A superb quality set of court musician dolls for Japanese Girl’s Day, Hina Matsuri.
The Hina festival takes place every March 3rd in Japan and it is a day of celebration for the well-being of every girl in the family. In earlier days, people were more susceptible to natural disasters or diseases, so in order to keep evil spirits away, this day was spent giving offerings to God. This custom was adopted from the 7th century Chinese ceremony that originally took place on the beach...

This is an impressive set of Emperor and retainer dolls for the Japanese Boy's Day. The decorations for this day include Carps, Yoroi and Kabuto (Samurai's Armor and helmet), swords, arrows and some famous hero and legendary figures from the past. The Emperor doll is 17 inches tall and 15 inches wide (sleeves stretched as shown), the retainer is 11 inches tall. Circa Taisho to early Showa...

This is a superior Takeda ningyo (doll), an old Japanese theater doll which was most likely modeled after the character, Teiseiko from “Kokusenya-ya-Gassen.” It was a popular theater play in 18th to 19th century Japan. The setting of the play is during mid 17th century China towards the end of the Ming Dynasty. Teiseiko (also known as Watonai) was fighting the battle for the old dynasty...

Exceptional and rare thick earthenware ceramic ebisu and daikoku masks that have slots on the top of their heads for money. Holes on the back to hang but piggy banks would have to be broken to get out the money. Great expressions and beautifully made folk art. 11" high by 10" wide. Ask for shipping quote.

Japanese antique water pump, with iron hardware and inscription carved below the handle. Meiji age (1868-1912) Size: 38.5" length, 4" width

This antique Japanese small drawstring fisherman's bag is woven from hand rolled cording using indigenous natural plant fibers. It would be used for carrying home the catch at the end of day. The bag shows some areas of staining and one small area near the bottom where a few fiber cords have split. these condition areas are to be expected of a folk art item of this age and use. ,,,,,

the bag is roughly 10 x 12 inches and has a generous amount of cording for adjustable straps.

An antique Japanese fish Jizai Kagi made of bamboo, wood and iron. Adjustable arm allows for height changes of the hook. Bamboo body with a wooden stem.

Age: Late Meiji period (1900-1910)

Dimensions: 11 1/4" Long by 3" Wide by an adjustable Height 75 3/4" to 104"

Antique Japanese Ningyo doll in light purple and pine silk robes lined in red silk, with pale gold obi, holding a Wisteria branch. She is made with real hair fashioned in traditional Geisha style and beautiful hand-painted facial features. The doll is on a black lacquered stand. Interesting and rare dollmaker's sticker on bottom of base. Meiji period (1868-1912) Size: 14" H x 5.5" W

Antique Japanese Ningyo doll of a beautiful Geisha, fretting over a strand of beads. She wears an elaborate blue silk kimono with cherry blossoms, and patterns of trickling water in wonderful gold thread, paired with a bright orange obi with gold thread chrysanthemums. Her face is delicately hand-painted. Meiji age (1868-1912) Size: 14.5" H x 9" L x 8" D

Antique Japanese adorable doll. Doll is dressed in traditional japanese layered garments with multi-colored orange and red flower scenery. Sash has an embroidered dragon design, with fan accessory tucked in. Face is well sculpted with hand painted lips and eyebrows. Taisho Period (Circa 1920) Dimension: 27" Tall, 12" Wide at Arms

Late Meiji Period C.1900 gold lacquer on zelkova wood mirror stand. Used in the inner chamber of altar shrine to reflect the void. Bronze mirror has plum blossoms and pine leafs in relief. Very good condition. (see pics). 11" tall by 7" wide. Ask for shipping quote.

The hannya mask is a mask used in Japanese Noh theater, representing a jealous female demon. It is characterized by two sharp bull-like horns, metallic eyes, and a leering mouth. This mask is from late Taisho/early Showa Periods, C.1930. Carved from cypress wood. Great condition. Ask for shipping quote from CA. 9" tall by 7" wide.

Beautiful Early Showa 'asa' hemp noren curtain with auspicious congratulatory crane and turtle for happiness and longevity. 5'ft by 3ft. Great condition. Ask for shipping quote.

Three Jokan Dolls are part of a Hina doll set for the Japanese Girl's Day. They are to serve the Emperor and Empress with drinks and food. The young and pretty are usually choosen for this role. Many sets have one older married woman sitting in the middle, possibly a supervising figure? Her hair is usually done in a less attractive manner and she often has her teeth blackened. It was the sign of being a married woman at the time...

Japanese antique hina dolls, large musician ningyo from the 1800s. The hayashi musician dolls were added to the emperor and empress dolls (Dairi-bina), sometime in the mid to late 18th century. They were first made in Edo (today’s Tokyo) while the Zuishin, Court Guards (also known as ministrator dolls) were being created in Kyoto.

There are two types of costumes for the musician dolls, Kamishimo or Suou (su-ou)...

Exceedingly rare and unusual bronze temple lantern. Late Meiji Period c.1910. Very large and wonderful configuration with round glass windows on each of the 6 sides. Doors open where an oil wick was placed in the old days. can be fitted for electric light. This japanese lantern exudes atmosphere. 26" tall and 19" inches wide. superb condition.

Antique Japanese Yamato or Ichimatsu-ningyo dolls. Typically depicting a girl about six years of age dressed in traditional kimono. Ichimatsu - ningyo have been treasured for years as playthings and objects of beauty. This wonderful and excellent example of Ichimatsu-ningyo is very charming with great attention to detail. Fitted naturally dyed kimono is traditionally worn and the doll stands upon a hardwood stand. Lovely original condition...

An antique Japanese Ikebana bamboo basket designed as a baluster shaped vase. Large bamboo slats interwoven with other delineated free form smaller slats. The mouth opening has some decorative bamboo rope matching the all rope footed base. Three slats at the base forms a star shape while the body is strong with a wide sweeping design.

Age: Meiji Era (1890-1910)

Dimensions: 14" Wide by 14" Deep by 18 1/2" High