Catalog: Antiques: Regional Art (247)

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.

Japanese samurai dolls are part of the display used for Boy’s Day on every 5th of May in Japan. The dolls are figures of historical heroes or legendary people to inspire the boys of the family (probably husbands are also included today) with their manliness and hopefully discipline and bravery to go along with them. Samurai’s Yoroi armor, Kabuto helmet with swords, bow with arrows are popular items chosen today for the day.

This is a large, very impressive musha ningyo (warrior doll)...

This quilt is made out of an old Japanese nobori banner probably from the Meiji period (1868-1912). The upper part of the banner, where the family crest (Mon) is dyed, was used for the border and two figures were sewn together side by side. The brown fabrics on each side of the design are the reverse side of an old obi sash. All hand-sewn except for the straight line where the panels were put together...

A Chinese informal robe with mandarin collar, decorated using couched silver threads, with auspicious symbols of baskets with flowers, double eternal knots, scattered fruit and flowers and a central floral roundel above stylized waves and water, all on a dark blue silk ground (near black); lighter blue lining. Circa 1900 - 1920.

Please see Trocadero#38274 for details.

Many stories were written about the rising power of the samurai class in late 12th century Japan. Kanjincho, the Kabuki adaptation of the Noh play, Ataka, was first performed at the end of the Edo period in 1840. The costume and hat of this doll tell us that this is Togashi, a chief officer at Ataka inspection barrier in the Kabuki play, “Kanjincho”...

This is an old silk satin obi in maru obi style (design runs on both sides from one end to the other). This obi was probably made from a uchikake gown. It is very soft and feather light with soft padding inside. The padding is wrapped with floss silk inside to keep the soft material and padding intact - you need many years of experience...

Antique Japanese silver and gilt Kanzashi; a hairpin with a humorous design of an old lock placed on "kinchuku", a moneybag, with coral beads. With a clear message, it will be a great gift to someone special. Length 7". Meiji period (1868-1912).

Japanese makie lacquer sake wine Dishes with an auspicous design of Sho-Chiku-Bai (pines,plums & bumboos). This design is a happy ceremonial symbol for the gold taka-makie (raised design) designs with kirigane (small gold leaf squares) on brownish red (with purple tone) lacquer. Each piece is very thin and light and in new condition. There is no wear to the gold and lacquer except one small repair on one dish. This type of set is often used as a set of three...

This is a beautiful example of an old Kyoto Yuzen dyeing. In this kimono, you can see the white lines around the designs, the very characteristic of Yuzen dye. This is where the rice paste is used to resist the dye and is later washed off. The dye on the silk bleeds. By outlining or covering the design area with the paste, the dye artists can work with the design more freely in detail than in the older pre-Yuzen method, which simply uses dip dying and/or embroidery...

This is an old Japanese silk purse, or a tissue holder in a wallet style with a silver clasp. It is truly a beautiful piece. The detail photos show the intricate weaving pattern, Sagara embroidery (Peking, French knot) and deep color of genuine gold. The light reflects on the silk in such a beautiful way. They bounce between the delicate indentions that were created from the weaving pattern...

Beautiful Japanese kesa made from a very high quality silk brocade. The work shown on this kesa is truly amazing. The gold picks up light easily and when it does, it changes the whole kesa to a golden color. The decoration is an auspicious floral design of hosoge (ancient imaginary flowers said to bloom in heaven) and karakusa...

A fine embroidered purse, probably made to hold tissues at a tea ceremony. The exterior is embroidered with Sagara embroidery (Peking knot), and has a sarasa design of stylized butterflies, birds and flowers. The sarasa (Indian Chintz), first came to Japan through the Nanban trading in the late 16th century and was tremendously favored by the tea masters and some daimyo (regional lords) during the Edo period...

Japanese folk art, farmer's clay doll: 13"h x 13 1/2"

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). By the end of 19th century, these dolls were made all over Japan...

This is a representation of Shotoku taishi (574 A.D.-622 A.D.), the young princely protector of Buddhism in Japan. At the age of twenty, he reorganized Japan by promoting Chinese Confucian and Buddhist principles. His well known "Constitution with 17 Articles" was the first written law of Japan. The articles begin by emphasizing the importance of harmony, which is still the foundation of the Japanese culture. The figure is from the Kutani kilns, 7 inches tall

Antique Tansu cover (yutan) with a family crest of crane. There are few Yutans left in original shape like this one. The fabric is a loosely hand woven cotton and is made to fit over the tansu (cabinet), the size of 40" by 18". This cover can be dissembled into a flat cloth of 27 inches by 118 inches. The condition of the fabric appears to be in new condition with two holes between the 72" to 74" location. The color is uneven in some area; small areas show blue than green, some uneven co...

