Catalog: Antiques: Regional Art (345)

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).

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).

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.

Rare 18th Century Edo Period Japanese Hai Hai Gosho Ningyô. This extremely rare form of Japanese Doll is one of the most sought after of Gosho Ningyo (Palace Doll). It has a wonderful classic painted face. They were presented to Royalty and upper class at the birth of a baby, and placed in the baby's chamber to protect from and absorb bad spirits. It is covered with many layers of Gofun (Oyster Shell Lacquer) over papier mache. The hair is made of silk. This amazing form is wearing a brocade bib and matching hat, and is holding a Din Din toy. 13 inches (33cm) long, 7 inches (18cm) wide.

Very rare Japanese comic demon Buaku Kyogen mask dating from the Edo Period, the golden age of Noh Drama. The Buaku mask is a Kyogen version of the Noh Beshimi. Kyogen were short, humorous skits performed between Noh acts to lighten the mood. The heavily knit brows and wide leering grimace are wonderful characteristics of this mask. It is covered in layered colored gofun (oyster shell lacquer), with hair painted with thin lines of ink over the top. It is brilliantly carved, accentuating the depth of his eye sockets, and adding a sense of drama. 8.25 x 6.5 inches, 21 x 16.5 cm.

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).

18th Century Japanese Two Panel painted Screen of a Pine Tree and Landscape, set in gold painted clouds floating in the image. An exceptional classic Japanese masterpiece. The presence of this image changes with the light of the room. The painting techniques are sumptuous, giving the image a heightened realistic experience. A similar screen was sold by Liza Hyde to the Rockefeller collection. Height: 74.75 inches, 190 cm; Width: 67.25 inches, 171 cm.

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.

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 18th Century Japanese Tea Ceremony Screen Painting of a Pine Tree. Exquisite painting on gold leaf. Set in a wood frame with a sumptuous silk brocade border. Featuring two poems on the back. The Japanese tea ceremony, also called the Way of Tea, is a Japanese cultural activity involving the ceremonial preparation and presentation of matcha, powdered green tea. Frame: 26 x 19 inches, 66 x 48.25 cm; Painting: 21 x 13 inches, 52.25 x 33 cm.

Exceedingly Rare 18th Century Japanese Karakuri-Ningyo (Mechanical Doll) of a whimsical figure from the early Edo Period, classic in its form. This figure is moved by strings and pulleys operated by three men hidden out of site. This one was part of a festival float, possibly for the Gion (New Year) Festival. This Ningyo has a fantastic face of the period. He is wearing a gorgeous costume of the finest textiles and sumptuous brocades. He stands on top of a beautiful silver lacquered stand featuring high relief flowers and leaves. Height: 23 inches, 58.5 cm.

17th Century Japanese paloma wood carving of Buddha seated on a lotus leaf. A beautiful piece with a serene presence. It has a wonderful, warm aged patina. 10 inches, 25.5 cm.

Genuine 17th Century Early Edo Period (possibly Momoyama Period) Japanese Floral Rimpa Painting made from Pigments, Silver and Gold. This is not a print or reproduction. Authenticity is absolutely guaranteed. Custom mounted for display. Painting: 9.75 x 4.25 inches, 25 x 11 cm, Mounting: 14 x 8.5 inches, 35.5 x 21.5 cm.

Genuine 17th Century Early Edo Period (possibly Momoyama Period) Japanese Floral Rimpa Painting made from Pigments, Silver and Gold. This is not a print or reproduction. Authenticity is absolutely guaranteed. Custom mounted for display. Painting: 10.75 x 6.25 inches, 27 x 16 cm, Mounting: 15 x 10.5 inches, 38 x 27 cm.

Next to the Kabuto (Helmet), one of the most expressive parts of the Samurai's Armor is the Face Mask. This Middle Edo Period metal "armor for the face" is known by many names: mengu, menpo, mempo, men yoroi, katchu men. Menpo means "face and cheek" and is generally used for masks with nose pieces. This menpo is covered with a high quality gold lacquer. The inside is a negoro-like finish of red lacquer. Sporting a fantastic horse hair mustache. Obviously constructed by a highly skilled craftsman. 7w x 5.5h inches, 18 x 14 cm.

Genuine 17th Century Early Edo Period (possibly Momoyama Period) Japanese Floral Rimpa Painting made from Pigments, Silver and Gold. This is not a print or reproduction. Authenticity is absolutely guaranteed. Custom mounted for display. Painting: 9.5 x 3 inches, 24 x 7.5 cm, Mounting: 13.75 x 7.25 inches, 35 x 18.5 cm.

17th Century Early Edo Period Spectacular Japanese Temple Sculpture of Baku, a mythical beast loosely representing an Elephant with a combination of other animals, creating an original form. The Baku is the "Dream Catcher" of ancient Japanese Shinto mythology. It is inserted in the ceiling to watch over the temple. This Baku is a masterpiece sculpture of magnificent presence. It will surely be the focal point in any environment. It is carved entirely from solid Keyaki (Zelkova) wood, one the finest woods of Japan, and it takes two men just to lift it. Mounted on a lacquered stand, it rotates easily on the stand. 36 inches (91.5 cm) long x 25 inches (63.5 cm) tall. From a widely renowned and published collection that has been exhibited at the Metropolitan Museum and Japan Society.

17th Century Japanese Standing Buddha. A rare and fine example from the early Edo Period. Carved of Poloma wood with a rich dark patina. Complete with Stand and Mandala. It has a spiritual presence and a beautiful face to contemplate. 15 inches, 38 cm tall. From a prominent and widely exhibited collection.