Catalog: Antiques: Regional Art: Asian (241)

Antique Japanese fukusa (gift cover), Yuzen-zome (paste regist dye) on silk kabe-ori (coarse crepe silk), early 1900s.

For a man to be a well balanced nobleman, there were requirements to be filled. 'Kin Ki Sho Ga', the four accomplishments of gentlemen, were chosen at an early time in China, practicing Kin (koto, music instrument), ki (go, Chinese chess), sho (calligraphy) and ga (painting)...

Fine old zuishin dolls from the Meiji period (1868-1912), approx. 8” (20.3cm) tall. Zuishin dolls are commonly called daijin (minister) dolls; the elder man on the right (facing) is called "left daijin" and the younger man, right daijin or ya (arrows) daijin. They were created as an addition to the emperor and empress Dairi-bina sometime in the mid 18th century by Kyoto doll makers. Armed with a sword, bow and arrows, they were the toneri (zuishin) from the Heian court (794-1185)...

Large Japanese antique oshi-e ningyo(doll), Geisha playing the koto: Matsumoto Oshi-e bina (hina ningyo in Oshi-e style) was originally made by the Samurai family who served in the Matsumoto Castle to supplement their income sometime in the mid Edo period (1603-1868). They became quite quite popular in the 1800s, 400 million dollars sale (in current currency) was recorded in 1888...

This kind of Kanzashi is called Gin (silver in Japanese) Kanzashi. The body is usually made out the stronger mixed metal as this one. The darkened metal flowers are tarnished silver, I believe. The bira bira Kanzashi started to become fashionable in late 18th century, Edo Period and this set is from late Meiji to Taisho period, early 1900s. The chains are very light weight so you can wear as a set if you like...

This is a beautiful old Chinese necklace made out of genuine natural corals. The color is salmon pink. Approx. 63.5cm (25 inches) long and weigh 66.3 grams. The measurements of the center coral are: 1.4cm x 1.7cm in diameter. Circa 1930.

Note: In our photos, orange/brown tone had shown up a little too strong and hid a pink tone.

Japanese Kanzashi hairpin, maki-e on hand carved wood. A dadaiko (large drum used for court music) and maku (outdoor fence made out of cloth) under the maple trees. They are pictorial subjects from chapter 7 of The Tale Of Genji, Momiji no Ga (An Autumn Excursion)...

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 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...

Antique Japanese silver kanzashi, the upper design part is gold plated with finely engraved three oak leaves. *This was one of the most popular crests among the warrior samurai class particularily among close devotees of Shinto. Top quality hand cut metal work. Circa (we think) Meiji period (1868-1912). 6 3/4" long and 1 3/8" in width.

*The Elements of Japanese Desgn by John W. Dower

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".

Beautiful Katazome stencil dye work on thick, lightweight, coarsely woven cotton. It is decorated with auspicious motives; crane and long-tailed turtle in the framework of sho-chiku-bai (pine, bamboo, plum blossoms), the symbols of longevity and happiness. Bamboos, canes and pines are hidden, actually all over here in the form of scrolls. Three rolls of 13.1/2" (width) x 123 1/4" (long), roughly 98cm wide x 313cm long...

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.

We have not seen this type of lantern until now. The silk is lifted here and there and detached from the frames with some deterioration (probably a reaction to the glue or metal). The amazing thing is how the original colors maintained without fading...

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...

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" ...

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).

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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Scruffy looking old Japanese warrior doll (musha ningyo). This doll is not so tall (11 1/2" tall) but heavily padded, solid and quite heavy. When we acquired this doll, his hair was already replaced once and most of it was; one side is painted in black. Old glass eyes. The checker design (ichimatsu design) on his clothes is very similar to "Enshu-donsu", one of the famous fabrics used for tea ceremonies in the Edo period. 11 1/2" high x 11" wide x 12" deep. Circa Meiji (1868-1912). ...

