Catalog: Antiques: Regional Art: Asian: Japanese (332)

Edo Period (circa 1820) Japanese Daki Ningyô (Hugging Doll) standing at the unusual height of 27.5 inches (70 cm), making him a very rare and striking figure. 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 and conveys a very happy spirit. He wears a spectacular kimono with many layers of beautiful textiles and chirimen silk done in shabori motif. From a widely renowned and published collection that has been exhibited at the Metropolitan Museum and Japan Society.

Rare and Fine Japanese Edo Period Musha Ningyo for the Boy's Day display, depicting the celebrated tea master and political adviser Sen no Rikyu (1522-1591), in a kneeling position wearing rich silk brocades. He is displayed in front of a beautiful and elegant wood and silk screen with four continuing panels of a dragon flying in the clouds and chasing the magic pearl of immortality. The screen is made of black lacquered wood with gilt threads couched and stumpworked onto a dark black silk background. Ningyo depicting Sen no Rikyu became popular in the opening decades of the 19th century when stories, plays, and ningyo connected with the life of Toyotomi Hideyoshi (to whom Rikyu served as an important advisor) dominated many aspects of popular culture. Minor wear to black velvet collar, otherwise fine condition. Screen: 18 x 12.5 inches, 46 x 32 cm. Ningyo height: 8.5 inches, 21.5 cm.

Edo Period late 18th/early 19th Century Japanese Ningyo of Yamauba, the Forest Goddess, half woman and half spirit. She found Kintaro abandoned in the forest by his father, and saved his life. She raised him, and he became the Hercules of Japan. For sure one of the rarest of all Ningyo. Also the rarest of female images. Only a few of these may actually exist. She bares her breasts to nurse Kintaro, as seen in Japanese woodblock prints as a popular subject by artists such as Utamaro. She is holding a wild peach branch and Kintaro is in a sumptuous silk textile matching her Obi. She is wearing gorgeous textiles and beautiful tied hair of silk. Her face and bust are of the highest quality burnished gofun, creating her beautiful spirit face. She is sitting on a peach silk pillow. Displayed on a fine black velvet display stand. Overall dimensions: 11.5 x 8 x 8 inches, 29 x 20.5 x 20.5 cm; Yumauba: 10 x 7 inches, 25.5 x 18 cm. Fine Condition.

A wonderful large Edo Period Gosho Ningyo of Urashimataro. A delightful, playful rendering of this timeless theme. These type of Palace Dolls are usually smaller. This charming example is a unique, wonderful form from all angles. He is wearing an embroidered cap and bib and has a highly burnished finished gofun pigment. 12h x 11w inches, 30.h x 28w cm. Excellent Condition.

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).

19th Century Cloisonne Vase by the most famous Japanese cloisonne artist, Ando Jubei. Decorated with a band of flowers on a pigeon blood foil ground. Height: 9 inches, 23 cm.

Stunning Meiji Period Midnight Blue Cloisonne Vase in inverted pear shape with lavender and white wisteria design on a midnight-blue ground. Height: 11.5 inches, 29 cm; Circumference: 15 inches, 38 cm.

This rare and exceptional Japanese Mirror Chest of Japanese Ash and Elm with Hand Mirror of fine Persimmon and Gorgeous Brass Metalwork is from the collection of a renowned author on and collector of Asian art. The brass hinges are adorned with Chrysanthemums, the Japanese symbol of health, happiness and well-being. Truly a wonderful and rare piece. 14.25h x 9.75w x 9d inches, 36h x 25w x 23d cm. Excellent Condition.

A wonderful 19th Century Boy's Day Ningyo of a boy dressed as a Samurai in full armor, featuring a dragon, sword, helmet, and bow and arrows. His wonderful face is carved of wood and covered with many layers of Gofun (oyster sell lacquer). He is riding a battle horse in full dress, all creating a spectacular work of art. The original wood box is included. Height: 23 inches (58.5cm), width: 18 inches (46cm).

Exceptional 19th Century Kyodai (Japanese Mirror Chest) beautifully constructed of very fine elm root. Japanese artisans ceased use of this expensive wood many years ago. Japanese antique mirror boxes like these are honestly undervalued and underpriced. They are the last bargains in the Japanese antique world, relative to their true worth and rare beauty. We strongly suggest buying one now, as we really don't expect this to be the case for too much longer. 31.5 x 16.5 x 9 inches, 80 x 42 x 22.5 cm. Excellent Condition.

Japanese Early Meiji Period Gosho Ningyo (Palace Doll) depicted with a gift box with Daruma and featuring a crane. He is wearing a fitted silk crepe haragake bib tied at the neck and waist. He has a delightfully rendered face with a bright expression, slightly open mouth, and painted features. His forehead has a painted auspicious mizuhiki (presentation ribbon). He is covered overall in a fine white gofun (oyster shell lacquer). 4.5h x 4.5w inches, 11.5h x 11.5w cm.

19th Century Meiji Period Japanese Hai Hai Ningyô lying on a beautiful Shibori silk pillow. The Hai Hai is the rarest of the Gosho form. They are presented in the upper class as a birth presentation gift to protect against bad spirits. This charming example has a Chomusubi (gift ribbon) on his head. 7.5 inches (19cm) long x 4 inches (10cm) high. Excellent Condition.

Japanese Late Edo Period Bronze and Cloisonne Phoenix Incense Burner, presented as a fantastic rendition of the subject, with gorgeous colorful inlay creating a great work of art. Height: 10.5 inches (17cm), length: 11 inches (18cm).

A spectacular Meiji Period Satsuma vase by Kinzan I. In 2001, the Kinzan kiln was designated a National treasure by the Japanese government. The Kinzan kiln pioneered and developed unique gilding techniques, such as underglaze gold leaf. This rare vase is a wonderful example of Kinzan's mastery. Height: 10.5 inches (27cm), circumference: 21.75 inches ((55cm).

Early Meiji Period (circa 1870) Japanese Musha Ningyô (Boys Day Doll) of Emperor Ojin, Japan's first historically verified emperor. He has been deified as Hachiman Daimyojin, regarded as the guardian of warriors. This boys day figure is gorgeous in every way. The brocades are so sumptuous and the face is magnificent. He is wearing a Kabuto (court hat) and holding a long battle baton complete with a sword. The figure is 14 inches (35.5 cm) tall, and the overall height is 24.5 inches (62cm). From a widely renowned and published collection that has been exhibited at the Metropolitan Museum and Japan Society.

Late 19th Century Japanese Kazari-Uma (Battle Horse). This deluxe extraordinary example is attributed to Marurei, one of the most important Ningyô artists. He now has Japanese National Treasure status. This handsomely adorned military horse is displayed on a Boys Day stand. The body hair is done by a technique called Ke-Ue-Saiku "fine work of fur planting" in which silk hairs are pasted on. It has gorgeous silk and lacquer trappings. It is positioned on a fine lacquered stand. This wonderful piece is of the finest quality. 28 inches (71cm) tall x 6 inches (15.5cm) wide x 20 inches (51cm) long. From a widely renowned and published collection that has been exhibited at the Metropolitan Museum and Japan Society.

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.

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.