Catalog: Antiques: Regional Art: Asian: Japanese (331)

White Rabbit Ceramic Sculpture by Takegawa Chikusai (1809-1882), created in his final year, 1882. Takegawa Chikusai was responsible for putting Banko Yaki, and the Banko-gama kiln (established 1829) and its home of Yokkaichi City in Mie-ken back on its feet and on the map. Banko Yaki had previously been made in the early Edo Period in Kyoto. Takegawa Chikusai's work was bequeathed to the Yokkaichi Museum's permanent collection, so this is an extremely rare opportunity for you to own a masterpiece by this great artist. 11 x 7.5 inches, 28 x 19 cm. Excellent Condition. Signed with original box and inscriptions on the lid of the box.

A very important find and a great day for the serious Satsuma collector who acquires this exceedingly rare pair of plates of breathtaking beauty, detail and color by the renowned Satsuma Master, Ryozan, depicting the two Goddesses of the Seven Lucky Gods, Benzai-ten and Kichijo-ten (Kichijo-ten sometimes replaces Fukurokuju in portrayals of the Seven Lucky Gods). These Goddesses of Good Luck, Happiness, and Learning are patrons of geisha and artists and are venerated by speculators, entrepreneurs and tradesmen who pray for luck in business and love. This is a one-of-a-kind portrayal and format by Ryozan, one of the foremost Satsuma artists of 19th Century Japan. 9 inches, 23 cm. Excellent Condition.

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.

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.

Lovely pair of Japanese Geisha Isho Ningyo. The style of this gorgeous set is fashioned after the work of early Japanese woodblock prints artists, such as Utamaro. They are finely painted and wear sumptuous kimonos over their graceful, elongated forms. Each figure is 12.5h x 7w inches, 32h x 18w cm. Excellent Condition.

A set of Three Meiji Period Japanese Isho Ningyo of rich, stylish young ladies viewing a book of leaves. They are created in a very unusual style. We have not seen anything like these before. They are gorgeous in every way. A work of art that transcends the usual. 7 inches (18cm) high. Wood base is 15 x 8.25 inches, 38 x 21 cm. Excellent Condition.

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.

A spectacular early 19th Century Edo Period Takeda Ningyo in superb condition, a rare find in this condition. It is of the most elegant, for sure. He is an actor portraying a young Samurai. He has a beautifully carved face and wears sumptuous brocades. He has all of his original accessories, including a suit of armor on his back. He is positioned an a black lacquered stand on four legs. Total height is 20 inches. Figure height is 14 inches. Excellent Condition.

A rare Musha Ningyo three piece set featuring Ojin, Kato Kiyomasa and Attendant, from the Late Edo Period of the 19th Century. It is very unusual to find a set like this in a complete state with all its accessories and original display stand. They all have great faces and sumptuous brocades. The way they work together is very special. Overall height with stand is 17 inches (43cm). Excellent Condition.

19th Century Japanese Ningyô of Fukurokuju, one of the Seven Lucky Gods. He is the God of Wisdom, Wealth and Longevity. 11 x 7 inches, 28 x 18 cm. Excellent Condition.

Extremely Rare Japanese Set of Five Military Band Musicians from the Russo-Japanese War of 1904-5. We knew of this one-of-a-kind complete set 15 years ago, and have finally just now been allowed to purchase it. These rare sets were produced only during the Russo-Japanese War, and you will likely never see another being offered. Japan used these Ningyo for the Boys Day Festival during this time in history. Heights range from 10.5 to 11.5 inches, 26.5 to 29 cm. Excellent Condition.

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.

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.

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.

A rare Meiji Period Isho Ningyo depicting the Tale of the Tongue Cut Sparrow. This pair is brilliantly crafted and attributed to the famous Ningyo artist Mauari, a National Treasure in Japan. His work is highly prized there. 9.5 inches, 24cm tall. Excellent Condition.

19th Century Meiji Period Japanese Black Lacquered Box with River, Bamboo, Flowers, and Fireflies. A gem of high quality with gorgeous fine details. 9.25 x 6.75 x 1.5 inches, 23.5 x 17 x 4 cm. Excellent Condition.

From the collection of the Museum of Fine Arts in Boston comes this fine Edo Period late 18th/early 19th Century Japanese Black Lacquered Box with Mother-of-Pearl Inlaid and Gold Lacquered Boats in a classic wave pattern with exceptionally well rendered mother of pearl motifs. A rare masterpiece from all sides. 8 x 5.5 x 5.5 inches, 20 14 x 14 cm. Excellent Condition.