Catalog (116)

Spectacular and dramatic Japanese Bunraku Puppet of a Sambaso dancer, rooted in myth, religion, and rituals performed at Shinto shrines and the imperial court, rituals aimed at conjuring up the gods. Has articulated eyes, mouth and arms making an array of wonderful expressions. He is holding his bell rattle, wearing a silk costume and a lacquered hat, presented on a classic Bunraku Puppet stand. 25.5 inches (65cm) tall.

Extremely Rare Japanese Set of Five Military Band Musicians from the Russo-Japanese War of 1904-5. We knew of this one-of-a-kind complete set 15 years ago, and have finally just now been allowed to purchase it. These rare sets were produced only during the Russo-Japanese War, and you will likely never see another being offered. Japan used these Ningyo for the Boys Day Festival during this time in history. Heights range from 10.5 to 11.5 inches, 26.5 to 29 cm. Excellent Condition.

Japanese Boys Day Horse. This white horse is of the highest quality and artistry. Carved of palomar wood and lacquered 30 to 40 times with gofun (oyster shell lacquer) to create a naturalistic effect. It is completed with the most fabulous trappings, a fine saddle, bells, and a ponga Buddhist symbol on his back. Presented on a lacquered stand with fine gold. The high quality makes it most likely that this fine piece was made for the Daimyo class, and may have been presented to a shrine. Height: 16 inches, 41 cm.

Large Meiji Period Bunraku Puppet of Tokagawa Ieyasu. Extremely rare on this grand scale (4 feet high, 122 cm). This fine quality puppet was possibly made at the request of the puppeteer Kiritake Monjuro II, as the hero in Bunraku plays. It has a fantastic dynamic presence, and is carved of Poloma wood covered in gofun (oyster shell lacquer) featuring sumptuous silk brocades with Tokagawa crests and dragons.

A set of Three Meiji Period Japanese Isho Ningyo of rich, stylish young ladies viewing a book of leaves. They are created in a very unusual style. We have not seen anything like these before. They are gorgeous in every way. A work of art that transcends the usual. 7 inches (18cm) high. Wood base is 15 x 8.25 inches, 38 x 21 cm. Excellent Condition.

Marvelous and Rare Sakura Porcelain Head Doll of a an American Baby Girl, with Bisque arms and legs. Her clothes are all original. An absolute must for the serious doll collector. She has a wonderful presence and a beautiful face. Sakura dolls were the first attempt by Japanese doll companies to imitate western porcelain doll making techniques, mainly for export purpose. Shinoda and Morimura are the most famous manufacturing companies. This doll is very distinctive, with big black eyes and black straight bobbed hair. They were nick-named 'Sakura Bisque' or 'Sakura Doll' for the cherry blossoms (the national flower of Japan) and were a great hit all over the world. This doll is very distinctive, with big black eyes and black straight bobbed hair. Height: 10 inches, 25.5 cm.

A wonderful kabuki Isho Ningyo of the actor Ichikawa Danjuro IX performing as the lion dancer in the performance of Shukyo Kagami Jishi in March 1893 at the Kabukiza Theater in Tokyo. He wears the traditional flowing red wig. Beautiful details abound here with handsome, sumptuous brocade. The pose and high quality of this dramatic masterpiece indicates it was done by an important Ningyo master. Height: 17 inches, 43 cm.

Japanese Isho Ningyo of an Oiran, the most important Geisha of the Kyoto Geisha quarter. The book and movie 'Memoirs of a Geisha' is the story of an Oiran. This master work is truly a work of art to behold, and is by one of Japan's foremost doll makers, the late Ito Hisashige XI. The first Ito Hisashige was appointed to the position of Court Doll Maker by Emperor Gosakuramachi in 1767. This long unbroken line has continued in this position, making some of Japan's finest Ningyo for 12 generations. This fine example was made in the 1940s. We have never seen an Oiran bearing her breasts, one of the many beautiful aspects of this very special Geisha Ningyo. 14 inches (35.5 cm) tall with 14 x 12 (35.5 x 30.5 cm) base. Excellent Condition.