The Tachi bina is an older form of Japanese Hina dolls from the early Edo period(1603-1827). The earlier Tachi bina were not made to stand up, instead they were made to lay down or lean on the display. The faces of this set appear to be old with a beautiful sparkle on white gofun crashed/ground oyster shell, Kyoho-bina from mid Edo period. The silk brocade has washi paper backing (with washi hand made Japanese paper). The hair of empress doll is original but very brittle and almost all det...

The pine, bamboo and plum blossoms are all auspicious motifs found in nature. The evergreen pine symbolizes the strength and devotion of men; plum blossoms are the purity, subtle beauty and inner strength of women. Bamboos are often used to describe the personality of men and women; for example, a person being as straight (honest) as bamboo, it could also mean flexible (bendable) to a large extent. When pine (matsu, SHO), bamboo (take, CHIKU) and plum blossoms (ume, BAI) are put together, they a...

Japanese silver mounted Satsuma buckle painted with a traditional pavilion besides the water's edge with mountains in the distance, Meiji period, circa 1910. The painting on Satsuma is very delicate and condition excellent. All obijime are new condition. 1 5/8" x 2 3/16" x 3/16" thick (4.3cm x 5.5cm x 0.7cm)

This is one half side of a pair that can be used as an accent piece (necklace, belt, etc). We added a decorative string, obijime (a tie for Japanese obi) to make this into a soft...

Old Japanese teppo (pistol) style candle holders which appear to be made from old pieces. Each piece is 21 inches long and quite heavy. These will probably work well along the wall of a country style room.

Large Japanese Imari charger, 18 3/8” in diameter, with vibrant enameling and excellent facial expressions. The subject matter is 'The Seven Sages of Bamboo Grove'. One hairline at the bottom rim and crazing on the rim. Meiji Period (1868-1912).

Beautiful Uchikake (formal gown worn over a kosode kimono by the wealthy women of the Edo period) with a pair of peacocks and peonies, "the flowers of riches and honors". I am not sure how this gown was worn- with a loose belt or no belt, with the hem up or down? The gorgeous gowns that I have seen in photos (Mitsui Collection?) were maternity gowns for the Mitsui princess in the late Edo to Meiji period. Their maternity gowns had a skinny belt attached in the back. This gown has a skin...

This unique antique Japanese vase with four handles has a creamy grayish colored body with crackles and numerous pinholes. A couple of crackles are missing (shown in the photo) at the foot. It is 11 1/2 inches tall, circa early 1900s.

A Japanese tobacco pouch, ojime and pipe case (kiseruzutsu) - a leather pouch with an impressed name/hallmark of a famous sake on the inside of the flap with a gilt bronze clasp of a Chinese man and go (Japanese chess, originally Chinese) table. The ojime is a Bizen type pottery bead modeled as a two headed karako (Chinese boy), lucky god Ebisu or Daikoku. The kiseruzutsu (pipe case) has a hand chiseled textured design on the exterior of an unknown material. Tobacco pouch, 3” x 5”, ki...

A woven antique Japanese men's wallet decorated with geometric design created with brocaded silk ribbon. Inside, hand stitched with Sashiko stitches on silk. The shakudo clasp is tomo-e shaped and inlaid with copper and silver. Silvered metal (brass?) netsuke in the shape of a tongue cut sparrow attached with three colored metal chain. Circa, early 1900s (Taisho period). Dimensions: 5 1/4" x 3 1/8"

A fine silver kiseru (kizeru) pipe with natural bamboo body, the ends finely engraved with a dragon and tiger in the bamboo grove. The color of the central bamboo section is dark (almost black) with purple tint. The eye (eyes) is inlaid with gold (very small though). Circa 1900. 7 1/4” (18.8cm)

This doll is modeled after Kanpei, a samurai from the “Chushingura (Kanadehon).”, the story of 47 samurai who took revenge for their lord was shamed in public and forced to commit seppuku (suicide). It is based on the true story that occurred in 1701. Kanpei is portrayed as a handsome playboy who was deeply occupied with his girlfriend, Okaru, at the time of emergency for his lord. Deeply shamed, he waits to join a group for revenge while making a living by hunting in Okaru’s father’s...

Beautiful Kyoto Nishijin silk obi, decorated with flowers, ribbons and mirrors. Gold is genuine and used in two different methods; strips of gilt paper (machine cut) and gold leaf wrapped around the silk threads. Some gold leaf are natually missing from the strips of paper - this did not show up in most photos (see enlargement photo). This obi looks older (clean) than shown in the photos. Circa 1920-1940. Dimensions: 12 3/4" x 170"

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)...

