Japanese Meiji to Showa period oval form ikebana basket (hanakago) hand-woven from reddish bamboo with natural gnarled wood branches incorporated. Four strips rise from each side of the shoulder and are twisted together to form the high loop handle. Round mouth and base. 18” high with handle (9 1/4" high excluding handle); about 10” diameter. Late 19th to early 20th century. Very good overall condition with minor wear. From a Scottsdale, Arizona estate.

WOODEN CANDY MOLD AND HOW-TO BOOK ON SWEETS

Set of wooden mold for making rakugan (hard candy) from Showa period, mid 20th century, and illustrated book for how to make various types of sweets from Taisho 2 as 1913. The mold had been actually used at that time. The book is written well-detailed contents including the guide for use of materials or retail price, etc...

Tatougami which was used at the pawnshop for wrapping pawned items. The name of the shop is "koyama Shichi-ten" and it has the shop's logo "小" in the square. It is a few layers of old washi (handmade paper) pasted together and painted with kakishibu (persimmon tannin) for strength and waterproof. Shichiya (pawn shop) appeared in Kamakura period and developed much in Edo period. 19th century, however one of mending paper has letters "Taisho 4 (1916). Top:87cm x 32cm, Bottom:75cm x 32cm

Tatougami which was used at the pawnshop for wrapping pawned items. The name of the shop is "koyama Shichi-ten" and it has the shop's logo "小" in the square. It is a few layers of old washi (handmade paper) pasted together and painted with kakishibu (persimmon tannin) for strength and waterproof. Shichiya (pawn shop) appeared in Kamakura period and developed much in Edo period. 19th century. Top:82cm x 32cm, Bottom:82cm x 56cm

Tatougami which was used at the pawnshop for wrapping pawned items. The name of the shop is "koyama Shichi-ten" and it has the shop's logo "小" in the square. It is a few layers of old washi (handmade paper) pasted together and painted with kakishibu (persimmon tannin) for strength and waterproof. Shichiya (pawn shop) appeared in Kamakura period and developed much in Edo period. 19th century. 32cm x 81cm

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

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

Wood tray mended with metal hinges. It has beautiful annual growth rings and grains. The first half of the 20th century. W:27.5cm, L:40cm, H:4.8cm, Weight:1100gm

Sculpture of a long-nosed tanuki, walking with a hat on its back and a flask in its left paw. The piece is built around a large piece of root wood that comprises the torso, legs, the enlarged scrotum and tail. The head is a separate piece of root wood, the ears inserted. The sake flask is a small piece of root wood, and the hat is carved from a slab of a different wood species...

A wood plate used by a lacquer ware maker. It has layers of red and black urushi. It is used by a craftsperson of Aizu-nuri, from Aizu in Fukushima in Tohoku district. The first half of the 20th century. Diameter:16.4cm, H:4cm

A wood bowl used by a lacquer ware maker. It has layers of red and black urushi. It is used by a craftsperson of Aizu-nuri, from Aizu in Fukushima in Tohoku district. The first half of the 20th century. Diameter:15.8cm, H:6.5cm

Mask made of kiri (Paulownia) wood, showing the wide-laughing and dimpled face of god of good fortune (shichifukujin), Daikoku. The base of his hat just sitting on the top of his head.

The broad grain of the wood was used to accentuate the round cheeks, nose and nostrils. The wood was formerly stained with a reddish-brown color, now almost completely worn off...

Elegant and very unusual shaped Japanese bamboo Flower Basket Ca. 1925. A series of fine butterfly knots line the bamboo on both sides and the handle. The weave is a delicate warp and weft with tiny knots embroidering the edges of the opening. H: 35cm by W: 34cm. excellent condition. No signature.

Winnowing basket called "箕（mi)"which is used by farmers to eliminate or blow out unnecessary stuffs. It is made of bamboo and covered with washi and painted with kakishibu (persimmon tannin). Bamboo mi is made in rather warmer region and bast of trees are made in colder region, however, it is not clear when these ones are made. Generally, in good condition but have some minor breaks or rips. 20th century. W:45cm to 43cm, L:36.5cm to 34cm. Possible to sell one piece for $40.

PHALLIC TALISMAN AND OLD HAND-COPIED SUTRA

Set of wooden charm with Somin Shorai's name (ref. 'Somin Shorai' - https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Somin_Sh%C5%8Drai) and the sutra with myriads of 'Hail Amitabha Buddha' in Japanese, originally acquired from the dealer from Tohoku region. Early-mid 20th century, Japan. Charm: H 20cm (7.87in), Sutra: 41 x 16.5cm (16.14 x 6.49in)...

Ema, a wooden pictorial offering on which writing one's wishes. This one is rare one with miniature iron swords which belong to Fudo Myoo (Cetaka). It has writings, "Fudo Myoo", " Ohshu, Sukagawa Nakamachi". It is the place in Fukushima prefecture in Tohoku district. In good condition. The first half of the 19th century. L:47cm, W:28cm

EXCLUSIVE DOCUMENTS

Wide range of various old documents (including scroll) and samples of how to cutting, how to tying, and how to holding as 'origata' (decorative folding papers for 'noshi' gift wrapping paper for congratulatory life events) based on the Japanese traditional manners handed down to posterity. Meiji period (1868-1912), Japan. Scroll: More than 320cm (125.98in)...

Knitted bag made of asa (hemp or ramie) and kakishibu (persimon tannin) is coated with. It has mending parts, however, in good condition. It was used by a mountain worker. The first half of the 20th century. W:39cm, L:36cm