Catalog: Vintage Arts: Regional Art (166)

This beautiful shibori (tie-dye) is already cut to make a haori jacket. The skinny pieces under the arms are cut and attached by someone who knows what he is doing. It has not gone through Yunoshi, the process to stretch shibori using steam. The size of this gown is extremely small at this moment because a regular haori (short jacket) roll is used to make into shibori fabric. 36 inches x 16 1/2 inches long with 9 inches hemming tacked inside...

This beautiful shibori (tie-dye) is already cut to make a haori jacket. The skinny pieces under the arms are cut and attached by someone who knows what he is doing. It has not gone through Yunoshi, the process to stretch shibori using steam. The size of this gown is extremely small at this moment because a regular kimono roll (for short kimono) is used to make into shibori fabric. 36 inches x 16 1/2 inches long with 9 inches hemming tacked inside...

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. A pair of cranes on the rocks by an ocean may symbolize the couple's long journey together. This is a wonderful work of art, beatiful dye work is enhanced with embroideries that are so skillfully added. Taisho to early Showa, 1920 to 1940.

Japanese Shoki (demon queller) doll for the Japanese Boy's Day. The story of Shoki came from ancient Chinese folklore. He was known to cure ailing emperor of the Tang Dynasty when he was plagued with nightmares. Shoki showed up in the emperor's dream and chased the demons away. This store was later adopted by the Japanese. Shoki became to be the only non-Japanese figure displayed in early Japanese Boy's Day festival since the Edo period (1603-1868). Circa 1970 to 1990...

Japanese Shoki (demon queller) doll for the Japanese Boy's Day. The story of Shoki came from ancient Chinese folklore. He was known to cure ailing emperor of the Tang Dynasty when he was plagued with nightmares. Shoki showed up in the emperor's dream and chased the demons away. This store was later adopted by the Japanese. Shoki became to be the only non-Japanese figure displayed in early Japanese Boy's Day festival since the Edo period (1603-1868)...

Orange Fukusa, Japanese gift cover from mid Showa, 1930 to 1960. Some color loss but in excellent condition otherwise, no damage, stains or tear. The photos shows it little newer than actual. 19 1/8" W x 20 3/4" L

Japanese Kyoto Nishijin silk obi roll. This is a soft, medium thick, high quality silk fabric with genuine high grade gold leaves woven in. Stamped Kyoto Nishijin and nishiki with a couple seals for passing quality checks. Some stains at the end (very left edge) - not likely to affect. The base silk is cream color. 28 1/2" x 163".

Beautiful hand painted (dyed) iris on soft 100 percent silk. Some designs are dyed to be matched for the wider width. This is probably from mid Showa, 40 to 60 years old, no color loss. The spots and the design that run sideway are part of the woven design. Full roll and good quality silk. I will get the measurement.

Beautiful peonies on a soft pure silk (sho-kinu, 100 percent silk) kimono roll. Hand dyed design (Yuzen zome) went through to the reverse side. The fabric (marked as Tango chirimen) is treated with some new chemical for easier maintenance, wrinkle free, washable (?), etc. Some designs are dyed to be matched for the wider width. Gentle, pale (smoky) purple color, 14 1/2 wide, full roll (enough to make a kimono).

Finely hand carved Japanese Obidome in the shape of a Hannya Noh mask with horns and shiny metal eyes. A Hannya mask in Noh represents a mad woman who turns into a demon out of jealousy. She is vicious and haunts the “other woman” to death. The term, 'Hannya' is used today by a husband who happens to come home late without good enough excuses...

An exquisite old Japanese hair comb, lacquered on wood (kiri, boxwood?), practical yet ornamental with make design of wisteria like flowers. It is almost like new, never been used condition. The shape of this comb is unusual, irregular from one side to the other side. The shape is called Shin-bashi shape/style. Shinbashi is located in Minato-ku in Tokyo. The shape came out in early Showa period (end of 1928 to beginning of 1986). 4 1/2"

Old Japanese clay doll, a lovely standing girl with a flower bouquet, 14" tall from early 1900s. This doll is signed and dated (the date that sold or given to) at the bottom, March of the third year.

This type of clay dolls are somehow all originated from the Fushimi clay doll of the Kyoto area. Fushimi dolls were originally sold as souvenirs to the pilgrims on the road of Fushimi Kaidou from Kyoto to Fushimi Inari Shrine in the early Edo period (1600-1868)...

Japanese folk art, farmer's clay doll: This man is Ninki Danjyo, the villain of the Kabuki play. The more awful the villain is, the lovelier the princess looks and the nice guy more angelic especially in Kabuki plays. Danjyo, with his magical power, is trying to transform himself into a rat...

Japanese folk art, farmer's clay doll: 11 1/2"h x 5 3/4"w

All the clay dolls are somehow originated from the Fushimi clay doll of the Kyoto area. Fushimi dolls were originally sold as souvenirs to the pilgrims on the road of Fushimi Kaidou from Kyoto to Fushimi Inari Shrine in the early Edo period (1600-1868). By the end of 19th century, these dolls were made all over Japan...

This is a Japanese clay doll, Mingei folk art of Japan. Samurai Warrior doll in armor for the Japanese Boy's Day in May. 9 inches high and 6 inches wide. Signed at the bottom. Circa 1930 to 1950.

Japanese clay doll, Kabuki doll with a dragon. 13"h x 9 1/2" at the widest.

This type of clay dolls are somehow all originated from the Fushimi clay doll of the Kyoto area. Fushimi dolls were originally sold as souvenirs to the pilgrims on the road of Fushimi Kaidou from Kyoto to Fushimi Inari Shrine in the early Edo period (1600-1868)...

Japanese folk art, farmer's clay doll: Ooishi Kuranosuke, a historical hero as a leader of the 47 Ronin (samurai without their master) who avenged their master's death and then all committed Seppuku suicide. Artist signed and dated (in 1942) on the back. Measurements are: 12 3/4"h x 7 3/4"w at the widest

All the clay dolls are somehow originated from the Fushimi clay doll of the Kyoto area. Fushimi dolls were originally sold as souvenirs to the pilgrims on the road of Fushimi Kaidou ...

Japanese farmer's folk art, clay doll from early Showa: 10 3/4"h x 6"w Artist's signature on her back, dated in the 15 years of Showa Period (1940). Excellent condition.