Catalog: Antiques: Regional Art (345)

Very Rare early 20th Century Anatomically Correct Pair of Clay and Gofun Nude Figures in a Bath House Hakata Ningyô. Male: 6.5 inches (16.5cm), Female: 6 inches (15cm).

Very fine and extremely rare Japanese Haniwa sculpture of a farmer with a charming expression, pointed hat, large hoop ear jewelry below a butterfly hairstyle, arms held to the front, 3rd Century AD (Kofun Period) created for a rice farmer to represent wealth. Rice farmers were among the most prosperous of Japanese society in the Kofun period. Provenance: Property formerly owned by the Honolulu Academy of Art. Collection Number is on the bottom of the piece. A similar example, a National Treasure, belongs to the Tokyo National Museum and was published in Haniwa by Fumio Miki, published by Weatherhill (seen in the second photo here). 15.25 inches (38.75cm). Well preserved on a presentation display pedestal.

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.

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.

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.

An extremely rare and very large 19th Century Meiji Period Japanese Iki Ningyo (living figure) of a young Bijin. An exquisite Ningyo representing idealized feminine Japanese beauty. She is posing as if for a photograph or for an artist. Every aspect is hyper realistic: the hair, eye lashes, accessories, and the painted kimono. She is holding a silver mirror and hair ornament as part of a collection of hair ornaments featuring a lacquered comb. Her beautiful face changes from different angles. Iki Ningyo in feminine form are rare; most are male forms. 27 inches, 68.5 cm.

An especially fine Meiji Period (1868 - 1912) Gilded and Red and Black Lacquered Butsudan (Japanese Buddhist Altar) with an endless variety of luxuriously designed details, hidden drawers within secret compartments behind hidden panels, marvelously rendered images and elaborately carved sculpture. All other butsudan pale in comparison with this rare, museum quality showcase piece. This piece would have taken the maker close to 2 years to complete. 65 x 44 x 27 inches (166 x 112 x 69 cm). Excellent Condition.

An exceptional Edo Period Ikebana flower arranging basket. A wonderful addition for the collector of important baskets. This work of art features a monumental handle and wonderful shape. 33 inches (84 cm)h x 23.5 inches (60 cm)w. Excellent Condition. From a prominent and widely exhibited collection.

Important pair of very large Late Edo Period (19th Century) Japanese Carved Lacquered Panels. This work of art is of the highest museum quality. Works like these are usefully found in only in major museums and prominent private art collections. We are proud to offer this spectacular masterpiece. They feature four mythological and historical figures in relief, lacquered in the most amazing techniques. Framed with beautiful red lacquer that is part of the panel. 41.5 inches (105.5 cm)h x 33 inches (84 cm)w. Excellent Condition. From a prominent and widely exhibited collection.

A unique early Japanese Ikebana Basket with a rich camel colored bamboo entwined with Wisteria vines with a single, beautifully twisted and gnarled Wisteria branch. Highly sought after by the discriminating basket collectors. Edo Period, circa 1850. 14 inches (35.5cm) tall x 12.5 inches (31.5cm) wide. From a widely renowned and published collection that has been exhibited at the Metropolitan Museum and Japan Society.

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.

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.

Late Meiji Period (circa 1900) Japanese Signed Okimono Sculpture of a pair of Mandarin Ducks, symbols of life long faithfulness and one of Japan's most beautiful birds. Original artist signed box is included. Beautifully carved of Poloma wood, one of the finest woods used in Japanese sculpture, and gorgeously painted with vivid colors. They can be exhibited in an endless variety of positions and make a wonderful object of art. 3.5 x 8 inches, 9 x 20 cm. From a widely renowned and published collection that has been exhibited at the Metropolitan Museum and Japan Society.

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.

Antique Japanese Ikebana flower arranging basket made of bamboo with an unusual sculptural image. It features large pieces of bamboo joined together to create the container, with a wonderful handle. 19.5 (50 cm) tall. Excellent Condition. From a prominent and widely exhibited collection.

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 most unique pair of Chinese Pig Skin Trunks, obviously painted by a Japanese screen artist who made these wonderful decorative, rare creations, featuring a marvelous crane and flowers painted in the Japanese style. Late 19th to early 20th Century. 22w x 9.5h x 13.5d inches, 56 x 24 x 34 cm.

A unique Japanese artistic creation of a Geisha Looking in a Mirror. She is set inside of a glass enclosed presentation box The two sides are beveled glass creating an arresting design of multiple images. From the front she catches her reflection in the mirror. This is the only image we see of her face. She is so interesting in her creative style. Height: 12.5 inches, 32 cm.