Catalog: Archives (152)

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.

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.

This is a very unique and beautiful Gin (silver) Kanzashi from Meiji Period (1868-1912). It has Samurai's Kabuto helmet and the plum blossoms resting on an open fan which moves to adjust the angle as the bells on the chains jingles. You can only imagine what the occasion was for. The first four photos were taken after it was polished, the rest were taken before. It truely looks beautiful now 5-6 months after being polished...

This antique fukusa (Japanese gift cover) carries a message wishing the receiver of the gift a long healthy life. The Mino-game, a long tailed turtle, is said to live 1000 years and is shown here with an imaginary island of Mt. Horai on his back. To the Chinese, Mt. Horai was where all the immortals had lived. The land where no one gets sick or dies...

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)

These old bronze lanterns are used in Japanese temples. They are often called "Toro" (pronounced toh-ro). One side of the lock (shown in the photo) did not open (I did not force it open). 17 inches tall from the Meiji period (1868-1912).

Kozutsu (koh-zutsu) is a stick incense container used for Japanese "Sencha" tea ceremony. The pine tree is carved on bamboo with exceptionally artistic quality. The tips (end pieces) of the tube are made from red sandalwood. Signed "Chikusou" with a gourd emblem. It is 10 3/4 inches long. No damages. Circa, Meiji period (1868-1912)

Many stories were written based on Yoshitsune (Minamoto family) and Benkei. The "Kanjincho", the Kabuki adaptation of the Noh play "Ataka" was first performed at the end of the Edo period in 1840. Danjuro VII played the roll of Benkei in the same costume that you see on this doll for the first time. Danjuro VII brought many fresh ideas and techniques to Kabuki play. This costume was one of the results which brought quality costumes to Kabuki from the Noh play...