Catalog: Antiques: Regional Art: Asian (241)

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...

Nobori banners, samurai Yoroi and Kabuto helmets, carps, musha ningyo (warrior doll) were all a part of the display used for Boy's Day (renamed to Children's Day) on May 5th in Japan. They reflect the parents’ wish to inspire their sons in manliness, discipline, bravery and the honor codes that are associated with them.

This is an old Japanese nobori banner with Hideyoshi (Toyotomi), retainers, and a streamer in the background...

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...

Two characters on this Japanese banner are Yoshitsune (Minamoto family) and Noritsune (Taira family). It was towards end of the Genpei War (1180-1185), Yoshitsune (Minamoto family) flying high on the top escaping the attack of Noritsune (Taira family). Yoshitsune was said to hopped eight boats at this scene...

A Japanese silver kanzashi (hair pin) with pierced and engraved circular design of peacock, original box with printed seals, Taisho period. Length 6 9/16", 1 1/12" in diameter.

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"

Old rodan and gotoku for Japanese tea room, heavy item made with beautiful craftmanship from the Meiji period (1868-1912). The rodan is placed in the cut out hole of the tea room. Inside the rodan, the gotoku stand is placed (shown upside down in our photos) in ash for kama or kettle.

The dimensions of copper rodan: 16"w x 16"w at the top (the rim is 2.5" wide) and 10" in heigth. The bottom is 11 1/2" x 11 1/2". Old iron stand, gotoku is , 9 3/4" across and 6 inches tall.

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.

Japanese twin pronged kanzashi with an agate ball. Late Meiji/Taisho period. Kanzashi is 6" long and the diameter of the ball is 3/4".

In the old days of Japan, agate was treasured as one of the sacred treasures. The Seven Sacred Treasures of Japan (Shippo), which originally came from the Buddhist surta, are gold, silver, ruri (lapis lazuli - blue stone with purple tint), shako (sea shell), agate, pearl, and maie (sea shell)...

Beautiful Japanese ginbari cloisonne vase. At 9 1/2", this is an unusually large and desirable example among the same group. It probably dates from the Meiji period (1868-1912) when the art of Japanese cloisonné enamels reached its highest point. Technological improvements enabled artists to create wonderful examples, including one of the most desirable techniques called "ginbari" (silver foil foundation) shippo as you see it here...

Large silver geisha kanzashi (hair pin) with a family crest of three Kikyo (bellflower) blossoms within the kikko (tortoiseshell) hexagonal frame. Unique kanzashi for an elaborate hairdo. This kanzashi looks better than the photos shown. 9" long, late Meiji/Taisho period...

A pair of Japanese lacquered iron abumi (stirrups) decorated with gold lacquer on a roiro ground with dragonflies (some with aogai inlay) within scrolling leaf background, the interior in red lacquer, different necks, some chips, cracks (on red) and retouching. Edo period (17th/18th century). 11 1/2" high, 4 3/4" wide, 12 3/4" long.

Japanese antique gift cover, fukusa, with the design of the Seven Gods of Good Fortune (Shichi Fuku Jin), tsuzure-ri tapestry weave with wide borders (1 3/4"). The liner is made of chirimen crepe silk, Meiji period (1868-1912), 26 1/4" W x 29 1/2"L

This is a beautiful fukusa even with obvious stains. It shows the quality and professional workmanship everywhere. This fukusa is woven in tsuzure-ori...

A pair of Japanese lacquered iron abumi (stirrups) decorated in gold lacquer on a roiro ground with Ni-o, also known as Kongo Rikishi with delicate scrolling background, the interior in red lacquer. Edo period (probably 17th century). 11 1/8" high, 4 3/4" wide, 12" long.

A pair of Japanese lacquered iron abumi (stirrups) decorated with gold lacquer on a roiro ground. It has butterfly family crests (mon) in the center of a scrolling leaf and flower border, the interior in red lacquer.

The butterfly design was a favorite among the aristocrats and was seen in their belongings, ox-carts and attire during the Heian period (794-1192). They were also seen in armor of the Heike (Taira family) before power was shifted to the Genji (Minamoto family) samurai...

Beautiful old Japanese woven silk uchikake gown in new condition. The size of this gown is small (much shorter) and light in weight. We are not sure how gowns in this style were worn but our humble guess would be that they were either made into jackets for upper class women (style is similar to kosode from late Edo period), Noh custumes or wedding gowns (though the sleeves are short)...

During the Edo Period, there was a time when puppet play became the most popular form of entertainment among the common people. At one time, they were so popular that Kabuki actors even began mimicking the movement of the puppets.

The era of Ningyo Joruri (puppet play later called Bunraku) began in 1684 when Takemoto Gidayu, a narrator, opened a theater in Dotonbori. He was joined by Chikamatsu Monzaemon, the genius playwright who was often called "the Shakespeare of Japan."

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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...