Catalog: Antiques: Regional Art (75)

Artist: Utagawa Kunisada [Toyokuni III] (1786-1864). Subject: Yakusha-e, Kabuki actor print; Ichikawa Ichizou III as “Shibahisa?” Signature: “Toyokuni ga” in red toshidama cartouche. Censor Seal: “aratame” (examined), year of the cock (1861) 10th month. Publisher: Ebi-ya Rinnosuke; address: horie-cho, ebi bayashi. Date: 1861. Format: oban tate-e, H.14.5 x W.9.675". Condition: Good colors and impression, no album backing, minor back repairs to small tears on upper right corner ...

A storehouse (kura) lantern(andon) from late 19th century Japan, made of wooden base, and metal wire body, and hanging hook. Interior paper is a later addition. I have found a long Japanese medicine bottle that fits perfectly inside the lantern, making it suitable for flower arranging. H.17cm(6.7") x Dia.8cm(3").

Japanese Candle Stand, shokudai, made of lacquered wood. H.43cm(17") x Base Diameter 10cm(4"). Mid-late 19th century.Will include 2 "warosoku" (Japanese tapered candles with hole in base.)

Early 20th C...

Roof tile with a "tomoe-mon", a crest of circular repeating commas in a whirlpool pattern. Fired clay, 19th century. Diameter: 4", Width: 3/4". The round tiles such as this line the bottom roof line, above the eaves. Commonly, the crest of the family or temple was depicted on these tiles. Historically, a center of roof tile production was the town of Ogi, in west-central Japan.

Artist: Utagawa Kuniyoshi (1797-1861). Subject: Yakusha-e (kabuki actor print), Iwai Tojaku (1776-1847) as Osode. Signature: ichiyuusai Kuniyoshi-ga. Publisher: Joushuu-ya Kinzou. Date: ca...

Artist: Tsukioka Yoshitoshi, 1839-1892. Title: The Moon of Ogurusu in Yamashiro (yamashiro ogurusu no tsuki). Series: One Hundred Aspects of the Moon (tsuki hyaku shi). Signature: Yoshitoshi. Artist's Seal: Taiso. Engraver's Seal: Enkatsu. Publisher: Akiyama Buemon. Date: Meiji 19 (1886), 2nd month, 1st day. Format: oban tate-e, (Image) H.13 x W.8.875". Condition: Very good colors and impression...

Waraji (straw sandal) Gata (mold). This mold was used to make the straw sandals worn by farmers. It is of solid carved wood. L. 50cm(19.75") x H.9cm(3.5") x W.9cm(3.5"). Acquired in Yamagata Prefecture in NE Japan (Tohoku), this piece exhibits the wonderful folk qualities of the region. Hung vertically, the "shelf" portion of the mold can hold a small flower vase, creating a lovely "wabi" arrangement for the tokonoma.

Large Itomaki, spool, for weaving. Wood with 6 arms. Late Meiji Era (1868-1912.) H.39cm(15.5") x Square Base of 37cm(14.5"). Good condition, has been cleaned and oiled.

Wooden saddle, "kura" made of wood and iron fittings. Meiji Era (1868-1912,) but the top board is a later addition. This flat board makes it ideal for display items, especially for flowers. H. 44cm(17.25") x W.68cm(26.75") x D. 32cm(12.5").

Jizo is one of the most beloved Buddhist Boddhisatva in Japan as a guardian of children and travellers. Sado Island in Niigata Prefecture was once ringed with Jizo statues, and its granite quarries made it a center of religious statue production and sales. This Jizo holds his hands in front of his chest in prayer, or in the traditional Indian greeting of "namaste." His face is well worn from the elements and time, but a faint smile seems to grace his lips. H.25cm(10") x W.13cm(5").

Jizo is of one of the most beloved of Buddhist Boddhisatvas in Japan as a guardian of children and travellers. Sado Island in Niigata Prefecture was once ringed with Jizo statues, and the granite there made it a center of religious sculpture production and sales. This Jizo hails from Sado and holds a lotus leaf in his right hand and a "tama" or Buddhist ball of wisdom in his left. His face is well worn from the elements and time. H.24cm(10") x W.17cm(6.75").

Onigawara, Roof Tile End Caps, of fired clay with motifs of Daikoku's Hammer and Tama, the Buddhist Jewel of Wisdom. H. 37cm(14.5") x W.56cm(22"0 x D.11cm(4.5"). Excellent condition from Meiji Era. The region of Ogi in west-central Japan was a well-known center of roof tile prodcution, and continues this trade today.

This folk weaving loom for straw mats, ropes, and the like, was a common feature in rural Japanese homes. Made of heavy keyaki wood frame and base, this "mushirobata oriki" also has a roughly hewn top crosspiece with a natural curve. H. 131cm(51.5") x W. 147cm(58") x D.(base) 46cm(18"). Late Edo to Early Meiji Era.

Indigo dyed cotton wrapping cloth, furoshiki, from late Meiji Era. The family crest stencil dyed (katazome) into the corner is "anzu-botan" (apricot-peony). L.133cm (52.25") x W.130cm (51").

The Ainu of northern Japan produced their own clothing throughout history with a variety of materials such as elm bark fibers and animal skins/furs. In later years, contact with the Japanese included trade for textiles such as indigo dyed cotton. This Meiji Era robe has a base of aizome cotton with cut-out applique in a garment known as "kapara amip" in the Ainu language, or lightweight robe...

Sakiori, or "rag weave", was a necessity of many common people in old Japan, especially those of the NE Japan (Tohoku region) which was known for its harsh climate and living conditions. This item is a late Meiji piece from the region showing wonderful color combination, and sporting a few repair patches from its long life. L.144cm(56.5") x W.34cm(13.5").

Furoshiki, wrapping cloth, of indigo dyed (aizome) cotton. Two corners display a "kiri" (paulownia) crest, and there is karakusa scrolling around the entire border, stenciled dyed (katazome.) Ca. late Meiji Era (1868-1912). L.142cm (56") x W.132cm (52").