Catalog: Antiques: Regional Art: Asian: Japanese: Dolls (103)

Fine Meiji Period (circa 1870) Bunraku Puppet of a Sambaso Dancer. This rare puppet is operated by three Puppet Masters, who make it come to life to present a magical theatrical experience. He is carved of wood and covered with Gofun. He wears a rich blue and red robe with white under robe, and his head is adorned with a gold and black velvet hat. An embroidery Crane graces his back. The bells on his feet sound when he dances. 35 inches (89cm) height.

Extremely Rare Hina Kazari. This the only complete set we have seen accept for a set that was sold at auction in Japan. They are presented on a sundry. The set features an Empress and Emperor, three Court Ladies, and five Musicians. Meiji Period. Fashioned of silk crepe with beautifully painted faces. Figures range from 4 to 5.5 inches high (10 to 13.5 cm). Overall dimensions: 28.5 x 23 inches, 72.5 x 58.5 cm. Excellent Condition.

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 Musha Ningyo of Old Minister Takenouchi, Meiji Period, late 19th Century. 12.5 inches (31.75 cm) height.

Late Edo Period Takeda Ningyô of Kabuki Actor Dolls Portraying Benkie and Yoshitune. It is rare to find this type in such fine condition. This wonderfully mesmerizing work of art is so striking in its posing and expression, positioned on a lacquered and wood platform. A fascinating find for the Japanese theater enthusiast. 14h x 23w inches, 35.5h x 58.5w cm.

A rare wonderful Daki Ningyo with the most artistic style and a beautiful hypnotic face, wearing a gorgeous painted silk kimono of Imperial purple. Made for the Imperial class. Late 19th Century. 27 inches, 68.5 cm.

Fine Late 19th Century Bunraku Puppet of a Sambaso Dancer. This rare Bunraku puppet is operated by three Puppet Masters, who make it come to life to present a magical theatrical experience. He is carved of wood and covered with Gofun. He wears a beautiful Robin egg blue and Saffron orange robes. His head is adorned with a silver and black hat featuring a rising sun. He is holding bells and a fan. 24.5 inches, 62cm.

Late Edo Period (1850-1868) Japanese Musha Ningyô (Boys Day Doll) wearing an Eboshi, a court hat and robes with crests. He is seated in a court position and has a handsomely caved face. His silk fiber hairs are tied in a top knot. This is a well executed example. 11 inches (28cm) tall. From a widely renowned and published collection that has been exhibited at the Metropolitan Museum and Japan Society.

Meiji Period (circa 1890) Japanese Hago-ita (Battledore or Badminton) Paddle in its original display case. It is very rare to find one from this time period, especially with its original case. A deluxe example that is enhanced with three dimensional objects. We have never seen such a wonderful and elaborate Hago-ita. 26 inches 66 cm) tall with case. From a widely renowned and published collection that has been exhibited at the Metropolitan Museum and Japan Society.

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.

Japanese Gosho Ningyo of Momotaro the Peach Boy. This wonderful Ningyo represents Momotaro in a magical manner, his robes of chirimen silk crepe with painted designs of takaramono (sacred treasures) and peaches. He holds the pit of the peach in one hand and his banner with peach motif in the other. This is a wonderful ningyo, in great bright condition. Every aspect is of the highest quality. He has a gorgeous face, beautifully rendered, and is wearing sumptuous silk brocades stretched on a carved wood body (kimekomi). He is wearing a court hat and has a sword at his side. His height is 11.5 inches (29 cm). The black lacquered stand is 11.5 x 8.5 inches (29 x 21.5 cm).

Exceptional Gonin Bayashi Five Musician set for the Hina Matsuri (Girl's Day) celebration. Just a wonderful grouping: a chanter, flute player, two hand drummers and a floor drummer, each with an expressive and well-modeled face, finely carved fingers and hands in precise gestures for their individual instruments, sumptuous silk brocade costumes, short swords, silk fiber hair, and large inset glass eyes. They are of the finest quality. 7 inches, 18 cm tall.

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).

19th Century Japanese Musha Ningyô of Ushiwakamaru, the boy who would grow up to become the great 12th Century warrior, Minamoto no Yoshitsune. This wonderful Boys Day Ningyo is the rarest of all the Boys Day figures. He is a fine example of Meiji Period Ningyo making. He wears gorgeous brocades and has a very expressive face. He is never seen wearing a helmet, in order to show his fantastic hairstyle. 12.25 x 16.5 inches, 31 x 42 cm. Excellent Condition.

An exceptional Pair of Small Japanese Six Panel Gold Leaf Screens that were part of a Girl's Day Hina display. They depict Imperial children playing in a beautiful setting. Wonderfully detailed paintings and a fresh image of childhood. They are in near mint condition, unusual for their age. 31w x 13 h inches, 78.5w x 33h cm.

A very large and elaborate Meiji Period Takeda Ningyo of a Kabuki actor in the role of the great warrior Akechi Mitsuhide, who rose from a lowly farmer to become one of history's greatest samurai. This Ningyo is in Excellent Condition and is complete, which is amazing considering its complex construction. It was made in northern Japan, giving him him a unique look, as most Takeda Ningyo were made in Kyoto. Total dimensions: h31.5 x w16 x d11 inches, h80 x w40.5 x d28 cm. Figure height: 14.25 inches, 36 cm.

Munga Ningyo of a Samurai in Court Attire by Toyotomi Hideyoshi. Late Edo Period. Height: 10 inches, 25.5 cm.

Gosho-ningyô or 'Palace Dolls' are among the most distinctive of the many Japanese doll forms. They were originally given as gifts within the imperial family. This fine example of a chubby boy holding a rope has a classic expression and playful posture. It is made of solid clay covered with gofun (oyster shell lacquer) with painted features and painted vest and a brocade bib. Height: 7.5 inches, 19 cm.