Japanese Kimekomi hina ningyo (dolls), Dairi bina, emperor and empress doll. Kimekomi dolls were originally carved out of willow trees growing on the riverbank of the Kamo River in Kyoto. They were made using the leftover material from Kamo Shrine. Today, the dolls are made out of paulownia sawdust mixed with glue. This method was developed by Kanabayashi Mataro (1897-1984). Each section is divided by grooves and each block is covered with brocades...

A pair of Japanese Hina dolls decorated with traditional Japanese gold or kinran and non-gold or donsu brocades. The dolls are used in March for Hina Matsuri (also known in a different name as Momo no Sekku). The dolls were created by Ando Keiho, a living treasure, is known for specializing in Hina Dolls. Keiho is based in Kyoto where the tradition of the Hina Dolls originated. Age: 20th century...

Japanese Hima Doll Miniature Kimono Trunk, 1930-1940, 3" high, 6" wide, 3" deep, white impressed embossed metal mounted, Lacquer Gold floral and vine scroll design, handle in front is missing.

A “Gosho Ningyo” doll of a plump kneeling male child carrying a “hyotan” gourd. The large gourd symbolizes health, vitality, prosperity and immortality. The kneeling boy is wearing a bib with painted accents in white, green, navy blue, brown and gold pigments. There are two ties in the back for the bib. The hyotan (gourd) is also painted in greens, navy-blues, gold and grey of 3-leafed motifs that appear to be paulownia flowers...

Adorable Japanese Gosho-Ningyo doll standing while holding tassel, large hat on head, wonderful jacket painted with flowers, Taisho Period (early 20th century). Size: 9 3/4" high x 8" wide.

Ainu woman doll made of clay with cotton clothing which might be "ru-unbe" or "kaparamip". The Ainu pattern is hand-drawn. In excellent condition. 20th century. H:25.5cm

Japanese Female Isho Ningyo, mid-20th Century. Height: 18 inches (45.75 cm), including stand 20 inches (51 cm).

Antique Japanese musha-ningo (samurai doll) of the Empress Jingū-kōgō (Okinagatarashi-hime no Mikoto 170 - 269). The wife of the 14th sovereign, Chuai, Jingū ruled as empress-regent after her husband was killed in battle in 200 A.D. Considered the 15th Japanese imperial ruler, she lead an invasion of "the promise" land (believed to be the Korean Peninsula). After 3 years away, Empress Jingū returned to Japan, surviving a ship wreck...

Wonderful Japanese antique gosho doll, a charmingly fat little boy with smiling face and beautifully detailed features, he still wears his original silk bib, Edo Period, on metal stand. Size of doll: 16" high x 15" wide

Edo Period (circa 1800) Japanese Musha Ningyô (Boys Day Doll) in court attire. This early example is wearing a court hat and court robes of sumptuous brocades. He is holding a fan and sword at his side. It is of very high quality and likely made for a Daimyo family. 11.5 inches, 29 cm tall. From a widely renowned and published collection that has been exhibited at the Metropolitan Museum and Japan Society.

Japanese young male Doll with Samurai hair cut, 3 5/8" high, 5 1/2" wide, 3" deep, with wearing brocade silk garment and lacquered on the carved wooden head, hands and face. The face of young male is incredibly fine and shows he is a young male. No damages.

JAPANESE DOLL WITH WIGS

Old 'Katsura ningyo' (lit. 'Wig doll') carrying a baby on back, originally made for the noble girl's play in the Edo period, as the original form of today's dress-up doll. Meiji period (1868-1912). Box: approx. 16.7 x 10.8 x 3.7cm (6.57 x 4.25 x 1.45in). Some expected damage around due to aging as is, but comparatively in good condition for this type of aged doll...

A wonderful 19th Century Boy's Day Ningyo of a boy dressed as a Samurai in full armor, featuring a dragon, sword, helmet, and bow and arrows. His wonderful face is carved of wood and covered with many layers of Gofun (oyster sell lacquer). He is riding a battle horse in full dress, all creating a spectacular work of art. The original wood box is included. Height: 23 inches (58.5cm), width: 18 inches (46cm).

A very special early 20th century version of the Japanese interpretation of a Western doll, probably inspired by the Friendship Doll Exchange in 1929, when the United States gifted Japan with several hundred western dolls. This doll is very rare and a great find for the serious doll collector. She holds a wonderful stylized dog and makes a charming impression along with her great detailing. An important period piece...

This beautiful contemporary Ningyo is by an important artist, Nishikitsuka Moeharu. His Kimikomi style of work has been exhibited in many galleries and museums, including the Homma Museum in Japan. She is holding peach sprays. Carved of wood with applied silks brocades. She has a sensitively rendered face with carved lacquered hair adorned with a gold hair ornament. 9 inches (23cm) high. Base: 10.5 x 8.25 inches, 27 x 21 cm.

Exquisite set of Japanese Dairi bina (hina), the emperor and the empress dolls from early to mid Showa period. This is not a large set of dolls. The measurements of the wood box are 17” wide x 12 3/4” tall x 13 1/2” deep. We should add the approximate sizes of dolls. The label indicates that they are from Matsuzaka-ya, a major department store. Matsuzaka-ya started as a kimono store in late 16th century, pre Edo period...

This is a Japanese clay doll, Mingei folk art of Japan. Samurai Warrior doll in armor for the Japanese Boy's Day in May. 9 inches high and 6 inches wide. Signed at the bottom. Circa 1930 to 1950.

Japanese folk art, farmer's clay doll: Ooishi Kuranosuke, a historical hero as a leader of the 47 Ronin (samurai without their master) who avenged their master's death and then all committed Seppuku suicide. Artist signed and dated (in 1942) on the back. Measurements are: 12 3/4"h x 7 3/4"w at the widest

All the clay dolls are somehow originated from the Fushimi clay doll of the Kyoto area...