Catalog: Archives: Regional Art (104)

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 Imari dish is 18 5/8 inches in diameter, probably with the original "tomobako" box dated "the third year of Ansei", 1857. The design is divided into three repeated sections with Karako boys. The enameling is of good quality, underglazed blue with gold in a lovely soft tone which can only be found on pieces as old as the Meiji period. The date shown on the box is 3 years after the arrival of Commodore Matthew Perry in the black ship demanding the opening of the county...

Through the Nanbansen trade, the Portuguese introduced two important things to the Japanese in the 17th century. They were the matchlock gun and tobacco. As the popularity of tobacco spread rapidly to all classes, there was the need for a tray or box to hold the utensils. Tobacco-bon came to be the "must have" entertainment piece in the Edo period (1614-1868)...

Antique Japanese kesa, purple satin silk brocade. Kesa was originally made from scraps of material donated to the priests. People who gave to Buddhist institutions were often keen to give very expensive items, so some fabulous kesa were created from wonderful silk brocades. This also could mean that the wealthier temples end up collecting the better fabrics or able to send out for the expensive custom made kesa as this...

This is a very high quality Kyoto Nishijin silk brocade obi, one of the best quality obi that we are currently offering. You may find the same type of designs in newer or even in old obis, but the quality of silk and the fine embroidery would not be the same. I have been always searching for the same obi after purchasing this obi in Japan. The seach is still continued. The originally white color is now aged to a beautiful creamy tan color, excellent condition...

"Chinese beauty is", according to my Chinese friend, "she should walk like a weeping willow, her eyebrows should be fashionably shaped like its leaves and her long fingers must not show any trace of hard work" – I kind of love this part... Here she is sitting in a chair waiting to be carried by her new husband.

This is a very famous Chinese scene, new bride going home to visit her mother for the first time. This ritual follows three days after the wedding...

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...

The design of this kimono is done in Kyoto Yuzen dye (famous paste resist dyeing method) and Bokashi (gradual shading). It is a formal wear with 5 mon (family crest). Top half of the lining is done with a beautiful red silk and the bottom half is done with the same black silk from the front...

The design is done with "Kaioke", the shell boxes. They were used in shell matching game, a popular game played in the Edo period (1603-1868). The design that you see here is not patchwork. The silk was dyed first leaving the areas protected, then the designs were painted on later. Some needlework was added later to enhence the design. The condition of this kimono is excellent and wearable. There is no color loss, very high quality item. The measurements are 50

Japanese cute kimekomi ningyo, zuishin imperial guard hina dolls. The dolls are 4 inches in height.

Hagi Yaki is a thick, grained pottery with a thin yellowish-white or bluish-pink glaze with large crackles. It is originated by a Korean potter as many other Japanese potteries are. Hagi ware is especially known for the beautiful changes that follow after each use...