Catalog: Antiques: Regional Art (247)

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...

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.

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...

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.

Please see Trocadero#38274 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”...

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...

Kesa was originally made from old scraps of material donated to the priests.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...

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...

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.

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...

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).

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)...

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...

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 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...

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...