Catalog: Archives (152)

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...

Beautiful silk kimono. It's a pricy item in Japan. This silk is not a soft kind, coarse kind without a liner for the summer use. The color is lined with a very white soft silk. Nagoya style obi is included. If you have any question, please call me or e-mail me. The measurements are 48" wide and 60" long.

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

The measurements for this obi (maru obi) is quite large, 12 3/4"w x 153" wide. Condition is very new with some basting stitches still intact.

Very intricate high grade gold hira-makie decoration with Aogai shell inlay and tiny gold leaf squares (kirigane)on tortoiseshell. A beautiful example from the Meiji period (1868 - 1912), Japan. It is 7 inches long and in superb condition.

During the Edo Period, there was a time when the puppet play became the most popular form of entertainment among the common people and especially the merchants. They were so popular that Kabuki actors even began mimicking the movement of the puppets.

The era of Ningyo Joruri (puppet play) began in 1684 when Takemoto Gidayu, a narrator, opened Takemoto theater in Dotonbori...