18th Century Fine and Rare Kato Kiyomasa Doll

Japanese: Folk Art: Dolls and Puppets Pre 1800: item #653569
R195

This very fine Late 18th Century Ningyo was made for the Daimyo Class. These rare pieces are highly regarded in Japan. This is an unusually large Musha- Ningyo of the hero Kato Kiyomasa, who accompanied Hideyoshi on his campaign against Korea. He was famous for his bravery. He has a great face of carved wood and finely burnished Gofun, and is dressed in the sumptuous textiles of a rich green velvet coat with gold dragons. He wears a spectacular helmet, possesses a fantastic sword, and wields an... Click for details

Fine 19th Century Bunraku Puppet of a Sambaso Dancer

Japanese: Folk Art: Dolls and Puppets Pre 1900: item #653568
R196

Fine Meiji Period (circa 1870) Bunraku Puppet of a Sambaso Dancer. This rare puppet is operated by three Puppet Masters, who make it come to life to present a magical theatrical experience. He is carved of wood and covered with Gofun. He wears a rich blue and red robe with white under robe, and his head is adorned with a gold and black velvet hat. An embroidery Crane graces his back. The bells on his feet sound when he dances. 35 inches (89cm) height.

Rare Set of Five 18th Century Japanese Musician Dolls

Japanese: Folk Art: Dolls and Puppets Pre 1800: item #653566
R191

Late 18th Century Gonin-Bayashi, Five Japanese Musicians displayed on a Hina stand. This set was made as an addition to those Ningyo already displayed on a tiered stand. They imitate a Noh orchestra. This set has very finely carved faces, covered with burnished Gofun. Because of their size and age, these are highly desired by collectors. Average height of figures is 4 inches (10 cm).

Old Japanese Oiran Doll: Hakata Bijin in Kosode Kimono

Japanese: Folk Art: Dolls and Puppets Pre 1940: item #653064

ABOUT HAKATA AND HAKATA NINGYO (DOLLS): Hakata is located closest to Korea and China from Japan on the north-west tip of Kyushu southern island. The Hakata Bay area was the gateway to and from the western world for the earliest time. Trading and culture exchange through the Hakata Bay benefited the area (Hakata was the wealthiest city in Japan once), but the town also faced the serious attempts of the invasion from the outside. Two Mongol invasions lead by Kablai Khan (grandson of Genghis Kh... Click for details

Award Winning Takeda Doll, Japanese Samurai Ningyo

Japanese: Folk Art: Dolls and Puppets Pre 1920: item #636205

Japanese Takeda ningyo (dolls), 17 1/4" tall (to tip of his hair). Takeda dolls are modeled after the characters from 17 - 19th century Japanese theater play. They are known for exaggerated postures and often with a vivid expression of the Kabuki actors or Jyoruri puppets on stage from the period.

This doll is holding up a "takafuda (or kousatsu, seisatsu)" in one hand and a calligraphy brush in the other. "taka... Click for details

Fantastic 19th C. Badminton Paddle,Elaborately Designed

Japanese: Folk Art: Dolls and Puppets Pre 1900: item #626881
R169

Meiji Period (circa 1890) Japanese Hago-ita (Battledore or Badminton) Paddle in its original display case. It is very rare to find one from this time period, especially with its original case. A deluxe example that is enhanced with three dimensional objects. We have never seen such a wonderful and elaborate Hago-ita. 26 inches 66 cm) tall with case. From a widely renowned and published collection that has been exhibited at the Metropolitan Museum and Japan Society.

Beautiful Meiji Period Japanese Empress Girls Day Doll

Japanese: Folk Art: Dolls and Puppets Pre 1900: item #626880
R123

Early Meiji Period (circa 1880) Japanese Empress Hina Ningyō (Girls Day Doll) She really has quite a regal presence. She wears wears the many layered Kimono of Royalty, featuring elaborate embroidery. She has a beautifully carved face, covered with Gofun (Oyster Shell Lacquer). Her fantastic crown is something special. 11.5 inches (29 cm) high and 12 inches (30.5 cm) wide. From a widely renowned and published collection that has been exhibited at the Metropolitan Museum and Japan Society.

Japanese Isho Ningyo of Tenjin, God of Knowledge Doll

Japanese: Folk Art: Dolls and Puppets Pre 1900: item #626878
R98

Early Meiji Period (circa 1880) Japanese Isho Ningyō of Sugawara no Michizane dressed in court attire. After his death, he was deified as Tenjin, the God of Literature and Knowledge. He gives an impressive appearance, elegant and commanding. His face bears an imperial expression. 28 inches, 71 cm. From a widely renowned and published collection that has been exhibited at the Metropolitan Museum and Japan Society.

Japanese Musha Ningyo (Boys Day Doll) of a Court Figure

Japanese: Folk Art: Dolls and Puppets Pre 1900: item #626877
R176

Late Edo Period (1850-1868) Japanese Musha Ningyō (Boys Day Doll) wearing an Eboshi, a court hat and robes with crests. He is seated in a court position and has a handsomely caved face. His silk fiber hairs are tied in a top knot. This is a well executed example. 11 inches (28cm) tall. From a widely renowned and published collection that has been exhibited at the Metropolitan Museum and Japan Society.

Extremely Rare and Very Old Set of 3 Female Musicians

Japanese: Folk Art: Dolls and Puppets Pre 1800: item #626876
R132

Very Old Edo Period (circa 1720) Extremely Rare Set of Three Female Musicians for Hina Matsuri (Girls Day Festival) Almost all musician dolls were male, making this group highly unusual, especially from the 18th century. They have the most wonderful features painted on carved wood covered with burnished gofun (oyster shell lacquer). The textiles are chirimen silk. 8.75 inches (22.5 cm) tall. From a widely renowned and published collection that has been exhibited at the Metropolitan Museum and ... Click for details