Catalog: Antiques: Regional Art: Asian: Japanese: Dolls (103)

Rare Pair of Early Meiji Period Large Inu Gosho Ningyo, Japanese Dog Dolls made of lacquered papier mache. Most known examples are 3 to 5 inches in height. Chin Dogs were part of the Imperial court for centuries. They are wearing Imperial lacquered bibs, and are constructed in the manner of Gosho Ningyo. 10 inches (25.5cm) high.

Rare Japanese Iki Ningyo (Living Doll) depicting a man clothed only in a loincloth, showing his perfect physique, with left arm raised and right hand gesturing his strength. Superbly crafted in the latter part of the 19th century for the export market, fulfilling the demand for Japanese “exotica”, following Japan’s opening to the West in the mid-19th century. Fashioned of wood and covered in naturally pigmented gofun, with inset glass eyes, and featuring individually inserted human hair strands, depicted with a bushy mustache and chin beard, finely detailed musculature executed in a hyper-realistic manner, mounted on a burl wood stand. A superior museum-quality masterpiece from all angles. Published in Japanese Dolls: The Fascinating World of Ningyo. 20.5 inches, 52 cm.

Japanese Oshi-e Ningyô of Two Kabuki Actors. 12 x 8.75 inches each, 30.5 x 22.25 cm each. These were very popular during the Meiji Period; over 400 million dollars in sales (in current currency) was recorded in 1888. The characteristics of Matsumoto Oshi-e Ningyô are that the design is stuffed heavily with cotton and the faces are painted in Ukiyo-e (the floating world of Edo period) style. It is very rare to find old Oshi-e Ningyô in this quality and size today. The popularity of Oshi-e Ningyô declined when steam engines spread throughout Japan and made more goods (Hina Ningyô in this case) accessible to the local regions. The production of Matsumoto Oshi-e ended in the late Meiji period (1868-1912).

Japanese Oshi-e Ningyô of a High-Ranking Oiran Geisha. 12 x 8.75 inches, 30.5 x 22.25 cm. These were very popular during the Meiji Period; over 400 million dollars in sales (in current currency) was recorded in 1888. The characteristics of Matsumoto Oshi-e Ningyô are that the design is stuffed heavily with cotton and the faces are painted in Ukiyo-e (the floating world of Edo period) style. It is very rare to find old Oshi-e Ningyô in this quality and size today. The popularity of Oshi-e Ningyô declined when steam engines spread throughout Japan and made more goods (Hina Ningyô in this case) accessible to the local regions. The production of Matsumoto Oshi-e ended in the late Meiji period (1868-1912).

Japanese Meiji Period Musha Ningyo (Boys' Day Doll) depicting Emperor Jimmu Tenno, the first Emperor of Japan, in an unusual seated position. A fine and rare Ningyo, wonderfully well-executed face with strong features, covered overall in a fine tinted gofun (oyster shell lacquer), with a spectacular silk fiber hairstyle, sumptuous silk brocades, and a sword at his hip while holding a fabulous polearm weapon. 10.5 inches, 26.5 cm.

Japanese Meiji Period Musha Ningyo (Boys' Day Doll) depicting the legendary Emperor Ojin, seated in court attire and wearing dramatic cream brocades and lacquered armor, a fan in his right hand and wearing a classic gold eboshi cap. His face is finely carved with a regal expression. A rare and fine example. 18.5h x 20w inches, 47h x 51w cm.

Late Edo Period Musha Ningyo (Boys' Day Doll) of a Samurai and Attendant. Pairs of ningyo of this very fine quality almost never appear for sale, much less with all the accessories, as we have here. They have finely carved faces, and are lacquered with many coats of gofun (white oyster shell lacquer). They are adorned with sumptuous silk brocades and lacquered armor, indicative of this period of ningyo artistry. Seated Figure: 19h x 14w inches, 48.25h x 35.5 cm; Attendant Height: 15 inches, 38 cm; Banner Height: 26 inches, 66 cm.

Japanese antique living room in Victorian style, circa 1880, possibly exhibited at a world's fair. It is a rare, fascinating creation set in a silk brocade fabric box, with inlaid shibiyama style mother of pearl teak furniture. There are many miniature works of art featured, including a wonderful Gosho Ningyo, two flower containers, an ivory book, a three panel iris screen, ivory bird in a cage, etc. All objects in perfect proportion. 10h x 15.5w x 6d inches, 25.5h x 39.25w x 15.25d cm.

Japanese Dairi-bina Imperial Couple for the Hina-matsuri (Girl's Day), late Edo/early Meiji pair with Me-bina female wearing kokin-style surcoat with embroidered sleeves featuring a floral design, sumptuous kinran textiles, elaborate kanmuri crown, and cobra hairstyle. The O-bina male is wearing a rich brocade of white silk yusoku-style surcoat with floral cobalt blue roundels, lacquered paper kanmuri court cap, long curved sword at hip, shaku scepter in hand. The well-rendered faces are covered with a fine gofun (oyster-shell lacquer) and have glass eyes and painted features. These were made for the Imperial class. They are seated atop royal tatami platforms. Displayed in front of a pair of painted cherry blossoms screens, signed circa 1920. The screens are included. 16h x 14w inches, 40.5h x 35.5 cm.

