Catalog: Antiques: Regional Art (247)

A Japanese Samurai doll (ningyo) with the look of a Daimyo: feudal lord in the Edo period (1603-1868). The Kamishimo with long hakama trousers were only worn for special occasions in the Edo castle. The samurai's blue top kimono is made out of a wash paper (a liner to his original kimono). There is a beautiful patina on his face which is covered with a gofun mixture from the time...

Antique uchishiki, Japanese alter cloth, embroidered on silk satin with Chinese theme, “The Seven Sages of the Bamboo Grove”. Probably from late 18th to mid 19th century. 26 3/8" x 25" (67cm x 63 1/2cm).

Condition: This is a beautiful antique textile even with some obvious damage and wear, still solid with a thick cotton backing. The wear is seen particularly on both ends of the design. This quality of needle work is seldom seen.

Antique Japanese maiwai, katazome stencil dye on cotton, padded and in excellent condition, 51"(4'2") x 51", circa Meiji (1868-1912) to Taisho period (1912-1926). This maiwai is old but has been well maintained, pretty clean condition without any odor. One damaged area (did not go through to the liner) was repaired with very small stitches (photo #9). The photo #10 shows the area before it was repaired with stitches and filled with red color...

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”

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

Very large doll for this kind...

This is an old mitsuore ningyo (triple jointed doll) from the Meiji period (1868-1912) or possibly earlier (late Edo period). The body of this doll was made with the Ikkanbari method. In this method, layers of washi (Japanese paper) were glued (lacquered) together over a wooden mold to form the shape of the body parts. It was then coated with layers of gofun, the mixture of ground oyster shells and animal glue...

Old silk kesa, an outer garment worn by Japanese Buddhist priests. Kesas were originally made from old scraps of material donated to the temples. The scraps became finer and quite luxious with time. People who gave to Buddhist institutions were often keen to give very expensive items, so some fabulous kesas were created from wonderful silk brocades. This could also mean that the wealthier temples ended up collecting better fabrics or were able to send out for expensive custom made kesas...

Elegant silver hairpin with gilded bird, possibly a nightingale on the branch of a plum tree. The plum blossoms are made out of small corals. 7 and 7/8” long, Meiji/Taisho.

A Chinese carved cinnabar lacquer vase (converted into a lamp) decorated with four shaped panels of scholars on a mountainous landscape, the background with scrolling floral borders and motifs. The quality of the carving is one of the best from its period (probably late 19th century) and is in excellent condition – some chips and minor hair lines. It was converted into a lamp sometime later. It works perfectly as a lamp, although there is one area taped (with black tape) on the cord...

Kesa was originally made from old scraps of material donated to the priests. The scraps became finer and quite luxious in time. People who gave to Buddhist institutions were often keen to give very expensive items, so some fabulous kesas were created from wonderful silk brocades. This also could mean that the wealthier temples end up collecting the better fabrics or are able to send out for the expensive custom made kesas...

Beautiful Meiji(1868-1912) Japanese hina ningyo (dolls), 20 inch empress doll and 17 inch emperor doll. The Hina Festival in Japan takes place every March 3rd. It is a day of celebration for the well being of every girl in the family. In earlier days, people were more susceptible to natural disasters or diseases, and in order to keep evil spirits away, this day was spent giving offerings to God...

Japanese samurai dolls, Yoroi and Kabuto (armor and helmet), swords, nobori and carps banner are all a part of the display used for the Boy's Day in Japan. The quality set like this will give a wonderful, rich flavor as a decoration to your home all year around. There is no Maruhei label label on the box but we are pretty sure that this was made by the Maruhei in Kyoto. The similar set that we had seen had the Maruhei label that indicates the set was made in early Taisho period (1912-1926)...

Beautiful Japanese Bonbori lanterns for hina dolls. Hand painted on silk and it is indeed one of a kind. The bonboris are placed on each side of the Emperor and Empress hina dolls during the Hina Matsuri Festival, Girl's Day, in March...