Extremely Rare Japanese Set of Five Military Band Musicians from the Russo-Japanese War of 1904-5. We knew of this one-of-a-kind complete set 15 years ago, and have finally just now been allowed to purchase it. These rare sets were produced only during the Russo-Japanese War, and you will likely never see another being offered. Japan used these Ningyo for the Boys Day Festival during this time in history. Heights range from 10.5 to 11.5 inches, 26.5 to 29 cm. Excellent Condition.
Edo Period late 18th/early 19th Century Japanese Ningyo of Yamauba, the Forest Goddess, half woman and half spirit. She found Kintaro abandoned in the forest by his father, and saved his life. She raised him, and he became the Hercules of Japan. For sure one of the rarest of all Ningyo. Also the rarest of female images. Only a few of these may actually exist. She bares her breasts to nurse Kintaro, as seen in Japanese woodblock prints as a popular subject by artists such as Utamaro. She is holdi... Click for details
19th Century Japanese Musha Ningyō of Ushiwakamaru, the boy who would grow up to become the great 12th Century warrior, Minamoto no Yoshitsune. This wonderful Boys Day Ningyo is the
rarest of all the Boys Day figures. He is a fine example of Meiji Period Ningyo
making. He wears gorgeous brocades and has a very expressive face. He is never
seen wearing a helmet, in order to show his fantastic hairstyle. 12.25 x 16.5 inches, 31 x 42 cm. Excellent Condition.
Extremely Rare Hina Kazari. This the only complete set we have seen accept for a set that was sold at auction in Japan. They are presented on a sundry. The set features an Empress and Emperor, three Court Ladies, and five Musicians. Meiji Period. Fashioned of silk crepe with beautifully painted faces. Figures range from 4 to 5.5 inches high (10 to 13.5 cm). Overall dimensions: 28.5 x 23 inches, 72.5 x 58.5 cm. Excellent Condition.
19th Century Meiji Period Japanese Hai Hai Ningyō lying on a beautiful Shibori silk pillow. The
Hai Hai is the rarest of the Gosho form. They are presented in the upper
class as a birth presentation gift to protect against bad spirits. This
charming example has a Chomusubi (gift ribbon) on his head. 7.5 inches (19cm) long x 4 inches (10cm) high. Excellent Condition.
A rare Meiji Period Isho Ningyo depicting the Tale of the Tongue Cut Sparrow. This pair is brilliantly crafted and attributed to the famous Ningyo artist Mauari, a National Treasure in Japan. His work is highly prized there. 9.5 inches, 24cm tall. Excellent Condition.
Rare Japanese wooden Kobe toy or “ningyo” (doll) in the form of a man wearing an oversized top hat. Early 20th century. The top of his hat unscrews to reveal a red compartment which holds three small handmade bone dice. His bone eyes protrude when the figure is moved, and his open mouth reveals a red tongue. His two wood arms are outstretched, and his right hand holds a bone wand. He is made of a richly grained hardwood which has an ebony brown finish, with an attractive original patina resultin... Click for details
Dating to the late 18th/early 19th century, these rare and important small carved wooden figures represent one of the most elusive genres of antique Japanese doll (“ningyo”) known as Kamo ningyo. The figures are hand carved of willow wood, and scraps of silk and brocade fabric have been embedded and glued to create their clothing. It is this willow wood which gives these dolls their special character. The natural color of the wood, plus its hardness and luster, meant that the dolls’ faces, hands... Click for details
The female wears an outer kimono of brilliant orange silk embroidered with a phoenix and paulownia leaves over a brocade inner kimono patterned with multicolored florals. There si a chip on the nose and around the eyes, and a crack in the gofun on the right cheak. The male is in Orange silk pants with red kimono, an outer kimono of green with kinran threaded clouds and dragons. An imposing figure, his eyes open and close, move left to right, his mouth opens to a scream, and eyebrows raise and... Click for details
This exquisitely hand carved and painted wooden sculpture depicts the Buddhist monk Kobo Daishi sitting on his lacquered throne in a meditative pose. This piece was commissioned by fellow followers wishing to perpetuate his memory. Early 1900’s. Very good condition with surface scratches and wear associated with age.
Dimensions: 7” x 5” x 3”