Very Large 19th Century Meiji Period Japanese Ningyo pair of an Oiran Bijin, the highest ranking Kyoto courtesan bijin and her Kamuro (attendant), an elaborately attired pair of the finest quality. The Oiran and her attendant are wearing the most gorgeous, sumptuous brocades and textiles, all hand woven and painted chirimen silk crepe of beautiful shabori designs. The faces are exquisitely carved and covered with many layers of gofun (white oyster shell lacquer). Their expressions are just wonderful. Their fantastic hairstyles have an array of decorative ornaments. Her draping outer kimono (uchigake) is done in a beautiful floral pattern kinran design with a thick padded hem. There are endless exquisite details creating this masterwork. Mounted on a black lacquered stand. Oiran: 28 inches (71cm), Attendant: 20 inches (51 cm).

18th Century Japanese Edo Period pair of Kyoho-Bina Ningyo, an exceedingly rare early 18th century. An exceptional example of this early style. The finest quality in all aspects, featuring rich silk matching brocades in an elegant floral pattern with auspicious treasures on multilayered robes creating a classical form. All accessories and stands are original, very rare for such an early piece. Fine faces of gofun (oyster shell lacquer) aged to a burnished tone, with painted details. They have a museum collection number. Kyoho-Bina are one of the earliest styles, and are the Tiffany of hina display dolls. Emperor: 18 inches (46 cm), Empress: 17 inches (43 cm).

An extremely rare and very large 19th Century Meiji Period Japanese Iki Ningyo (living figure) of a young Bijin. An exquisite Ningyo representing idealized feminine Japanese beauty. She is posing as if for a photograph or for an artist. Every aspect is hyper realistic: the hair, eye lashes, accessories, and the painted kimono. She is holding a silver mirror and hair ornament as part of a collection of hair ornaments featuring a lacquered comb. Her beautiful face changes from different angles. Iki Ningyo in feminine form are rare; most are male forms. 27 inches, 68.5 cm.

Fantastic 18th Century Edo Period Saga Ningyo of a young boy holding a bird. His head bobs while his tongue goes in and out. Carved entirely of wood, his gorgeous robes are built up with pigments in a technique called 'moriage'. He has an outer robe decorated with a foliate scroll with other beautiful designs and geometric patterns raised in relief. This rarest of all Ningyo forms almost never comes up for sale and are almost never seen except in museums or important private collections. Saga Ningyo are considered the "holy grail" of Ningyo. They were first produced in the early 17th Century. Height: 9 inches, 23 cm. Fine condition with original signed box and presentation pillow.

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. 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 in a kneeling position. Kato Figure: 12 inches (30.5 cm) high x 13 inches (33 cm) wide, Spear: 20 inches (51 cm); Attendant: 9.5 inches (24 cm) wide, Banner: 21 inches (53 cm).

Rare, Spectacular late Edo Period Musha Ningyo of Toyotomi Hideyoshi. A musha ningyo (Boy's Day Ningyo) representing Toyotomi Hideyoshi in sumptuous gold court robes and armor, wearing an Eboshi winged hat and a fantastic sword, holding a gunbai-uchiwa (military fan). This Musha Ningyo of Toyotomi Hideyoshi is the finest quality example from the late Edo Period. Incredibly carved face covered in many layers of gofun (oyster shell lacquer). Seated on a lacquered platform. Placed in front of a screen as part of the presentation. The screen may be original to the piece. Toyotomi Hideyoshi (1537-1598) unified Japan after the Muromachi government lost control. The period of his rule, Momoyama is named after Hideyoshi's castle. 15h x 22w inches, 38h x 56w cm.

Japanese Late Edo Period very large rare pair of Musha Ningyo representing Empress Jingū (Jingū Kōgō) and the old minister Takenouchi no Sukune. He is holding the baby Ōjin (a son of the Empress Jingū who later became Emperor Ōjin) and is seated on a camp stool. These are among the largest examples and are of the highest quality and artistic workmanship. The heads and hands are carved of wood, covered with many layers of tinted gofun (oyster shell lacquer), creating exceptionally expressive faces, with glass eyes and silk hair. They are dressed in sumptuous silk brocade costumes. The armor is made of lacquered paper with gilt metal fittings. Empress Jingū is standing regally, hair tied back by a band, holding a fan and a bow, and a quiver with arrows. Both have swords. Altogether an extraordinary presence. According to the Nihonshoki, Jingū was empress from 201 A.D. to 269 A.D. She is known for her invasion of Korea while she was bearing her child. In order to delay her childbirth, a piece of rock was wrapped to her stomach. Jingu 29.5 inches (75cm), Takenouchi 27 inches (68.5cm), Ojin 10 inches (25.5cm).

Japanese Meiji Period Gosho Ningyo of Jimmu, the First Emperor of Japan. This is a wonderful ningyo, in great bright condition. Every aspect is of the highest quality. He has a gorgeous face, beautifully rendered. He is wearing sumptuous silk brocades, stretched on a carved wood body (kimekomi). He holds a bow and arrows. There are arrows in the quiver at his back, and a sword at his side. He is presented on his original lacquered stand. Height: 8.5 inches, 21.5 cm.

Japanese Gosho Ningyo of Momotaro the Peach Boy. This wonderful Ningyo represents Momotaro in a magical manner, his robes of chirimen silk crepe with painted designs of takaramono (sacred treasures) and peaches. He holds the pit of the peach in one hand and his banner with peach motif in the other. This is a wonderful ningyo, in great bright condition. Every aspect is of the highest quality. He has a gorgeous face, beautifully rendered, and is wearing sumptuous silk brocades stretched on a carved wood body (kimekomi). He is wearing a court hat and has a sword at his side. His height is 11.5 inches (29 cm). The black lacquered stand is 11.5 x 8.5 inches (29 x 21.5 cm).