Catalog (368)

A wonderful large Edo Period Gosho Ningyo of Urashimataro. A delightful, playful rendering of this timeless theme. These type of Palace Dolls are usually smaller. This charming example is a unique, wonderful form from all angles. He is wearing an embroidered cap and bib and has a highly burnished finished gofun pigment. 12h x 11w inches, 30.h x 28w cm. Excellent Condition.

Set of Three Royal Animal-Shaped Currency Weights from Burma, Dated 1800. From the 15th century up to the end of the 19th century, animal-shaped weights functioned as a means to measure currency, such as silver ingots or any other precious material that was a means of exchange. There were three main animal shapes used, one of which were these duck-like bird figures. These weights could also serve in a religious context as Buddhist reminders of the need for honesty (accuracy in weighing) during commercial transactions. These weights were very common throughout Burma, although their production ended before the 20th century. As with coinage, new weight styles and designs were regularly issued, and these three particular bird weights, with their V shaped indentation on the back, can be exactly dated to 1800. See “Earth to Heaven: the Royal Animal-Shaped Weights of the Burmese Empires” (Gear & Gear 1992) for more information as to their form and function. They are made from a copper-lead alloy. Much of the material culture of Burma was destroyed during its many wars and invasions, and these weights are one of the few kinds of artifacts to have survived the periods of metal shortages and looting that so frequently visited Burma. 2 1/8 inch (5.5cm), 1 3/4 inch (4.5cm), 1 1/8 inch (3cm). Very Good Condition.

Extraordinary Japanese Antique Bronze Vessel featuring very high relief of a Hawk, a pair of Shishi, and foliage in a classic form. Strong, naturally rendered images with a rich patina and finely rendered detail. Original gold patina. A fine addition for bronze fanciers. Edo Period, early 19th Century. 11.5 inches (29cm) high x 28 inches (71cm) circumference.

Early 19th Century Edo Period Standing Gosho Ningyo with fine Mizuhiki ribbons painted hair. There are several forms of Mizuhiki, including one used to tie the hair of samurai. This fine ningyo has a round, well executed face with a charming expression, and is covered overall in a fine white gofun with painted features, sexed, and dressed in red chirimen silk crepe. Gosho-ningyô (Palace Dolls) are one of the most distinctive forms of Japanese doll. They were given as gifts within the imperial family. This chubby boy is in a playful pose holding cherry blossoms made of silk and paper. 13 inches (33cm) high x 10 inches (25.5cm) wide.

Extremely Rare Edo Period late 18th/early 19th Century Buraku Theater Puppet. This very large puppet was operated by three puppet masters, with an operator manipulating the head and face to create a wide variety of expressions. We think this puppet was used to portray Benkie, the 13th century warrior monk of Hieizan and trusted adviser to Yoshitsune. He wears a black velvet robe and sumptuous textiles and fiercely brandishes his nagitana weapon. It is very unusual for a Bunraku puppet of this quality, age, and size to come up for sale. Height: 48 inches, 122 cm.

Musha Ningyo of Minamoto no Yoshitsune dressed for the Imperial Court. He is wearing a fantastic brocade robe and a spectacular court hat. This wonderful rare example of high quality has a great presence, sumptuous brocades, gold lacquered armor, and many other fine details. His face is gorgeously and masterfully carved with finely burnished gofun (white clam shell lacquer). An extraordinary example. Height: 22.5 inches, 57 cm.

Japanese Edo Period Four Panel Screen Painting of a Court Scene. This elegant image is finely painted with floating gold leaf clouds, pine and willow trees, and brings the viewer into the intimacy of the court chamber. The figures are wonderfully animated with expressive faces. 100.5 x 36 inches, 255 x 91.5 cm.

Edo Period Japanese Safe. 17d x 13.75h x 12.25w inches, 43d x 35h x 31h cm.

Japanese Edo Period Musha Ningyo (Boys Day) Dolls, Samurai Set. Ningyo this early almost never appear for sale, much less with accessories, as we have here with this very fine quality pair. They have finely carved faces, and are lacquered with many coats of gofun (white oyster shell pigment). They are adorned with sumptuous silk brocades and silk armor, indicative of Edo Period Ningyo artistry. Tallest Ningyo: 19 inches (48.25cm).

Rare and Fine Japanese Edo Period Musha Ningyo for the Boy's Day display, depicting the celebrated tea master and political adviser Sen no Rikyu (1522-1591), in a kneeling position wearing rich silk brocades. He is displayed in front of a beautiful and elegant wood and silk screen with four continuing panels of a dragon flying in the clouds and chasing the magic pearl of immortality. The screen is made of black lacquered wood with gilt threads couched and stumpworked onto a dark black silk background. Ningyo depicting Sen no Rikyu became popular in the opening decades of the 19th century when stories, plays, and ningyo connected with the life of Toyotomi Hideyoshi (to whom Rikyu served as an important advisor) dominated many aspects of popular culture. Minor wear to black velvet collar, otherwise fine condition. Screen: 18 x 12.5 inches, 46 x 32 cm. Ningyo height: 8.5 inches, 21.5 cm.