During the Edo period, the women of the Samurai class carried a pouch in their chest area (right above the obi belt) when they were dressed up in formal kimonos. The pouch was folded into a skinnier shape and accented with a nice tie. Carried inside were the beni ita (today's lipstick), a mirror, tissues, kanzashi, coins, etc. The chains were added to the kanzashi (hair ornament) sometime later. The shape of the pouches became similar to a box and some were made fancier by adding embroide...

Beautiful Japanese tama (ball) kanzashi with a pink agate ball above a twin pronged gilt mixed metal pin in the original box with a seal. Taisho period. Length 6 3/4"

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.

This is an uchikake robe (outer kimono gown) probably used as Kabuki stage costume. The bottom and the openings of sleeves are thickly padded with cotton stuffing. The design is large paulownia leaves and flowers. The exterior and liner are both thick cotton. This robe is old, and a little soiled but the fabrics still have not lost it’s strength. It is an attractive display piece. One small tear (hole) in red liner in the back, some broken couching stitches.

48” (1.22m) wide...

Old Japanese Biidoro (vidro, Portuguese) kanzashi made out of glass. Glass making was introduced to the Japanese by the Portuguese in the16th century and there has been glass manufacturers in Japan ever since that date. It was particularly popular in Japan during the 19th century. The style of this kanzashi is called tama (ball) kanzashi. The ball is 3/4" (in diameter) natural coral. It is rare to find a glass Kanzashi in this condition. The kanzashi is 7 7/8" long. Meiji period (1868-1912)...

Japanese Kesa, Buddhist Priests' Robe, soft brocades with silk liner. The liner has some discoloration and is soiled. 46" x 77 1/2"

This is an old silk fukusa from Meiji period (1868-1912). This type of fukusa is a covering placed over a gift at the time of a gift-giving ceremony. Lined with a deep red crepe silk, this fukusa is almost in perfect condition.

Pine trees are considered as sacred in Japan. Here, an ancient pine tree is mostly done with the gold couching, overlaying of threads (wrapped in gold) rather than going in and out of the base fabric. The color of gold is particularly pretty here contructing to t...

A Japanese Kutani plate with flat base and short rim, finely painted with a pair of sparrows on a red leafed maple branch, the reverse marked "Kutani". Late Meiji/Taisho period, early 1900s.

Dimensions: Approx. 12" (30.4cm) in diameter, 3/4" (2cm) deep.

This is a humorous Japanese sake cup. The drinker would find that he has drunk from the face of Okame while others would see the other side of the cup with oni's (ogre) face and would have a laugh. All typical Japanese humor from the Meiji Period (1868-1912). 2 3/4 inches in diameter and 1 inch tall (slightly less) at the horn and jaw.

Beautiful antique Kanzashi, Kogai Japanese hair pin with gold maki-e on tortoiseshell with identical design on both sides, 5 1/4 inches long.

An elaborate Japanese coral, silver, and gilt kanzashi (hair pin) formed as a peony spray with butterfly shaped pendants hanging from silver chains. The body is made out of stronger mixed metal, Meiji/Taisho period. Kanzashi 8" long, chains 3 1/4" long.

An elaborate Japanese coral, silver, and gilt kanzashi (hair pin) formed as a peony spray with butterly shaped pendants hanging from silver chains. The body is made out of stronger mixed metal, Meiji/Taisho period. Kanzashi 8" long, chains 3 1/4" long.

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)

A set of 10 lidded Hirado Japanese porcelain bowls decorated in underglaze blue with mountain landscape on one half and prunus on the other. The interior has a central floral roundel and wave design on the rim. Each marked Hirado, Kasho. The tomobako (original box), inscribed "Hizen Hirado yaki", Kodai (ancient), Prunus, Sansui ga (oriental style painting of mountains and water). Late Meiji/Taisho period, early 1900s.

This mark (signature) is illustrated in "Hirado: Prince of Porcelains" ...

When you tap this Mokugyo (wooden fish) with your hand, it has a deep, hollow sound. It sounds really good. Approx. 9 ½” long x 9 3/4” wide x 8” high (24.5cm long x 25cm wide x 20cm high)

A Japanese silk oohi (Buddhist priest's ritual shoulder covering), deep salmon pink brocade silk with an overall design of overlapping fan shaped panels and snowflakes interspersed with daisies and Chinese bell flowers, etc; internal corners with Japanese symbols on a white ground. The ties and liner are green silk. Meiji period. Dimensions - 12 1/2" x 58 1/2".

Marked “Hichozan” and “made by Maru(circle mark) hei”. Hichozan was a large organization located in Kyushu, the southern island of Japan. The organization did not make any porcelain itself but had large workshops decorating blanks from other factories. Most of the blanks were made at Mikawachi where the Hirado kilns were located. They also ordered underglaze decorated wares that they could supply to their clients. These bowls fall into that category and were made for Hichozan, by the H...

