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 Kesa was originally made from scraps of material donated to the priests.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...

This is a newer Hakata doll. Hakata doll was originated by a roof tile maker in the early 17C during the construction of Fukuoka castle...

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. The merchant's eco...

Included in this Japanese kanzashi set are jade kanzashi, jade and red kougai and genuine black lacquer kanzashi with jade at the ends. One of the jade has scratches as shown.

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 Bizen yaki is an older pottery, the uninterrupted history of more than one thousand years, from Okayama prefecture, Japan. Bizen pottery is one of “Rokkoyou”, six famous potteries from Japan like Seto, Tokoname, Echizen, Shigaraki and Tanba. These types of hand made plates are mass-produced from the very end of Edo to early Meiji, early to mid 1800s. The designs are pressed in and baked in a very high temperature flame ‘til it becomes as dry as it could be.

Each side mea...

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.

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!

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). Most of the clay dolls in the mid Edo period (1603-1868) have their roots in the Fushimi clay dolls of the Kyoto area which were originally sold as souvenirs to the pilgrims on the way to the Fushimi Inari Shrine. While the early clay dolls in the Edo period sti...

This type of fan is used for traditional Japanese dancing. Great home decor item combined with the other Japanese items. It is made out of black lacquer wooden sticks and a thick paper with designs on both side. Handpainted and new. The measurements are 20" across and 11 1/2" high. Black plastic wall hanger included.

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.

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).

Beautiful pair of abumi horse stirrups made with iron and brass inlay. A little damage to the butterflies on the front showing that these are not made for decoration but have been used for riding a horse. Circa early to mid Edo Period, 17th/18th century.

Beautiful screen, the quality did not show here. The measurements are 66"L x 36"H. Hand painted on silk with silk matting and framed in the black lacquered wood. Condition is excellent except in the areas shown in the pictures. One dent did break the paper but not so visible (enlargement 5), small scratches on the right side corner in the matting area (enlargement 6)is minor. The damage in the back (done by a cat) is worse than the picture (enlargement #8).

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. The condition is excellent: a color change to ye...