This panel was taken from Japanese "futon" bed cover. It is decorated with a chagama and other utencils used in the tea ceremony. They are drawn in the paste resist dying technique called tsutsugaki. The green area appears to be dyed with two colors, "ai" indigo blue first then yellow dye. The fabric (cotton) is loosely woven with one repair as shown in the photos. Meiji Period(1868-1912). Dimensions: 61" x 48"
Japanese wood zuishin figures probably from early 1900s. They are figures of the Toneri, the imperial guardsmen from the Heian period (794-1185). Later in the Kamakura period, they became the gate keepers of the Shinto shrines. Zuishin are sometimes called sa(left)-daijin and ya(arrows)-daijin (arrow-minister). The first character 'dai' means large or great and the second character means 'god'. There are zuishin dolls in Japanese Hina doll - the Minister of the Right and ...click for details
Japanese Takeda ningyo (dolls), 17 1/4" tall (to tip of his hair). Takeda dolls are modeled after the characters from 17 - 19th century Japanese theater play. They are known for exaggerated postures and often with a vivid expression of the Kabuki actors or Jyoruri puppets on stage from the period.
This doll is holding up a "takafuda (or kousatsu, seisatsu)" in one hand and a calligraphy brush in th ...click for details
Japanese armor Yoroi and Kabuto helmet in classic style, wearable, adult size from early to mid Showa period (1926~1989). Dimensions: 67" tall. Box: 16 1/2" x 16 1/2" x 24"H
Ceremonial jinbaori jacket made for Japanese Boy's Day. Jinbaori is a campaign jacket worn over armor by Samurai. They were first made to protect generals from the cold and rain and soon became more elaborate and fashionable by using rare materials such as wool, velvet and brocades.
This is a wool jacket made by Maruhei of Kyoto for boy's festival, Sekku. Founded in Kyoto in 1779, Maruhei (master craft ...click for details
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) t ...click for details
The finest servant dolls, Shitei (Shittei,Shicho,Shiccho) from Kyoto, Japan. They are the court servants from Heian Imperial Court and part of Hina dolls displayed for the Girls Day (Hina Matsuri Festival) in Japan. Some damages in the toes of one doll and clothing.
The tallest doll is 8 inches tall.
Samurai Yoritomo (Minamonoto) Japanese Doll, first Kamakura Shogun dressed in Suoh, high ranking Samurai's attire in Kamakura Period. The doll was possibly made by Maruhei in Kyoto. Circa Taisho period, 1920-1930. Damages in the black cloth hat.
The measurements: 14 inches to the tip of his hair and 13 inches across the sleeves at the bottom when the doll is displayed. The bow is a new addition.
Old silk kesa, an outer garment worn by Japanese Buddhist priests. Kesas were originally made from old scraps of material donated to the temples. The scraps became finer and quite luxious with 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 could also mean that the wealthier temples ended up collecting better fabrics or were able to send out for expensive custom made kesas.
...click for details
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 ...click for details
