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.

Very Fine and Beautifully Rendered Hono Ema from the Tensho Shrine, dated October 7, 1695. The inscription reads Mikawa Province (modern day eastern Aichi Prefecture), Tomifuku-gun ('county'), Oshiro Mountain. While the wealthy would often give a horse as a gift to a Shinto shrine, the common person would give a Hono Ema (literally 'gift horse picture'). These plaques are then left hanging up at the shrine for the gods to see...

A demure image of grace and youth; this is a fine full sized Bunraku theater puppet dating from the first half of the 20th century; one of two from a private collection we are currently offering. The eyes open and close, but are stiff, hands are flexible and fully operational. She wears a period red brocade kimono with kiku chrysanthemum patterns and a black obi featuring dragons and phoenix. A white silk lining and silver crown of flowers complete her outfit...

Early 19th Century Edo Period signed Japanese Ikebana flower arranging wall basket made of bamboo woven by the master, Mineko, with wonderful color and design. Wall baskets of this quality are hard to come by. 8.5 inches (21.5 cm)h x 3.5 inches (9 cm)w. Excellent Condition. From a prominent and widely exhibited collection.

Antique Japanese Ikebana flower arranging basket made of bamboo with an unusual sculptural image. It features large pieces of bamboo joined together to create the container, with a wonderful handle. 19.5 (50 cm) tall. Excellent Condition. From a prominent and widely exhibited collection.

An unusual and important early 19th Century Edo Period Woven Bamboo Tea Ceremony Box. This unique work of art is the only one we have seen like this. Expertly woven bamboo accented with a large bamboo handle. A rare find for the serious Japanese basket collector. Wonderful color and patina. You are not likely to see another on the art market. 17.5 inches (44.5 cm)h x 12 inches (30.5 cm)w x 10 inches (20.5 cm)d. Excellent Condition. From a prominent and widely exhibited collection.

An exceptional Edo Period Ikebana flower arranging basket. A wonderful addition for the collector of important baskets. This work of art features a monumental handle and wonderful shape. 33 inches (84 cm)h x 23.5 inches (60 cm)w. Excellent Condition. From a prominent and widely exhibited collection.

Early 19th Century Edo Period Japanese Takeda Isho Ningyo pair representing Daikoku, the God of Wealth and Fukurokuju, the God of Knowledge in a sumo match. Wonderfully rendered Ningyo in a rare and unique pose. Symbolic parody of wisdom over money. Subjects of Sumo are very sought after in Japan. A great find for Ningyo and Sumo Collectors. Overall Dimensions: 12 x 11 x 9.5 inches, 30.5 x 28 x 24 cm. Excellent Condition. From a prominent and widely exhibited collection.

An exquisite pair of gofun covered fox on black and gold lacquered stands protected by copper wire cages, dating from the second half of the Edo period. They wear a shrewd look, eyes narrowed to slits, enhancing their mischievous image. The mystical carvings are covered in white gofun, stained a soft gray from age with highlights still white from eons of careful cleaning...

A fine Late 19th Century (circa 1880) Meiji Period Gosho Ningyo of Momotaro the Peach Boy, based on a famous Japanese legend. This beautiful Gosho is elaborately detailed and fully armored, holding a banner with peach finial. The peach symbol appears several times on this magical Gosho. His wonderful face expresses his nobility. Carved entirely of wood and covered with highly burnished Gofun. 13 inches (33cm) height.

A one of a kind, very large early example of this Musha-Ningyo (Boys' Day Figure). This legendary figure first appeared for Boys Day in the late 19th Century. He is the Japanese equivalent to Hercules. He is always shown with a ruddy complexion, as seen in Japanese woodblock prints, scrolls and screens. He is a magnificent sculpture, Iki and Gosho in style. He holds an Axe and wears a sumptuous embroidery brocade featuring a mythical Turtle. 19th Century (circa 1880)...

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...

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.

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).

This is a stunningly beautiful Hakata ningyo (doll) made by a Hakata ningyo artist. It is not one of the mass produced Hakata dolls. The softness of the colorings and detail in her kimono (in Kyoto Yuzen dye) did not fully come out in the photos. This doll was modeled after oiran, a courtesan from the Edo period, or we may simply call her Genroku bijin (a beautiful woman from Genroku era in Edo)...

Takeda dolls are modeled after the characters from 17th to 19th century Japanese theater. They are known for exaggerated postures and often with a vivid facial expression of the Kabuki actors or Jyoruri puppets on stage from the period.

This doll is holding up a "takafuda" bulletin board in one hand and a brush in the other. "takafuda" was an official bulletin board for Tokugawa government (1603-1868) to announce any regulations, or changes etc...

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.

Early Meiji Period (circa 1880) Japanese Empress Hina Ningyô (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.