Catalog: Antiques (248)

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...

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...

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”

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.

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)...

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)...

Unique Japanese antique clay doll, Mingei folk art of Japan, Emperor and Empress hina dolls (Dairi bina). Clay dolls were made all over Japan by the late Edo period (1603-1868) by off-season farmers which would often involve the entire family for extra income. These dolls were for the regular people (over 90 percent of the population were farmers then) who could not afford pretty hina dolls made out of cloth...

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.

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 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...

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...

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.

Old Japanese Kogai, a hair pin made of tortoiseshell(bekko). It is 6 1/4 inches long, from the Meiji period (1868-1912).

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)...

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...

Antique Japanese Fukusa (gift cover), Kinko (Ch. Qin Gao) on a giant carp. According to old Chinese legend, only a mighty carp can climb the upstream of the Yellow River where water plunges a hundred feet, turning into a water fall. When it does happen, a carp can turn into a dragon and is able to ascend to heaven. Based on the legend, a task that seems almost impossible to attain is called ‘passing the Dragon Gate’.

Here in this Japanese fukusa, a well dressed man on the red car...

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. The design is auspicious with cranes, chrysanthemums and sho-chiku-bai (pine, bamboo, plum blossoms), all delicately woven with floss (untwisted) silk yarn...

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).

This is a large antique fukusa, Japanese gift cover, 34 inches long and 26 inches wide, without including the tassels. The lid of the wooden box (hiro buta) that carried gifts was often placed upside down to display the gifts. The length of the Fukusa may have been adjusted for the tray.

The design of this Fukusa is based on the old Japanese folk tale, Yoro(Yohro) Waterfall. The waterfall was known as the Fountain of Youth and instead of water falling, Sake wine was falling. Whoever d...

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”. The dimensions of the doll are 13 3/4" tall (including hat) and 16" wide (shoulder 10" wide)

In "Kanjincho", after winning the batt...

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...

Breathtakingly beautiful Japanese silk wedding kimono gown, Meiji/Taisho period, lined with the contrasting color red, very soft silk. It has a beautiful, rich texture woven in a mixture of flat, diagonal and shusu satin ori (weave). Under the sun, you can see the diagonal lines of woven gold threads crossing inside (photo #5). Gowns made in the early Meiji period are not only shorter but the colors are darker with a combination of earth tones (Shibui) comparing to brighter modern gowns. ...

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...

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. The colorful and exotic fabric originated in India (spread to Java, other parts o...

These dolls are a part of the Hina doll set displayed for the Japanese Girls Day, Hina Matsuri (Festival) in March. The day is also called Peach Festival. When the peach blossoms open in February to March by breaking through the snow, it is an announcement of the beginning of spring in Japan. The blossoms are very much associated with women’s strength and for this reason, along with their beauty, daintiness and softness, these are all desirable characters for women.

These three Kanjyo ...

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, 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)...

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...

Antique Chinese fan with two lovely women hand painted on feathers. The body of the fan appear to be made of bone. The colors of the peacock feathers are beautiful.The light reflected in gold (frame), took away the age. All and all, It has more antique look than shown in the photos. We just had the nails (that hold the glass to the wooded frame) checked, and hanging wire and brackets changed. 30 1/4" W x 18 1/4" H x 2 1/4"D

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.

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.

Three Japanese Jyokan (ladies-in-waiting) hina dolls are a part of the hina doll set displayed for the Hina Matsuri Festival, Japanese Girls Day in March, also called the Peach Festival. This day is reserved for the girls of the family wishing for their well-being for the coming year. Late Meiji to Taisho period, early 1900’s.

When the peach blossoms start to open by breaking through the snow from February to March, it is the announcement of the arrival of spring. Plums are often asso...

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."

...

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.

The design is of two lucky gods from the The Seven Lucky Gods of Japan (SH...

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...

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.

