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...

"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...

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

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

Attention-getting Japanese paper mache demon face mask. Has a devious grin, large bulbous nose, with fanged gold teeth. Face is black with red and gold highlights, making features stand out and gives an amusing yet intriguing look. Contains holes in ears of mask with cloth netting running behind face. Paper inscription on back is a description of this unique character. Taisho Period-Circa 1900 Dimensions: 17" High X 13.5" Across

Antique Japanese gosho ningyo doll. Called a "palace doll" as these were once given as gifts from the Emperor and Empress to young princes and princesses. These young baby dolls represent a hope for happiness and prosperity. Made of ceramic and painted with gofun (a paste made from fine itabo oyster shell powder). The gofun was applied in many layers before carving, shaping, polishing and finally painting the details on. This doll is painted with royal gold and purple robes...

Japanese large seated gosho-ningyo doll, a boy child holding a silk scarf in two hands, he is seated with one chubby leg in front and one in back, he wears a little silk bib embroidered with a tortoise in gold thread, he has a hat on his head tied with a cord around his chin, Edo Period. Total size including hat: 13 1/2" high x 10" wide x 8" deep.

Japanese antique seated gosho-ningyo doll, a boy child holding a toy in one hand, he is seated with one chubby leg in front and one in back, he wears a little silk bib embroidered with flowers, Edo Period. Size: 9" high x 11" wide x 7 1/2" deep

Nirayama-kasa which was worn by samurai when they practiced artillery. It is made of washi (Japanese handmade paper) yarn and black urushi painted outside and kakishibu inside. It has hand-painted wave and bamboo design with gold but faded much. Nirayama-kasa was made in Ansei (1854~1860), very late Edo period. It was used in Kanto area, not in Kansai area, according to the "Kinsei Fuzokushi" written by Morisada Manko around mid 19th century. Generally in good condition but has some wear...

Wood oke, a container with a handle. The strips around it are made of bamboo. Generally in good condition. It has carved character in the bottom but unreadable. The second half of the 19th century. Diameter:20.3cm, Height:23.3cm

Three Japanese Jyokan (ladies-in-waiting) hina dolls are a part of the hina doll set displayed for the Hina Matsuri Festival, Japanese Girls Day in March, also called the Peach Festival. This day is reserved for the girls of the family wishing for their well-being for the coming year. Late Meiji to Taisho period, early 1900’s.

When the peach blossoms start to open by breaking through the snow from February to March, it is the announcement of the arrival of spring...

Beautifully plaited bamboo basket by Iizuka Sounsai of the famed Iizuka Family of reknown basket makers in the Taisho and Showa eras. Signed on the reverse with an incised signature by the artist: Kyokusho Saku or Made by Kyokusho (Iizuka Kyokusho, the go or art name of Iizuka Sounsai, active early 20th century). Late Taisho – early Showa era, circa 1920 – 1940. Iizuka Kyokusho was a brother of Iizuka Rokansai and Iizuka Hosai. He worked in Tokyo, and liked to work with slat bamboo...

Japanese antique Jizai or "J" hook, made for hanging a large kettle by rope from rafters over fire pit, made of keyaki (elm) wood, wonderfully rough hewn and sculptural, carved with eight sides, great patina from smoke and use, Meiji Period (1868-1912). Size: 30 1/4" high x 15" wide x 4" think (10" wide including small cross beam at top).

Antique Japanese Kanban soroban (abacus). Used by merchants, this large sized abacus has eyelets for hanging. It has 21 rows of wooden beads with 5 beads in each column (105 beads total). The beads are fitted onto wooden dowels. Behind each dowel is a boar's hair bristle which holds each bead in position when it's pushed upward even while the soroban is hanging sideways.

Showa Period (early-mid 20th century)

Dimensions: 43" wide x 12" high x 2 1/4 deep.

Wonderful large Japanese Gosho-ningyo baby doll, standing with arms outstretched, charming expression and stance, baby tunic made of silk with gold embroidery, 19th century. Size: 14 1/2" high x 16" wide

Antique Japanese large pulley carved of beautiful hardwood on custom Iron Stand. Two wooden wheels on the inside are built to support a rope. The hardware is made of iron and includes a large swiveling hook. A wonderful example of utilitarian Mingei elevated to sculpture. Meiji Period (1868 - 1912). Size of pulley including hook: 35" high x 11 1/2" wide. Height including Custom black Iron stand: 41 1/2" high

A carpet made of recycled washi fragments which were daifukucho (merchant's record book) or letters, and kakishibu (persimmon tannin) painted for strength and waterproof. It was generally put over tatami mats protecting them from sun beam or dust. It has letters "Kanei 6 (1853)", very late Edo period. It has rips, holes and moth bites. 204cm x 192cm

A pair of wood sculpture of Ebisu and Daikoku which are two of seven gods. Ebis is for good business and Daikoku is for luck with money. They are put on the ouse shrine. In good condition but some parts are missed in Ebis (left). Late 19th to early 20th century. Base:15cm x 5cm, Height:12cm