DESCRIPTION: Three rare Edo Period (c. 1790 – 1810), festival banners, hand woven of hemp and decorated with colored zodiac animals dyed in the freehand paste resist technique, tsutsugaki. To remain straight and highly visible in parade processions, these tall banners would have been mounted on poles from the top and along one side using a series of fabric tabs attached to the banner.

These striking banners are dist... Click for details

DESCRIPTION: A fine pair of large Japanese Emperor and Empress dolls, or kokin-bina, presented in formal court dress. The empress’ attire is quite elaborate, using fine brocade silks with hand embroidered flowers. In her hands she holds a painted fan and is crowned with an elaborate headdress representing a bird with long hanging beads attached. Both dolls have gofun faces and hands, which are in excellent condition. The accessories include the empress’ crown and tasseled fan, and the empero... Click for details

DESCRIPTION: A beautiful silk brocade obi with a repeating pattern of bamboo, pine and fans in green, gold and yellow tones, woven to give a luxurious sheen to the overall design. This obi is a maru style, the oldest, longest and most sumptuous made. Because the design is woven throughout on both sides, it was very costly even as new, and much heavier than later one-sided designs. Because of its size and weight, assistance was needed in order to tie it in the traditional elaborate knot around ... Click for details

DESCRIPTION: Impressive Edo Period (c. 1800- 1886) Japanese samurai doll, or musha ningyo, made for display on Boy’s Day which is celebrated annually in Japan on May 5. This seated samurai has wonderful detailing in the cotton and silk brocade costume, and is rendered in full armor with yoroi and kabuto. The samurai has a beautifully expressive gofun face, and accessories include a quiver with four arrows. CONDITION: Some wear and fading to fabric in places. DIMENSIONS: 18 ½” high (47 cm) x ... Click for details