Catalog: Archives (152)

The black dye changed its color to a dark gray which is nice in its own way. It is a formal wear with 5 mon (family crest). Top half of the lining is done with a white silk and the bottom half is done with the same black silk from the front. The design from the front goes throughout the inside lining! The bottom is lightly padded which makes this kimono into a great decoration piece. Beautifully hand sewn, again it is the work of art itself...

This is an interesting collection of 54 Japanese hair ornaments dating back to the Meiji period (1868 to 1912), in lacquer, ivory, bone, tortoiseshell (bekko), coral, jade, crystal, celluloid and metal; all displayed in a glazed frame. Additional free Kanzashis are added to this collection (see the last enlargement picture). Dimension: 21 3/4" x 25 3/4"

This item will be shipped from Japan. Please allow two weeks for the delivery to the US...

NEW BOOK: This is the most popular quarterly antique magazine published in Japan. It is from Gakken, Gakushu Kenkyu-sha. This is their the 25th edition, the latest edition, published in Feb 2002. I had a chance to purchase one of these series a year ago. Within a year I looked for others and purchased the next two books when they were available.

"Picture tells all" describes this book. You can enjoy this book without knowing the language. It shows the details in the pictures...

I have never seen this type of Hina Goten (Palace) until I found this one. No longer a spring chicken myself, I asked several people in Japan if they knew anything about this style. No one knew. We may call this a rare find. The Hina ningyo (doll) set that I grew up with was displayed in the steps style, which is still a common way of displaying 15 dolls with furnitures as long as a space permits...

Kamishimo has been the Samurai’s official attire in Edo period (1615-1868). It also became the attire for performers of traditional music and dance, especially in Kabuki theatre during the latter part of the Edo. For rare occasions, it could still be made for something traditional up to present time.

This Kamishimo is made out of hemp and is beautifully hand sewn. I am not quite sure of the age and who this belonged to in the past...

Beautiful view of an old house in Kyoto, the ancient capital of Japan. The design is finer in detail than shown in the pictures. All the designs are woven with silk thread and real gold wrapping thread. There is no need for extra spot light for this obi to shine (as shown here).

The composition of this obi is a “fukuro obi

NEW MAGAZINE: This magazine was published in Japan. Listed here are: Imari wares from Sho-ki (early) to Saisei-ki (mid Edo, the glorious golden era of Imari), 1620s to 1720s. And it goes on to early 18 to 19th century Imari's. 96 pages.

Again this will be offered by the Yebis, Lioness Company of Japan. It will be shipped directly from Yumiko-san there, Please allow 2 weeks to the US. From another country - please inquire.

This is an old carp made with asa (hemp or bast fiber). It was probably used as a streamer called Koinobori for the Boy’s Day (renamed to Chilren's Day). The larger Koi can be bigger than 10

Nobori Japanese banners, carps, warrior’s Yoroi and Kabuto (helmet), Musha-ningyo dolls and samurai swords are all the part of the display used for the Boy’s Days (renamed to Children’s Day), May 5th, in Japan. Culturally, the Japanese emphasize anything to do with children. The Girl’s day with hina dolls is in March. This Day is to wish for their son's health and future welfare. It is also to inspire boys in their manliness and hopefully bravery, discipline and honor codes come with it...

This fabric came from an old kimono, beautiful old thick cotton with light brown stripes in dark blue dye. Some color fading but no visible damages or stains. The measurements:

2 pieces of 13 1/3" x 8'5", with 4" cut in the middle.
2 pieces of 13 1/3" x 46"
Total length: 23'5" x 13 1/3"

These 26 assortments of Japanese kasuri patchwork cloths came from old kimonos (some are new), thin to thick cotton. Some have tiny holes, fadings or repairs. One is lined with an ai dye blue fabric.

