A fragment of washi with mending patches, whose ground paper as well as mending patches are kakishibu (persimmon tannin) dye for waterproof and sturdiness. It has several layers of old recycled washi. The original usage is not clear. Late 19th to early 20th century (Meiji). 40cm x 40cm

A fragment of washi with mending patches, groud paper as well as mending patches are kakishibu (persimmon tannin) dye for waterproof and sturdiness. It has several layers of used old washi. The original usage is not clear. Late 19th to early 20th century (Meiji). 40cm x 32cm

Antique Japanese finely woven ikebana basket with tall handle. Tightly woven with very thin strips of split bamboo and intricate knot work. Formal, even shape. Signed by the artist.

Age: Meiji Period (1868-1912)

Dimensions: 19 3/4" high x 10" wide x 9" deep

"Sorihiki-happi"from Yusa in Yamagata prefecture which was worn for sleigh pulling. It has cloth with sashiko for reinforcement diagonally, from shoulder to one side of the body, and also both sides. It was worn when sorihiki pull down a sleigh with firewood from the mountain to the foot of the mountain. Yusa sashiko is one of Shonai sashiko in Yamagata prefecture. This happi has fine horizontal as well as vertical sashiko on whole ground cloth...

Two Saga-men, Okame and Hyottoko which were sold in front of temples in Saga region in Kyoto since late Edo period (the first half of the 19th century). They were sold as charms against bad luck and evil but interrupted in early 20th century and revived in 1950s. Both are made in late 19th to early 20th century. Many layers of wastepaper are pasted on the plaster model and colored. Hyottoko-men is not finished. Okame mask has some paint came off...

A bag made of deer skin which coins were put in. The money distributed in civil society was mostly coins in Edo period. Paper moneys were issued in Meiji period (1868~1912) All hand-sewn and in excellent condition. The first half of the 19th century. L:65cm, w:24cm

Yuki-boshi (snow hat) or yuki-kabuto (snow helmet) made of palm tree fiber and vegetable indigo dye cotton inside. It has washi painted with Paulownia oil for waterproof, between outside and cotton indigo lining. It is from Shonai region in Yamagata prefecture in Tohoku district. It is said it was worn by "matagi", a hunter. The second half of the 19th century. In good condition with belts inside are left, which is rather rare. 40cm x 57cm

Sake (or water) container made of hyotan painted with kakishibu (persimmon juice) many times. It has hand-bladed silk cord for decoration and carrying. In excellent condition except for a bit of wear in the tassels. Late 19th to early 20th century. L:44cm Diameter:8cm

Hagoita (battledore) with oshie which is the Japanese traditional craft. Motifs are figures, kabuki actors, flowers, birds etc. They are made into raised pictures with silk crepe with lining of cotton and attached on the wood or paper board. Hagoita is used for the game "hane-tsuki" played on the New Year's Day. Two persons hit a shuttle with hagoita. This one has oshie woman in traditional kimono. It has letters that show it was made in Meiji and in Tokyo...

Three gods of fire which are unglazed earthenware made of clay. Fire has been thought as sacred and gods of fire have been put near furnaces, cooking stoves (kamado) and open fireplace (irori) for protecting from disasters and uncleanness. It is not clear where they are from, probably Tohoku district. All in good condition, no chip or crack.19th century. Height:20cm, Width:11 to 12cm

Japanese Antique Ajiro Kago (Bamboo Fishing Basket) with an elegant form and design, signed by Kazuhiro. 18 inches (46cm) high x 6 inches (15cm) wide.

Sashiko stitched fabric. Tsutsugaki dyed cloth. Indigo background with red and white design. Two horizontal bands wrap around bottom of coat. Similar to reference work "Sumi Collection Hanten and Happi" coats on page 25. Used by firemen in late 19th century Japan to extinguish blazes. Hook and eye closure. Measures 49" sleeve to sleeve 49" long. Overall good condition, small wear on neck and side.

This is tsutsugaki & handwriting fireman's cotton coat sashiko hanten coat of a splendid firefighter of the late Tokugawa period of the Edo era(1800-1867).It is the pattern that is impressive with a dragon and the boldness of the sword. It is a very high technique. And there is sashiko stitch on the entire surface by hand. As for it, length is longish with 116cm. The lining is indigo dyeing. Textile is thick cotton with wonderful atmosphere of the era. I recommend it to collection of you...

Antique Japanese fireman's hood. Made of layers of indigo cotton sashiko and decorated on the inside with a scene of a tiger and lightening storm.
Fires were common in Japanese urban areas due to the dense population as well as construction material (primarily wood and paper). Fire brigades were made up of samurai class (buke hikeshi) as well as common class (machi hikeshi). Their primary goal in containing a fire was to tear down the surrounding buildings so the fire had no more fuel...

Fireman's hat from the Edo period. The outer fabric is dyed with vegetable indigo and has sashiko stitching. A dragon holding a jewel is hand-painted on the cotton lining. There are some small stains and holes, but nothing noticeable. Condition is good.Size:: Length: 62cm, hem width 85cm

This is tsutsugaki & handwriting fireman's cotton coat sashiko hanten coat of a splendid firefighter of the late Tokugawa period of the Edo era(1800-1867). This is a very advanced technique. And the entire surface is stitched with sashiko. The lining is indigo dyed...

Japanese antique water pump used by a brigade of firemen to put out fires. From the writing, the pump was used in December, Meiji 7 (1874). Other writing states "Edo", most likely referring that the fire company was operating during the Edo Period and/or in the city of Edo, Japan. A 3 character mark says 雲龍水 unryūsui ("cloud-dragon-water", the name for this type of pump)...

Antique Japanese ojime (toggle bead) in the form of Bodhi Darma (Daruma), shakudo (an alloy of gold and copper) with a red face , carved with incredible detail, wonderful expression, Meiji Period. Size: 11/16 of an inch high.