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

This very fine Late 18th Century Ningyo was made for the Daimyo Class. These rare pieces are highly regarded in Japan. This is an unusually large Musha- Ningyo of the hero Kato Kiyomasa, who accompanied Hideyoshi on his campaign against Korea. He was famous for his bravery. He has a great face of carved wood and finely burnished Gofun, and is dressed in the sumptuous textiles of a rich green velvet coat with gold dragons. He wears a spectacular helmet, possesses a fantastic sword, and wields an intimidating battle baton. Figure height 26 inches (66cm), overall height 33 inches (84cm).

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.

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 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.

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.

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.

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).

Edo Period Musha-ningyo of Minister Takenouchi no Sukune and Attendant. Superb large-scale Edo period example (circa 1800) of Musha-ningyo warrior dolls for the Boy's Day display. Takenouchi is depicted kneeling and holding the baby Ojin in his arms. He has an unusually animated and well-rendered face, with fine gofun lacquer and painted features. Both figures have rich silk brocades in near mint condition. Height: 15 inches, 38 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.

A large, rarest of rare Japanese 18th century Bijin Saga Ningyo, depicting a standing female holding her flowing kimono. Saga Ningyo are the most sought after of all Japanese Ningyo. They are almost never seen on the market, and only rarely enter Western collections, public or private. This is a once-in-a -lifetime opportunity for the serious connoisseur of Japanese art. This finely carved and sculpted figure is a masterpiece from all angles. The rich pigmentation of the robes are built up with pigments in a technique called 'moriage'. The many classic patterns are extraordinary. Saga Ningyo are very different from more familiar Japanese Ningyo forms. This Saga Ningyo, an exceptional and magical presence to behold, is of an unusually large size (18.5 inches, 47 cm), significantly larger than most known examples. The exact and detailed treatment of her kosode kimono, the flowing lines of the carving, the elegant arrangement of her comb-secured hairstyle, and the rendering of her gorgeous face, is an artistic achievement on the highest level.

Rare and Spectacular Edo Period Musha Ningyo of Toyotomi Hideyoshi (circa 1780). A musha ningyo (Warrior doll or Boy's Day doll) modeled after the seated Toyotomi Hideyoshi in armor with an eboshi winged hat and a sword, holding a gunbai-uchiwa (military fan). This is the first one found by the same maker as the Hideyoshi in the famed Ayervais collection (cf. "Ningyo, the Art of the Human Figurine " Japan Society 1995 page 34, and "Ningyo, the Art of the Japanese Doll" by Alan Pate published by Tuttle. Exhibitions: Japan Society 1995, Metropolitan Museum 2001, Mingei Museum 2005.) This Musha Ningyo of Toyotomi Hideyoshi is considered the finest quality example from the Edo Period, and is in fine condition. Incredibly carved face covered in many layers of varnished gofun. Wearing sumptuous silk brocades. Toyotomi Hideyoshi (1537-1598) unified Japan after the Muromachi government lost control. The period of his rule, Momoyama is named after Hideyoshi's castle. 14h x 15w inches, 35.5h x 38w 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.

Very Old Edo Period (circa 1720) Extremely Rare Set of Three Female Musicians for Hina Matsuri (Girls Day Festival) Almost all musician dolls were male, making this group highly unusual, especially from the 18th century. They have the most wonderful features painted on carved wood covered with burnished gofun (oyster shell lacquer). The textiles are chirimen silk. 8.75 inches (22.5 cm) tall. From a widely renowned and published collection that has been exhibited at the Metropolitan Museum and Japan Society.

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 of a Buddhist prayer, in this spectacular Ningyô. 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 seated on a military camp stool. Large Figure: 14 inches (35.5 cm); Small Figure: 9.5 inches (24 cm), Banner 18 inches (46 cm). From a widely renowned and published collection that has been exhibited at the Metropolitan Museum and Japan Society.

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.

Edo Period Japanese Noh Theater Mask of Kawazu, an Oni with a Golden Hair Beard, circa 1700. A very rare early example with a powerful presence. 8 x 6.5 inches, 20.25 x 16.5 cm. Height with the beard is 19 inches (48.25 cm).

Extraordinary Japanese Antique Bronze Vessel featuring very high relief of a Hawk, a pair of Shishi, and foliage in a classic form. Strong, naturally rendered images with a rich patina and finely rendered detail. Original gold patina. A fine addition for bronze fanciers. Edo Period, early 19th Century. 11.5 inches (29cm) high x 28 inches (71cm) circumference.

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.)