Japanese silk obi, Nagoya style, dyed with the design of Chinese Empress and court attendants in the bamboo grove. It appears that this was converted to current Nagoya style obi (from kimono?). The design of this obi is unique. The wide and narrow area of this obi has different designs on both sides and all seams appear clean. By taking one side of the seam apart, you have a large fabric to work with (double in size with one seam in the center). Making into a tapestry, wall hanging on c...

The Nobori banners for Boy's Day in Japan are very eye-catching. It may be rare to see them actually used today but many that we have left feature colorful drawings of Samurai warriors, heroes from the past, or characters or animals from the stories.

The word NOBORU is to climb as in to climb up, amount to someone worthy or it could simply mean something visibly towering high in the battle field. The designs of earlier Nobori banners were much simpler; they were used to identify thei...

Hand-woven Kasuri ramie (high quality hemp) taken from a man’s kimono with a pattern of small arrows. This type of kasuri fabric was not for common people. It was too expensive so it was only worn by wealthy merchants or the samurai class. 3 1/3" cut in the middle, 1 to 2 small hole. Meiji period (1868-1912). 13 1/8” x 111 1/4”

Thick antique cotton futon fabric, Aizome Japanese indigo dye and the design is drawn in Tsutsugaki paste regist. Color Loss. 49" wide x 61" long.

This is an old Japanese silk obi. The style of the obi is called Chu-ya (day and night) obi – it’s made with two different fabrics sewn together. As the name suggests, two sides of the obi can be worn for totally different social functions. Both sides are absolutely beautiful on this obi.

The front side of this obi is subtle but quite tasteful. As for the black side, it is ‘Nyogen’ silk fabric from China; there are two characters, ‘nyo gen’ and their distinctive red logo (p...

Beautiful Japanese antique Imari charger, circa Meiji period (1868-1912).
Dimensions: 14 1/4 inches in diameter x 2 1/2 inches deep

Antique Japanese men’s silk juban, an undergarment worn under a kimono. The dimensions: 51 ½” across and 53” from shoulder to bottom hem.

Japanese silver pipe with brown bamboo body, the mouthpiece with design of engraved bamboo. Length: 7 1/2" Circa 1900, Meiji period.

This is a "kataginu" (shoulder cloth), only the upper vest of kamishimo without trousers. Kami-shimo simply means top and bottom in Japanese. It was a high ranking samurai's formal attire when they attended official meetings at the Edo castle. It was worn over a kosode (kimono with small sleeves) with trousers. The shoulders are arch shaped and this was the style that developed in the late Edo period (1603-1868). Longer trousers (approx. 1.5 times longer) were chosen for special occasions. The s...

Japanese antique nobori banner, hand painted on cotton, a tiger in bamboo grove. The style of the painting is derived from ancient Korean paintings of tigers. It is a style that became popular in Japan from the 16th century and you will see many screens and scrolls of tigers painted in this manner. The popularity of these paintings in this style continued throughout the Edo period(1608-1868) and into the Meiji era. The quality of the artwork tells us that this nobori is likely to have been done ...

There is no visible image of god in Japan's oldest religion, “Shinto”. People look for the image of gods in their daily surroundings and found the divine spirits to dwell in pine trees. For this reason, pine trees are considered sacred and many wonderful artworks of pine trees were created. Cranes are said to live one thousand years. They are considered auspicious as their distinctive high pitched voices can reach to the heaven. Pine trees and cranes symbolize longevity and a harmonious...

A woven square taken from the front of a Chinese Emperor's robe with a front facing dragon in couched gold and a constellation symbol. Yellow (or apricot yellow) robes could only be worn by the Emperor or Empress. The color has faded and changed to this current tan color. Each Emperor's robe had twelve symbols of Imperial Authority embroidered on it in specific places. We can see "The Constellation" which represents the handles of Ursa Major, the Big Dipper, just above the dragon's head. (...

This is “kataginu” (shoulder cloth), only the upper vest of kamishimo without a trouser. Kami-shimo simply means top and bottom in Japanese. It was a high ranking samurai’s formal attire when they attended official meetings at the Edo castle. It was worn over kosode (kimono with small sleeves) with trousers. The shoulders are arch shaped and this was the style that developed in the late Edo period (1603-1868). Longer trousers (approx. 1.5 times longer) were chosen for special occa...

I thik this is Japanese (?) candlesticks dated from the Meiji period (1863 - 1912). Some holes. The biggest one is shown in the enlargement #7. These are generally caused by too much dampness in Japan. 17 1/2" high.