Catalog: Archives (152)

Fierce looking old Samurai ningyo (Japanese doll) in rare museum quality. His head is carved wood and the face resembles kabuki actors or Jyoruri ningyo (18th to 19th century puppet theater dolls) from the Edo period (1603-1868). It is definitely a work of art.

The Suoh, the outfit that the doll is wearing, was worn by different ranking samurais at various periods in history. The fabric is made out of Asa (Japanese hemp) and the rest is silk...

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...

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...

A Japanese lacquered agiro pipe case (kiseruzutsu) finely decorated with a cockerel and hen, signed Shinsen (?). The pouch is tooled leather with iron and silver cockerel and hen inlaid with a gold clasp. The ojime is shaped as Daikoku's mallet in unknown material. The actual color of pipe case is closest to the photo #11. 19th century, late Edo period. Dimensions: Pipe case, 8 1/2 " long, tobacco pouch, 5 1/4 " x 3 "

It is hard to make out the second character of the signature...

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)

Antique Japanese hair ornaments, Gin(Silver) Kanzashi with bira-bira danglings. This is an unusually large and heavy Kanzashi probably worn by Geisha. It was made for a very special occasion when a particularly elaborate hair style was needed. The ornaments are all made with silver and the bodies are plated on mixed metals. 16 petals chrysanthemum heads. This one is definitely for Kanzashi collector. Shorter one is tarnished more than the other

Long Kanzashi is 13" x 6"...

Japanese Gin kanzashi metal hair ornament; the two pronged gilt pin with applied large natural red coral, silver and silver gilt plum blossoms with coral beads 7 1/8"

A Japanese kanzashi (hair ornament) - two pronged brass pin decorated with impressed stylized waves and flower heads, applied with natural coral and silver cherry blossom, 6 5/8 inches.