Catalog: Archives (152)

This is a current Nishijin textile, a very pricey item in Japan. This is an authentic one, it is woven thick like an obi sash. I have two hangings listed here. This is the larger one. The details, especially the gold thread, did not show up in the pictures. The theme is the aristocrat's graceful life in court during Heian Era (794-1192AD). You see a princess figure wearing 12 layered kimonos...

This is a set of small but very unique Keshi bina musician dolls or they may be called as Kawari bina (different or strange looking). By placing them casually, you can create an interesting group. The size of the two dolls are 4 inches tall on 1 1/2 inches stool (new lacquered wood), the other three are approx. 3 inches tall.

When the peaceful life of Edo (1600-1868) continued without any major battles for years, the people's life in general became more affluent...

Japanese chigo ningyo (doll), Kyoto doll from 1920-1940. Chigo simply translates into a “young child” and the distinct hairstyle of this doll is called Chigo-mage. In the old days, there was a custom among the kuge (aristocrats) class families to send their young boys away to temple for early training. The dolls were made in late Edo period (1603-1868) portraying the looks of these young boys...

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...

This is an antique fukusa (Japanese gift cover) that the design came from the old folk tale called Urashima Taro. It is the story of a man who rescued a turtle from a group of cruel children. The turtle, who happened to be a princess of a dragon palace in disguise, returns later to thank him. The turtle invited him to tour the undersea world to her palace. He spends many days wined (with sake, I suppose) and dined, forgetting the time...

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...

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)...

This old pair of candle holders is called Shokudai. The large tweezers hanging from a hook is used to pinch the wick. Then, the wick will be stored in the small brass pot. The base of these holders and plates are beautifully shaped like lotus flowers which has been always associated with Buddha and the temples. It weighs over 10 pounds packed and 26.8 inches tall. Circa, Meiji period (1868 to 1912). Original wood box...

Three Ashigaru (foot soldiers), "inaka" country samurai dolls, expressive gofun face with glass eyes, Meiji Period (1868-1912). Approx. heigth of each doll is 12" tall.

These are worn with kimono and obi under Uchikake gown for the traditional Japanese wedding ceremony. There is a small area on the tissue holder and tanto bag with some power like stains. It is in new condition other than that. Great accent pieces for your home; two obi-jime (fat strings) can be used to tie the curtains, or use them with obis to create a wall décor. Be creative and have fun!

Japanese Antique Hina Doll with a face of Gosho ningyo (Imperial Palace doll), late Edo period. Very few servant dolls have survived from this period. Not only the flimsy nature of thin silk and the light coloring of their clothes, but a few dolls in this quality were made at the time (late 1700s to mid 1800s). The doll is 9 inches tall; a large servant doll, very good condition.

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. Obviously, this has been stored for years without being used...

Japanese antique hair accessary with a beautiful design of the iris and leaves created by using sheets of silver. The bells at the bottom of each chain jingles when you shake your head. It is guaranteed to bring a charm to your look, but refrain yourself from overdoing it (shaking) if you are to attract a man's heart. This Kanzashi is dated from the mid to late Meiji period (1868-1912). 7 inches long.