KARIGINU

Linen upper robe of a kariginu, Japan, Shōwa period (20th century). Approx. flat measurements: 140 × 161 cm (55.1 × 63.4 in).

The kariginu, originally a loose-fitting hunting cloak worn by Heian-period aristocrats, later evolved into formal attire for those officiating Shinto rituals. This example was made not as a costume but for actual wear and remains in deadstock condition, having been stored for an extended period...

RED DEDICATION BANNER TO THE FOX DEITY

Protective red hōnō-nobori (dedication banner for a Shinto shrine), hand-inscribed in black ink with “Shōichii Inari Ōkami” (Supreme Shinto fox deity), the donor’s name, place, and the date Taishō 4 (March 10, 1915). Yamagata, Japan. Textile: 33 × 142 cm (13 × 55.9 in); wooden rod: 36.5 cm (14.4 in); hanging cord: 13 cm (5.1 in). Age-related wear and fading as shown...

A richly symbolic two-piece Japanese ceremonial fireman’s uniform from the late Meiji period, consisting of a hand-stitched indigo-dyed cotton jacket (hikeshi banten) and a matching front chest panel suspended from the neck...

HORSE TRAPPING

For the sacred horse for Shinto ceremony, made of hand-woven hemp twine with some glass beads shaping in a single kanji letter of 'Kichi' ('Good fortune'). Showa period, 20th century, Japan. Expanded: 110 x 60 cm (43.30 x 23.62in). Some damage, stain, dust, etc...

BREAST COLLAR

For the sacred horse for Shinto ceremony, made of hand-woven hemp twine with some glass beads shaping in a single kanji letter of 'Kichi' ('Good fortune'). Showa period, 20th century, Japan. Expanded: 153 x 73 cm (60.23 x 28.74in). Some damage, stain, dust, etc...

Japanese antique large okesa, Buddhist priest's robe. Dramatic pattern in gold, blue and black. Framed in a large plexiglass frame.

Often described as a mantel or robe, the kesa is worn draped diagonally over the left shoulder and under the right arm. Meant as a reminder of the Buddha's own simple patched garment, kesa are formed from many fragments of cloth. Within each garment, the fragments are typically organized in a series of columns framed by a border with angled corners...

Cotton girl's kimono with auspicious motifs, such as plum blooms, bamboos, pine trees, which are kata Yuzenzome (stencil-resist dye and colored by hand), and hand painted turtles and waves. The ground cloth is benibana (safflower) dye which is very precious. Safflower has been grown in Yamagata prefecture in Tohoku district...

Tall Eboshi-shaped fire hood for a samurai, made of hand-spun cotton, both outside and inside, and dyed with vegetable indigo. In Edo period, the town of Edo often suffered from massive fires, so that "machi hikeshi" by town people as well as "samurai hikeshi" were organized. This hood was worn by a samurai together with samurai fire costume when the fire broke out. In good condition except for slight dirt in the top part. The piping is silk. 19th century. W:53cm, L:69cm

Girl's hanten worn at the festival or ceremony with the girl's name "Kimiko" in front. Itis made of hand-spun cotton and cotton lining with katazome (stencil-resist-dye) crane motif. In excellent condition except for two tiny holes in front. Late 19th to early 20th century. W:73cm, L:53cm

Maiwai is a kimono having been given to fishermen from a fish boat owner on the occasion of the large catch. It is seen along the Pacific Ocean, from Aomori to Izu Peninsula in Shizuoka prefecture. The motifs of the picture are auspicious ones such as crane, turtle, large sake cup and sea birds, and also the name of boat in the banner with katazome (stencil-resist-dye). It is vegetable indigo dye and colored with pigments...

Cotton cloth, called "yu-age”, which is used for a newborn baby. It is ordered by parents of a mother as a congratulatory gift. It has tsutsugaki auspicious motifs, such as a crane, a turtle, pine tree, plum blooms and bamboos. Red part in the top corner is for wiping baby's face, because red color is thought to be good for baby's eyes. It is from Izumo region in Shimane prefecture. In good condition, but the red and indigo blue are a bit faded. Meiji period (1868∼1912）65㎝ x 103cm

Kake-fukusa, a gift cover, used on the occasion of auspicious events. It is made of tapestry weave silk with two performers motif, one is wearing Daikoku costume with a gavel. Two men look Kado-tsuke, strolling musicians or performers who play dancing and music in front of houses and get some money. In good condition but damage in the black Eboshi (hat) of the man with a fan. Meiji period (1868~1912) 62cm x 67cm

Kake-fukusa which is used to cover a gift on the occasion of auspicious events. It is made of tapestry weave silk with auspicious omen motifs, pine tree, plum tree with bloom and bamboo. Generally, in good condition except for a rift of the black yarn in the pine tree circle and some stains in the blue ground, and also three holes in the red silk lining in the back. Meiji period (1868~1912) 67cm x 72cm

Kake-Fukusa, a gift cover made of tapestry weave silk with carp and stream design. It is used to cover a gift on the auspicious event. The family crest (kamon) is Umebachi-mon. Four tassels are metal yarn. Generally, in good condition, but has light stains in blue ground and white waves. Meiji period (1868~1912) 63xm x 63cm

Fireman's hat with hand-stitched sashiko (quilting). The outside cloth is dyed with vegetable indigo and the lining is dyed with natural brown. Two belts are recycled from old cotton cloth with katazome. In good condition. Meiji period (1868～1912). W:33cm, L:55cm

Huge cotton cloth with dynamic and vivid Shishi (lion), peonies, waves and tachibana (citrus) with tsutsugaki (glue resist dye). The tsutsugaki technique is excellent and lines are very smooth and powerful by a prominent craftsperson. Judging from the shape and size, it might have been used for "Shishimai" (lion dance) at the festival, held in Fukui, Toyama or Ishikawa Prefecture. In excellent condition. Meiji period (1969～1912)

A pair of fireman's globes made of indigo dye cotton with sashiko (quilting) with cotton yarn. Used but in good condition. 19th to early 20th century. W:16cm, L:43cm

Almost square fukusa, or ceremonial cover, made of silk, hand-decorated in yuzen dye technique (mineral colors and gold flakes) and with gold thread embroidery. Image of two open folding fans, connected with red noshi-threads. On the top fan are chrysanthemums along a stream; the bottom fan is decorated with cranes flying above pine trees near the sea...