The largest one is 13 3/4" x 25 1/2"; the smallest 6" x 6 1/4". The total length together: 13 3/4" x approx. 23'(276 inches)

I have never seen this type of Hina Goten (Palace) until I found this one. No longer a spring chicken myself, I asked several people in Japan if they knew anything about this style. No one knew. We may call this a rare find. The Girls Days Hina ningyo (doll) set that I grew up with was displayed in the steps style, which still could be a common way of displaying 15 dolls as long as you can afford the space. The style of all the Hina dolls are from Heian Period (794

Antique Japanese furoshiki wrapping cloth, dyed in aizome (indigo dye) with a paste-resist family crest. This type of fabric now belongs to the Mingei, folk art of Japan, and has been popular by many collectors. The fabric is thick but a soft cotton, all hand-sewn in excellent condition (3 to 4 tiny holes shown in last enlargement). The other white spots are from the cotton stuffing. Dimensions are 46" x 53 1/2" from Meiji period (1868-1912).

Enameled brilliant red kimono with lotus flowers in yellow and white, the shaped leaves in tones of turquoise and green. Obi is larkspur blue, black, turquoise and pink; folded fan has green flowers and gold clouds. Inner kimono collar is also gold.

The lady is 10 1/2" high, probably dates from the Taisho period (1912-1926)

Very intricate high grade gold hira-makie decoration with Aogai shell inlay and tiny gold leaf squares (kirigane)on tortoiseshell. A beautiful example from the Meiji period (1868 - 1912), Japan. It is 7 inches long and in superb condition.

Japanese woman's kushi comb with beautiful Aogai shell inlays on tortoiseshell. Taisho to early Showa period. Amazing work of art! Dimensions: 3 1/2" x 2 1/8" (center)

These scroll weights, FUUCHIN in Japanese, have the design of TOMOE MON on the ends of a drum which is typical of Meiji scroll weights. Beautiful old silk tassels.

Very impressive Japanese clay doll, 17 inches tall oiran geisha ningyo (doll). When the hina dolls were limited only to a few wealthy people, these clay dolls were for regular people (more than 90 percent of the population)...

Kogai hair stick: 6 1/2" long. The metal is brass with silver petals. The orange flowers are coral. The decoration is both hammered into the metal with a dye and engraved using a chisel. This dates from the late Meiji or Taisho period.

The areas of plain tortoiseshell are effectively combined with intaglio relief to create a dramatic design. The gold area has a dense covering of very finely ground gold powder in lacquer - the technique is known as fundame and creates a surface that is dull in finish. Dimensions of this lovely comb are: 3 3/4 inches x 1 1/2 inches Artist signed. This is from the Meiji period and probably dates to circa 1900.

A delightful metal Japanese hair kanzashi, mix metal. Some parts brass, others gilded, silver and yet more plated with silver to give a wonderfully rich feeling to this traditional Japanese hair accessory. The tiny coral beads used at the center of the flowers, as well as between the bira-bira dangling, add to the feeling of richness. The Hoo bird (Chinese phoenix), with its long tail feathers, flying across the paulownia leaves is a symbol of a peace and prosperity. 9 1/2 inches long...

This type of tissue holder is called "Hakoseko". This is to be placed between Obi and Kimono with the chains dangling in the chest area. Hakoseko is still being used today for very special ceremonial occasions, but it is very difficult to find an old quality piece like this...

WEARABLE ART: When this coat was tailored out of an old Japanese kimono, it was made to stress the lightness of the coat without the lining. Light coconut shell buttons were chosen for the same reason. Freshly made using the fabric from early 1900 to 1940. Black color with a slight green tint and silver thread stripes, medium size.

Beautiful Black Japanese silk kimono Uchikake (Wedding Gown): In Japan, there is a popular term that describes a very loving couple. They are called an Oshidori Couple. It must have come from seeing pairs tagging along so closely together near ponds or lakes. Many folk tales were told in different regions associating their affections for each other.

Here is a strikingly beautiful view of an Oshidori couple, flying over a pond and plum trees in a dark background. The finest em...

This is a Japanese lacquered hair comb and pin set. The dimensions of the comb are 2 1/4 inches by 4 1/12 inches long. The length of the hair pin is 6 1/2 inches long. It is probably from the Taisho to early Showa period.