Large Japanese antique oshi-e ningyo(doll), Kabuki samurai "aragoto" actor on stage: Matsumoto Oshi-e bina (hina ningyo in Oshi-e style) was originally made by the Samurai family who served in the Matsumoto Castle to supplement their income sometime in the mid Edo period (1603-1868). They became quite quite popular in the 1800s, 400 million dollars sale (in current currency) was recorded in 1888. The characteristics of Matsumoto Oshi-e ningyo (dolls) are that the design is stuffed heavily ...

Old Kyoto Nishijin obi. This obi is one of the 5 favorite obis from my collection - we have over 200 obis. It is almost impossible to find a obi like this today. The owner of the store in Tokyo where this obi was purchased once said that single good obi was coming out from one household when they go out knocking on the doors in the old town. The store had gone through changes since and no longer carries antique textiles. The designs of this obi are ancient Chinese mirrors, which covers f...

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...

Japanese nobori banner, hand painted (dyed) with samurai Yoshinaka (Kiso no) and Tomoe Gozen, a woman warrior. Dimensions: 15 3/4" wide and 147 1/2" long. Hand woven soft cotton with hand spun yarn. Early 1900s. Excellent condition but please expect some minor stains because of the age. It may hang better without the side handles on the wall.

Yoshinaka is a member of the Minamoto family (Genji) from the late Heian period (794-1185). He was raised on the mountain of Shinano (N...

Antique Japanese warrior doll, 20" Empress Jingyo ningyo(doll) set. Clad in armor is a beautiful young widow, Empress Jingo doll with her faithful minister, Takenouchi no Sukune, holding her baby Ojin. Over time, many of the baby dolls were lost or intentionally thrown away by later generations, probably because of the lack of historical understanding. An old Samurai holding a baby is simply inconceivable and uncharacteristic of a Samurai warrior. The Empress, after losing her hair, was...

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.

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...

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”

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. Antique silk and gold looks best in dim light, but the luster and glow that accompanies them ende...

Please see Trocadero#38274 for details.

A Japanese earthenware hot water pourer (yuzamashi), decorated with shaped panels depicting landscapes and flowers and roundels, all on a gilt red ground, the base marked Kutani, Shoza. Dimensions: 3/ 3/16" (8cm) x 4 1/8" (10.5cm) across(from tip to tip) x 1 7/8" (4.5 cm) high. Meiji period.

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. This kesa is hichi-jo (seven panel) kesa, silk brocade with silver ...

Japanese antique Zuishin dolls (Ningyo). This set of dolls are often called Daijin minister dolls but they are actually the imperial guardsmen and escorts for the Heian court (794-1185). A beautiful quality set in the perfect size to decorate Hina Goten (Imperial Palace). Meiji Period (1868-1912). Approx. 5” tall, 4 ½” in width.

This type of fukusa is a cover placed over a gift at the time of a gift-giving ceremony such as "Yui-noh" which is prior to a wedding. It has a peaceful, ordinary outside view seen through an elegant blind (shown at the top) and a silk room divider (left side) which are both remainders of the Heian Court (794-1160). Cranes and plums represent longevity, harmony and women’s beauty along with their strength. Combined with a gold bag and mallet of Dai-koku symbolizing wealth, there is no...

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.

A Japanese leather tobacco pouch with pipe case (kiseruzutsu) and ojime made out of stag horn. The pipe case is finely carved in relief with an eagle on a pine branch above a waterfall; the ojime is engraved and decorated with a key fret design; the pouch with a patinated copper clasp modeled as a frog. All and all, it feel muscular (large) and detailed with quality. Pipe sold separately (Listed, item # 1036417). Meiji period (1868 - 1912). To search by the item numbers, just enter the num...

Antique Japanese fabric, Japanese indigo dye (aizome), Katazome stencil dye on loosely woven cotton, flowers in chained fuji (wisteria) Shippo design. Excellent condition (one hole, visible on reverse side). 56" long x 13 1/4" wide.

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).

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.