Pair of Important 18th Century Edo Period Cricket Cages of museum quality, made for upper class or royalty. They are exceptional in every way. The Bamboo bars and Mother of Pearl inlay are of the finest Japanese craftsmanship, as are the Wisteria wood cases and red lacquered feet. Work like this is extremely rare and highly treasured in Japan. This is a unique opportunity to own an extraordinary work of Japanese art. 9 inches (23cm) tall x 8.25 inches (21cm) wide x 5.75 inches (14.5cm) deep. From a widely renowned and published collection that has been exhibited at the Metropolitan Museum and Japan Society.

Rare, Early Japanese Satsuma Censer. A fine example of Satsuma ware with beautiful complex underglazes of gold, red, blue, green and white, and featuring auspicious Crane and Floral motifs, creating a beautiful design on a gorgeous shape with stunning handles and cast silver top of raised flowers. A great find for the Satsuma collector. Late 18th Century Edo Period. 3 inches (7.5cm)h, 4 inches (10cm)w. From a widely renowned and published collection that has been exhibited at the Metropolitan Museum and Japan Society. Pristine Condition.

Extremely Rare 18th Century Japanese Musha Ningyô (Boys Day) Dolls, Samurai Set. Ningyô this early almost never appear for sale, much less with all of its original accessories, as we have here with this very fine, scarce, museum quality pair. We are very proud to offer this set. They have finely carved faces, and are lacquered with many coats of Gofun (Oyster Shell). They are adorned with sumptuous silk brocades and silk armor, indicative of mid Edo Period Ningyô artists. This set is a treasure of great importance for the most discriminating collector. 24 inches (61cm). From a widely renowned and published collection that has been exhibited at the Metropolitan Museum and Japan Society.

Extremely Rare 18th Century Edo Period (circa 1780) Musha Ningyô (Japanese Boys Day Figures) representing the famed brave warrior, Kato Kiyomasa (1562-1611), who accompanied Hideyoshi on his campaign against Korea. He is gloriously represented here, along with his attendant holding a banner of a Buddhist prayer, in this spectacular Ningyô. Kato is wearing sumptuous brocades, a black velvet trim robe with gold trim and is holding a spear with a sword at his side. He is seated on a military camp stool. Large Figure: 14 inches (35.5 cm); Small Figure: 9.5 inches (24 cm), Banner 18 inches (46 cm). From a widely renowned and published collection that has been exhibited at the Metropolitan Museum and Japan Society.

Very Old Edo Period (circa 1720) Extremely Rare Set of Three Female Musicians for Hina Matsuri (Girls Day Festival) Almost all musician dolls were male, making this group highly unusual, especially from the 18th century. They have the most wonderful features painted on carved wood covered with burnished gofun (oyster shell lacquer). The textiles are chirimen silk. 8.75 inches (22.5 cm) tall. From a widely renowned and published collection that has been exhibited at the Metropolitan Museum and Japan Society.

Museum Quality Early 18th Century Edo Period (circa 1700) Gilded Japanese Sculpture of Amida Nyorai Buddha. Seated cross-legged in the lotus posture, hands joined in the mudra of contemplation, eyes all but closed in meditation, we are gazing upon the sculptor's vision of Amida enthroned in paradise. The elaborately carved lotus upon which he sits is itself a symbol of the attributes of the Amida Buddha: gentleness, openness, and purity. This is a large, rare and exquisite example, fabulously carved in every aspect, from the nimbus, the lotus, and the multiple stands, to the Buddha himself, all sumptuously lacquered in beautiful gold. The Buddha's hair is arranged in snail-like curls, and a sacred jewel adorns his forehead. The robes are enhanced with gorgeous black lacquered designs. This Buddha is imbued with all of the gentle idealism one associates with Japanese Buddhist sculpture. We are proud to offer this masterwork. 32.5 inches (82.5cm) tall x 21 inches (53.5cm) wide. From a widely renowned and published collection that has been exhibited at the Metropolitan Museum and Japan Society.

Edo Period (circa 1750) Large Japanese Wood Sculpture of a Shrine Horse, a gift from an upper-class family to a shrine. Images of Horses are highly prized in Japan. It is commissioned and presented to protect a newborn male child. Rising up on its back legs, set to gallop, it strikes an animated, exciting, and beautiful pose that sets it apart from the usual static poses that these horses have. The curves of the sculpture are masterfully rendered to convey the sense of action and spirit in this rare horse. It has a great presence from all angles, and a wonderful color and patina. 25 inches (63.5cm) tall x 38.75 inches (98.5cm) long. From a widely renowned and published collection that has been exhibited at the Metropolitan Museum and Japan Society.

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).