This is an old mitsuore ningyo (triple jointed doll) from the Meiji period (1868-1912) or possibly earlier (late Edo period). The body of this doll was made with the Ikkanbari method. In this method, layers of washi (Japanese paper) were glued (lacquered) together over a wooden mold to form the shape of the body parts. It was then coated with layers of gofun, the mixture of ground oyster shells and animal glue. The eyes of the doll are painted from the inside, the arms can be shaped to a c ...click for details
Takeda dolls are modeled after the popular characters from the theater play during the Edo period. They are known for their exaggerated posture and facial expressions of the puppet dolls and kabuki actors on stage. The dolls in this style, with the distinguished Kabuki actor’s makeup called ‘kumadori’ (first created by Danjyuro Ichikawa I, 1660-1704) were made in late Edo to early Meiji period. The dolls might have been sold in large cities such as Osaka and Edo(Tokyo) where the theat ...click for details
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) ...click for details
Old oxcart for Hina Matsuri, the Japanese girl's festival. Decorated in makie on lacquered wood, this style of the carriage was used by the aristocrats during the Heian period (I794-1185). This can be displayed with the "shittei (shitei)", three servants dolls and/or other small dolls. The carriage is tied to the stand in original condition which needs to be untied after the shipment. The strings have been putting pressure on the two front legs of the ox. The legs can be e ...click for details
This is an old musha (warrior) doll for the Japanese Boy's Day. The decorations for this day include Carps, Yoroi and Kabuto (Samurai's armor and helmet), swords, arrows and some famous hero and legendary figures from the past. The quality of this doll is exquisite. It is the work of top Kyoto doll makers. The dimensions of this doll are 13 1/2" tall and 17" wide (sleeve to sleeve).
This is an impressive set of Emperor and retainer dolls for the Japanese Boy's Day. The decorations for this day include Carps, Yoroi and Kabuto (Samurai's Armor and helmet), swords, arrows and some famous hero and legendary figures from the past. The Emperor doll is 17 inches tall and 15 inches wide (sleeves stretched as shown), the retainer is 11 inches tall.
Sets of Emperor or Empress with the retainer dol ...click for details
Japanese Hakata ningyo, unglazed clay doll of a young samurai (wakashu) with a dancing fan. This doll may have been modeled after a character in Kabuki (played by all males) or Takarazuka (played by all females). There were many play houses in Hakata during the late Meiji, Taisho and early Showa period. The Takarazuka theater (Fukuoka Takarazuka?) was also there. Live theater play was quite popular before play houses and theaters went through destruction in the form of fires, bombing or simply b ...click for details
Unglazed Japanese Hakata clay doll, Matsukaze. The noh Play, "Matsukaze (the wind in the pines)" is about a sad love story of two beautiful sisters, Matsukaze and Murasame. 16" (40cm) tall - 13 3/4" (35cm) doll on 2" (5cm) stand. The dimensions of stand: 14" (35.7cm) x 10 5/8" (27cm) x 2 1/16" (5cm)
Hakata ningyo, unglazed Japanese ceramic doll, signed by the well known Hakata ningyo artist, Genzo Soda. The words "early spring" is written next to the artist's signature. This could be the name of the doll or the time of the year that this doll was made.
Mr. Genzo Soda is designated as an intangible cultural property holder of Fukuoka prefecture and is the recipient of numerous awards such as the Japanese Prime Minister's award, International Trade and Industry Secret ...click for details
This is a large Japanese samurai doll, "Kato Kiyomasa” (a warrior from the 16th century warring period) mounted on a horse. The quality is excellent. The dimensions of the box (assembled with wooden pegs): 19 1/4" x 21" x 9 1/4" deep. The condition: There are a couple of very faint hairlines (almost non-visible) between the eyebrows. The surface of this area is smooth in touch. The doll is sitting on an original cushion (very well-made) but a saddle (which would been hid ...click for details
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 ...click for details
This is a stunningly beautiful Hakata ningyo (doll) made by a Hakata ningyo artist. It is not one of the mass produced Hakata dolls. The softness of the colorings and detail in her kimono (in Kyoto Yuzen dye) did not fully come out in the photos. This doll was modeled after oiran, a courtesan from the Edo period, or we may simply call her Genroku bijin (a beautiful woman from Genroku era in Edo). The doll has a Kosode (kimono with small sleeves worn during the Edo period - 17 to mid 19th ...click for details
Japanese wood zuishin ningyo (dolls) probably from early 1900s. Zuishin (zuijin) are commonly called Daijin (the Minister of the right and the left) but they are figures of the Toneri, the imperial guardsmen and escorts from the Heian period (794-1185). Later in the Kamakura period, they became the guardians of the Shinto shrines standing at the gate. The bows are new addition.
Approx. 12 3/4"H (to tip of hat) x 12"W x 4 1/4"D
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
Exceptionally beautiful Japanese lacquer box with a small doll, mame ningyo (pea sized doll) inside. This must have been some girl's (or woman’s) treasure box sometime ago. It may have been a gift from her mother or grandmother.
The lacquer box is decorated with auspicious designs of a long tailed turtle (minogame) emerging from a stream, pine, bamboo and rocks on the bank with a crane flying above. These are done in tones of gold on a roiro ground, the rocks in takamakie (raised go ...click for details
