Gosho-ningyô or 'Palace Dolls' are among the most distinctive of the many Japanese doll forms. They were originally given as gifts within the imperial family. This fine example of a chubby boy holding a rope has a classic expression and playful posture. It is made of solid clay covered with gofun (oyster shell lacquer) with painted features and painted vest and a brocade bib. Height: 7.5 inches, 19 cm.

Japanese Gosho Ningyô with Samurai Attire, Signed by the 10th Generation Ningyo Artist Rozon. This master work is the results of ten generations and three centuries of ningyo artists. Unfortunately, it seems it is the end of the line for this studio. The children are not interested in continuing, which we think is sad. This Gosho is one of the most amazing examples of 20th century Japanese art. It features so many wonderful examples of great Japanese art forms...

Antique Japanese samurai doll of the epic hero Yoshitsune Minamoto. Seated with one foot forward, wonderful suit of armor, fantastic face with glass eyes and wonderful heroic expression, long hair gathered in the back. Size: 25" high

This is a Rikyu doll, one of the Hakata clay doll made in the Fukuoka, Japan. Rikyu (Sen Rikyu) is a 16th century influential tea master who perfected the Cha-no-yu, way of tea. He served two historically powerful figures, Nobunaga (Oda) and Hideyoshi (Toyotomi), and eventually being forced to commit Seppuku by Hideyoshi. Sen Rikyu is a given name by the Emperor. 10 inches tall.

The size of Matsuri: 5 1/2" High x 6" Wide x 4 1/2" Deep.
This is fine Japanese Hatata Doll, Title: Matsuri, Festival
Doll was made handsomely with Tenugui on his head, wearing Happi coat
as well as Matsuri outfit. There is lantern written Yamagasa writing.on it.
Dating from 1980's. It has been stored away...

HANGING FLOWER BASKET

Japanese hanging 'Hanakago' (Flower basket) made of bamboo so-called 'Kake-hanaire', late 19th - early 20th century, H 26.5 x D 13.5 cm (10.43 x 5.31in). Attached with a glass 'otoshi' (inner cylinder for the use of fresh flower arrangement)...

Cedar wooden ‘post-hide’ or hashira-kakushi that is used as a decoration of one of the posts in a room, or a horizontal post of the tokonoma (niche). The post-hide is the same width as the pillar posts in a Japanese house, hiding it thus almost completely in width.
Cedar wood, the front stained dark brown and decorated in mineral with a dragon. Seal on either end of the plaque. Inscription in black ink on the back...

HEAD OF NINGYO JORURI DOLL

Head part of the wooden male doll actually used for 'Ningyo Joruri' (ref. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bunraku) as the traditional Japanese puppet theatre, late Edo - early Meiji period, 19th century, Japan, attached with an wooden detachable pedestal arranged for its display in recent years. Head without insertion bar: H 23 x W 14cm (9.05 x 5.51in) / Total with pedestal: H 85 x W 28cm (33.46 x 11.02in)...

HONEYCOMB ROOSTER

Rooster of Japanese honeycomb paper craft called 'Denguri' (lit. Somersault) in Japanese for its acting as "fliping it over", Showa period, pre-1960s, approx...

HOUSE OF DAIKOKU AND EBISU

Wood carving deities of Daikoku (God of Good harvest) and Ebisu (God of Good catch) that is the most auspicious pair worshiped as the Gods of Business success based on traditional folk belief in Japan. Showa period, 20th century, Japan. House: 20 x 20 x D 10.5cm (7.87 x 7.87 x 4.13in)...

IBO

Quite a simple and very rare type of 'Mi' (Winnowing basket as a traditional Japanese farm tool) locally called 'Ibo' (or 'Sade mi') in Aizu region of Northern part of Japan made of only wild vine and straw string. Early-mid 20th century. approx. 60 x 48 x 4 cm (23.62 x 18.89 x 1.57in)...

INARI SHRINE

Set of an wooden 'Torii' (Shinto shrine archway) and a pair of Imado clay fox dolls as the messengers of god based on Cult of Inari, Showa period, 1970s, Japan...

Incredible highly detailed hand carved Japanese temple ranma (transom carving). Carved of a solid thick slab of hinoki (Japanese cypress) wood. Depicting a pair of beautiful musical apsaras (celestial beings), floating in a elaborate swirling clouds. Each figure is adorned with a head dress and whimsical flowing dress. The celestial beings are shown holding a drum and the other a flute. The transom is carved in high relief with great detail...

INKSTONE CASE

Wood, stone, and Indian ink. Japan. In such used condition as is, just like it's an abstraction itself...

Rustic round platter with wide rim, called ishizara in Japanese, used in kitchens and commoners’ households. Pale yellow glaze that typically leaves the foot free, turning a pale pink and then dark in the center. The plate is slightly warped, as is common with ishizara.
Nine spurmarks in the center.

Mingei

Seto ware, Japan, Edo period, 1800-1850

H 2-2.25 x diam. 12 in.

Several small scuffs and frittings in the rim, one large chip on the underside of the time, show...

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.

A wonderful kabuki Isho Ningyo of the actor Ichikawa Danjuro IX performing as the lion dancer in the performance of Shukyo Kagami Jishi in March 1893 at the Kabukiza Theater in Tokyo. He wears the traditional flowing red wig. Beautiful details abound here with handsome, sumptuous brocade. The pose and high quality of this dramatic masterpiece indicates it was done by an important Ningyo master. Height: 17 inches, 43 cm.

Japanese Isho Ningyo of a Noh Actor, Meiji Period, late 19th Century. Height: 13.75 inches, 35 cm.