Catalog (368)

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).

Edo Period Portable Wood Buddhist Shrine with Exquisite Carving. 17h x 12w inches, 43h x 30.5w cm. In Buddhism, portable shrines were made so that devout travelers with nowhere to worship could carry their shrines with them. The shrines were made with closing doors, to preserve the artwork. This shrine features exquisitely carved deities and finely lacquered details.

Extremely rare Japanese Haniwa clay bust of a young wealthy woman with a charming expression and wearing a stylish hair style, large hoop ear jewelry and a neck piece. 3rd Century, Kofun Period. She represents the most prosperous of Japanese society in the Kofun Period. A similar example, a National Treasure, belongs to the Tokyo National Museum and is published in Haniwa by Fumio Miki, published by Weatherhill. Well preserved on a presentation display pedestal. 7h x 5.5w x 6d inches, 17.75h x 14w x 15d cm.

Pair of Carved Wooden Koma Inu Temple Dog Figures, each seated in the traditional posture. These are a very rare find from the early Heain Period, and could be even earlier, possibly Nara Period. The wood is aged to a beautiful patina. There are not many works of art of the period that come up for sale. There has been some conservation and restoration to stabilize these fantastic and rare pieces. 18.75 and 17.5 inches (47.5 and 44.5 cm) H, 13 and 12 inches (33 and 30.5 cm) W, 10 and 9 inches (25.5 and 23 cm) D.

Japanese Hai Hai Gosho Ningyô. This extremely rare form of Japanese Doll is one of the most sought after of Gosho (Palace Doll). They were presented to royalty and upper class at the birth of a baby, and placed in the baby's chamber to protect from bad spirits. This is a very large example of this type of Gosho. It is covered with many layers of Gofun (Oyster Shell Lacquer) over papier mache. The hair is made entirely of silk. This most adorable baby is wearing a brocade bib and sits on a cushion while holding a Din Din (toy). Late 19th Century. 8.5 inches (21.5cm) high x 15.75 inches (40cm) long. From a widely renowned and published collection that has been exhibited at the Metropolitan Museum and Japan Society.

Extremely rare 3rd to 7th Century Kofun Period Haniwa clay sculpture of a Horse, completed with the most fabulous trappings, a fine saddle, etc. Presented on a lacquered stand. The horse is a very important figure in the Samurai society. This figure possibly may have been found near the village of Motomachi, close to the port of Konjō in Musashi Province, in present day Tokyo. Pieces like this are usually found in private collections or museums, and rarely come up for sale. Well preserved. 8.5h x 8w inches, 21.5 x 20 cm.

A fantastic, extremely rare and important Edo Period Daki Ningyo, with a fine shibori outer kimono, and a red chirimen silk crepe inner kimono with a fawn-spot pattern. Featuring a beautifully sensitive life-like face. Looks wonderful in a seated or standing pose. All aspects of this Daki Ningyo are of the finest quality. We are confident that you have never before seen one of this age and quality offered for sale. Height: 25 inches, 63.5 cm.

A important Rare 18th Century Noh Theater Robe. This extraordinary silk embroidered example of a summer production Noh Robe has a design of Wisteria, Fans and Ropes, and exquisitely captures the art of Noh. 63.5 inches (161.5cm) height x 52 inches (132 cm) width. Excellent Condition. From a prominent and widely exhibited collection.

A spectacular 19th Century Japanese Bronze Horse, with a wonderful dark caramel brown patina, featuring a classic Japanese wave design in the mane and tail. This important bronze is a masterpiece of the finest quality. 21 inches (53.5cm) wide x 18 inches (46cm) high.

Fine and rare early example of a Jomon Period Dogu Clay Figure, the earliest known Japanese figures. The Dogu acted as effigies of people. They manifested some kind of sympathetic magic. For example, it may have been believed that illnesses could be transferred into the Dogu, and then destroyed, clearing the illness, or any other misfortune. Because of the ritual destruction of Dogu, they are quite rare. This primitive abstract fertility figure has a futuristic look. There are fun theories that state that the Dogu may be linked to extra-terrestrial Ancient Astronauts. 3h x 3w inches, 7.5h x 7.5w cm.

Fine and rare early example of a Jomon Period Dogu Clay Figure, the earliest known Japanese figures. The Dogu acted as effigies of people. They manifested some kind of sympathetic magic. For example, it may have been believed that illnesses could be transferred into the Dogu, and then destroyed, clearing the illness, or any other misfortune. Because of the ritual destruction of Dogu, they are quite rare. This primitive abstract fertility figure has a futuristic look. There are fun theories that state that the Dogu may be linked to extra-terrestrial Ancient Astronauts. 2.5h x 2.5w inches, 6.5h x 6.5w 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.

Beautiful Japanese Daki Ningyo standing at the unusual height of 26 inches (66 cm), making him a very rare and striking figure of the merchant class. He is wearing an Inro with a pair of Kokishiki dolls inside. It is most uncommon to see this type of Ningyô outside of Japan, for they are highly prized by the Japanese. A widely held theory has it that these dolls were commissioned by patrons of Geisha as presentation gifts. This one is outstanding in every way. It has a wonderfully expressive face.

Rare Japanese Edo Period Silver and Gilt Hair Ornament. Sterling and 999 pure Silver and Gilt hair ornament of magnificent quality made for an Oria, the highest class of geisha, featuring a crane in flight with flowers and branches and tassels. Presented on a museum presentation stand. 14 long x 6 wide x 10.5 inches high with base, 35.5 x 15.25 x 26.5 cm.

Exceedingly rare and very large Japanese Meiji Period Imari Porcelain Vases Adapted as Lamps. These great vases are one of a kind, not to be seen or found again. Gorgeous, rich, colorful glazes featuring flowers and birds with a charming fence design, all featured on a translucent white glaze. Height: 41 inches, 104 cm.

Rare Large Edo Period (circa 1830-1860) Japanese Gosho Ningyo Depicting a Sumo Wrestler, clothed in exceptional finely embroidered textile with a floral design and Shishi (guardian of Buddha) on chirimen silk crepe. This large scale, wood-carved Ningyô has a beautifully rendered expressive face lacquered with Gofun (Oyster Shell). The pose is most striking, as well. Really an extraordinary find for the Ningyô enthusiast. 18 inches, 46 cm. From a widely renowned and published collection that has been exhibited at the Metropolitan Museum and Japan Society.

19th Century Japanese Late Edo Period Two Panels Rimpa Flower Screens. Rimpa School represents the highest standard of decorative painting of all schools of Japanese painting. The flowers and other elements are raised by the use of Gofun (Oyster Shell Lacquer). This masterpiece features wonderful color with gilding and silver leaf. A great work of art. 67.5 inches (171.5 cm)h x 48 inches (122 cm)w. Very Good Condition. From a prominent and widely exhibited collection.

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.