A set of old Japanese wooden combs with a cloth comb holder. These are hair styling combs used when most women had the hairdo of today’s geisha. Each comb had a different function which was basically to comb, style and clean the hair. The combs here are all hand cut and it appears that some were added later. All combs are cleaned.

The outside of the folder is covered with a fabric called sarasa. Sarasa is a Japanese term for the Indian Chintz which was first introduced to Japan in t...

Please see Trocadero#38274 for details.

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...

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...

The carps and nobori Japanese banners, warrior's Yoroi and Kabuto helmets, samurai dolls and swords are all a part of the display used for Boy's Day (renamed Children's Day) on May 5th in Japan. They reflect the parent's wish to inspire their boys in manliness, discipline, bravery and the honor codes which are associated with them.

Originally, Nobori was used in the battle field to identify the troops, some were to show the warriors where their taisho (general) was. The others were to ...

This set of dolls was made for Japanese Boy’s Day. It comes from one of Japanese folklores, Peach Boy, Momotaro. Momo is translated to peach and Taro (ta-ro-o) is a common name for boys. The writing on the label (on the box) is "Wakana Ningyo", the date of purchase is the 10th years of Taisho (1921), 92 years ago! The condition is excellent (old but new condition) - the set appears newer than it actually is in the photos. Momotaro's fan (made out of one piece of paper) is bent down (as sh...

Exceptionally beautiful Japanese lacquer box with a small doll, mame (pea sized) Ichimatsu nigyo (doll) inside - she actually is 4 ½” tall. This must have been some girl's (or woman’s) treasure box years ago. It may have been a gift from her mother or grandmother. The lacquer box is decorated with auspicious designs; a long tailed turtle emerging from a stream, pine, bamboo and rocks on the bank with a crane flying above. The combination of pines, bamboos and plums (painted in inside) ...

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). Here on this fukusa, with some variation (tea - sencha? was added), are the Six Immortals of the...

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

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). Th...

This is a Japanese Nishijin obi made in exceptionally high quality. The obi is old but almost in perfect condition. It is beautiful to look at even without using a magnifying glass. The soft colors have an earth tone and the use of the dyed threads tells us that this is a superior work of Kyoto Nishijin. The scenery is of the mountains of Kyoto but if you look closely, you might notice that there is a foreign look to some of the structures. The size of each structure is 1" to 2.5". The...

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. The characteristics of Matsumoto Oshi-e ningyo (dolls) are that the design is stuffed heavily with cotton and ...

Each plate has the design of a single chrysanthemum (kiku) shifted towards the left side of the plate … but they were carved in a way that each has a life of its own. None of them look the same. The design is sharply cut into thick layers of black urushi lacquer – tsuikoku. It is known to be a difficult job – this later lead to Kamakura bori(carving) which is a technique of lacquering on carved wood. The plates are very light. It indicates a high quality, matured wood inside. The edges ...

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" ...

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 ...

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...

Japanese altar cloth, uchishiki, decorated with sets of kara-shishi (Chinese-lions), peonies, rocks and clouds. Silk with cotton liner, some soiling and some stains 27" x 29" (68.6cm x 73.7cm)

The lion is the king of beasts and is considered a messenger for Monju Bosatsu. They are often found guarding either side of a Shinto Shrine in Japan. The peony is the sovereign of the flowers, which symbolizes wealth and honor. The scene here is famous from the noh play, Shakkyo (stone bridge) ...

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. With tsuzure-ori, the weaver weaves over the drawing with their finger nails that ar...

Rare quality nobori Japanese banner for Boy’s day; beautiful hand-dyed work of the samurais on cotton. The nobori banners were originally used in the battlefields to shift the troops and to show the warriors the location of their generals. The designs on the banners were much simpler then and some were quite large. They must have had a scaring effect on the enemy when they saw so many flying banners in the sky approaching towards them.

When Ieyasu (Tokugawa) took a control an...

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)...

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. It is in excellent condition except two chains are missing from one - not notice...

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)...

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".

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.