Catalog: Antiques: Regional Art (345)

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.

An unusual and important early 19th Century Edo Period Woven Bamboo Tea Ceremony Box. This unique work of art is the only one we have seen like this. Expertly woven bamboo accented with a large bamboo handle. A rare find for the serious Japanese basket collector. Wonderful color and patina. You are not likely to see another on the art market. 17.5 inches (44.5 cm)h x 12 inches (30.5 cm)w x 10 inches (20.5 cm)d. Excellent Condition. From a prominent and widely exhibited collection.

Japanese pair of very large gold lacquer on carved wood Lotus Flowers, 11 flowers in each pair for 22 all together, of them fully bloomed Lotus Flowers. Edo Period, Early 19th Century. They were likely used on the altar of a Buddhist temple, representing the full cycle of life. They have a rich gold patina. This size and condition are extremely rare and almost never found. Height of the tallest: 41.5 inches, 105.5 cm. Excellent Condition. From a prominent and widely exhibited collection. (Vase is, of course, not included.)

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.

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.

A powerful and extremely rare Japanese Edo Period Kyogen mask of a Nio Guardian King, ferocious native deities, often associated with the Naga Dragon Kings, who converted to Buddhism and now act as bodyguards for the Buddha. The Edo period was the golden age of Noh Drama. Kyogen theater was performed between Noh acts. This mask is a brilliantly carved work of art, accentuating the dramatic power of this important mythical figure. The mask was covered in layered colored gofun (oyster shell lacquer). 9 x 7 inches, 23 x 18 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.

18th Century Japanese Two Panel Painted Screen. All four seasons are represented here, with the background representing Winter and the kimono patterns representing Spring, Summer, and Fall. This is an unusual and creative take on the tagasode (whose sleeves?) genre of screen painting that usually depicts interiors. The pair of kimono poetically speak of a romantic liaison. The colors are breathtaking and the painting technique is pure master work. 68 inches (173 cm)w x 60 inches (152.5 cm)h. Excellent Condition. From a prominent and widely exhibited collection.

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).

Early 18th Century Japanese Two Panel Screen Painting featuring a spectacular Phoenix. Exquisitely painted with silver leaf on paper. Original brocade borders. Screens this early are very rare, and screens of these proportions are rarely seen. 28 inches (71 cm)w x 24 inches 61 cm)h. Good Condition. From a prominent and widely exhibited collection.

Late 18th Century Musha Ningyo of Minamoto no Yoshitsune. This wonderful early example of high quality has a great presence, sumptuous brocades, gold lacquered armor, a spectacular helmet, and many other fine details. His face is gorgeously and masterfully carved with finely burnished Gofun. An extraordinary example. Figure height: 15.75 inches, 40 cm. Overall dimensions: 20 x 20 inches, 51 x 51 cm. Excellent Condition.

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 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.

Magnificent 18th Century Japanese Edo Period Kakiemon Porcelain Incense Burner with Daruma, the founder of Zen Buddhism. Delicately painted designs in vivid and varied colors. A wonderfully rendered Daruma adorns the cover where the smoke magically appears out of his mouth when incense is burned. A very rare and remarkable piece in very fine condition. 5.5w x 4.5h x 4d, 14w x 11.5h x 10 cm.

Very early rare Edo Period Japanese ishô-ningyô of an Archer. It is a prototype of the takeda-ningyô Kabuki actor doll. This exceptional ningyô is a fine artistic masterpiece. He has a classic face with painted features creating a charming expression and is wearing sumptuous brocades, possessing the presence of highly sought after early Edo ningyô. Height: 15 inches, 38 cm.

Rare Edo Period Kokin-bina Style of Empress & Emperor. Minor wear, fading to textile, otherwise fine condition. A classic, very early example of a Dairi-bina Imperial Couple for the Hina-matsuri Girl's Day celebration. The Emperor and Empress are seated atop a woven ungenberi fronted dais. They are a very fine early example. The emperor is wearing a lacquered court cap and tail, holding a shaku scepter, the me-bina lady is wearing a spectacular crown, and has a fabulous painted fan. All formal court attire. Their presence evokes the period with their gorgeous faces and sumptuous brocade and accessories. They are a masterpiece of the art of Ningyo. 19h x 35.5w, 48h x 90w cm.

Rare and wonderful Kyogen Theater mask dating from the Edo period, the golden age of Noh Drama. Kyogen are short, humorous skits performed between Noh acts to lighten the mood. He has gold eyes with a rich red lacquer finish. Red represents both drunkenness and healing. The large nose gives a striking sense of comic drama. This fine mask is brilliantly carved, accentuating the depth of the mask, and adding a sense of comic theater. 8.25 by 6.5 inches, 21 x 16.5 cm.

18th Century Edo Period Saga Ningyo of a young boy holding a rooster in one hand and a scepter in the other. His head bobs while his tongue goes in and out. Carved entirely of wood, his robes are built up with pigments in a technique called 'moriage'. He has a gorgeous blue outer robe decorated with foliate scroll slightly raised in relief. His inner robes are brown with shaped roundels of geometric patterns and cloud shapes. 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. 10.75 inches (27cm) tall. Fine condition with original box and documents.