and attractive piece. Vintage age c1950 Size: 8" height (17.5" hanging) 26.5" length

Vintage Japanese conch shell horn, known as a horagai or a jinkai depending on its usage. The horagai has been used in Buddhist practice for over one thousand years. The jinkai was used as a battle signal by samurai trumpeters called kai yaku. The shell has a bronze mouthpiece and decorative purple tassles. Early 20th century Size: 6" height, 16.5" length,

Lovely Japanese Hira Taiko Drum, made from a light hardwood, and hung from a Hiratsuri stand. The drum has iron studding to keep its drum skins in place and gold kanji/kana on a black metal strip, with a gold taiko logo for Maru Masa. A drumstick is included which hangs off a hook from the Hiratsuri stand. Makes a lovely drum sound as it is intact and in good condition. Taisho/early Showa period (c1930) Size: 33" High x 34 1/2" Wide

Large Japanese Gigaku demon mask, covered with red, gold, and black lacquer. The colors gold and red are associated with the underworld, especially when apparent in a demon's eyes. This mask sports long fangs, a stubby ridged nose, and furrowed brow. The inside of the mask has rice paper with kanji signature of the sculpting artist. Dates from the Tiasho age c1920. Size: 17.25" height, 13" width

Ainu carved wooden doll of woman in traditional Ainu dress. H.12.25"(31cm) x W.4"(10cm.) Finely sculpted features show elements of Ainu traditional apparel & appearance; mouth tattoo, head band and kimono with traditional patterns, and large beaded necklace.

Paper mache Daruma Dolls from Tamashima district of Kurashiki in Okayama Prefecture by Ono Ichi, ca. 1972. Pair or single, smaller (FI-8b): H. 4.875"(12.2cm) x W.3.5"(9cm.); larger (FI-8a): H.5.25"(13.25cm) x W.3.375"(8.5cm.) Painted paper mache. These dolls were made in 11 sizes ranging from 11 - 45cm. The small one here is the second smallest size made, known as "9-go", and the larger is an "8-go" size...

Takamatsu Yomeiri Ningyo; Clay Bridal Trousseau Dolls from Takamatsu, Kagawa Prefecture, Shikoku Island. Set of 5 depicting auspicious images: Happy Couple, Dog, Rabbit, Ebisu with Tai (Sea Bream,) Dog with Tai. H. .75" to 1.125" (2cm-2.75cm) x W. .875" to 1.375" (2.25cm - 3.5cm;) painted clay, ca. 1972. Condition notes: .75cm paint chip on back of Ebisu, paint chipped away on fish of Dog with Tai figure. Others all in excellent condition...

Akebi Hato Guruma, Vine Pigeon on Wheels; Nozawa, Nagano Prefecture...

Kubi Furi Tora; Bobbing Head Paper Mache Tiger from Nishi-Oodera, Okayama Prefecture. H.6.5"(16.5cm) x L.6.25"(16cm) x W.2"(5cm.) Painted paper mache, ca. early 1970's. Excellent condition WITH ORIGINAL BOX. Paper mache folk crafts were popular in Nishi-Oodera since the mid-late Edo Period (1600-1868.) This particular style of tiger with high hip, curled tail, heavy black stripes, and fierce countenace has been produced since about 1897. This tiger image has been sold in the Inland Sea region as...

Hirosaki Hato Bue, Clay Pigeon Whistle from Hirosaki, Aomori Prefecture. Painted clay; L.6"(15cm) x H.4"(10cm) x 2.5"(6.5cm.)ca. 1970's. Condition very good, small paint chip on left eye (see enlargement #3.) The hato bue has been a popular folk toy of Aomori, and other regions of Japan, since the Edo Period (1600-1868.) In particular, it is said that the fuedal lord of the Hirosaki district allowed local roof tile- making potters to use the fuedal kilns to make additional functional wares and f...

Tsuchi Ningyo, Clay Doll. Kintaro with Giant Carp. ca. early 1900's. H.4.25"(11cm) x W.3.375"(8.5cm.) Signed on bottom "Yano." Body is 100% intact and in good condition, but most of the paint has flaked off of the fish. The origins of this doll are unknown, as clay dolls were produced all over Japan since the early Edo period (1600-1868.) Most were influenced by the Fushimi Dolls made in Kyoto, and large production was even made in the far Northeast of the Tohoku region (such as Tsutsumi, Miyagi...

Matsue Hariko Koma, paper mache horse from Matsue, Shimane Prefecture. H.3.25"(8.5cm) x L.3"(7.5cm) x W.1"(2.5cm). Ca. early 1970's, made by H. Kimura. Painted paper, straw tail. Matsue paper mache dates back to the Edo Period (1600-1868) and has a wonderful robust charm. The horse, in this rural area, is a symbol of good harvest. Matsue is known in the West as the long-time Japanese home of writer Lafcadio Hearn (1850-1904.)

Matsue Hariko Tawara Ushi, Paper Mache Ox Carrying Rice Bales from Matsue, Shimane Prefecture. Ca. early 1970's. Made by H. Kimura. L.3.375"(8.5cm) x H.2"(5cm) x W.2.375"(6cm.) Matsue paper mache dates back to the Edo Period (1600-1868) and has a robust charm. In this rural area, the Ox signifies a good harvest. Matsue is known in the West as the long-time Japanese home of writer Lafcadio Hearn (1850-1904.)

9.5 feet long hand-painted Japanese carp banner (Koi-nobori) for Boy's Day. Here on this banner, a mighty little boy named Kintaro, is hitching a ride on a carp. Kintaro may be a creation from a theater play (jyoruri and kabuki) of the Edo period – although he is said to be a childhood figure of the 10th century samurai, Sakata no Kinsuke - he is extremely strong and still a popular hero figure for Japanese boys. Kintaro (Kinta) figures are often seen carrying an ax, wrestling with bea...

Kokeshi, folk toy of NE Japan. Wood, Height 9.5". This is an example of the unique Nambu-kei kokeshi from Iwate Prefecture. Of the Tohoku (NorthEast) Region where all "dentou" (traditional) kokeshi originate, Iwate may have the fewest number of craftsmen and localized traditions. Unique among these is the unpainted Nambu-kei kokeshi shown here. I have seen these mistakenly advertised on the internet as "blanks", but this particular style within the Nambu-kei classification of kokeshi is puposefu...