Mayoke Yama Uba, Shinshuu (Nagano Prefecture.) Wood with bark intact, and straw rope. This folk toy depicts a Yama Uba (Mountain Hag) who is also called Yamamba in other parts of Japan. "Mayoke" means "amulet" or "charm," so the item is intended to ward off evil or bad luck, even though Yama Uba are often referred to in stories much like the bogey man is depicted in America...

Saitama Inu Hariko: painted paper; H.3" x L.3.5"; contemporary; Saitama Prefecture. The dog in Japanese folk lore symbolizes many things. This one can be a talisman for easy child birth (as dogs experience) and as a protector of children. Dogs in general are symbols of protection and loyalty, and also have the ability to recognize demons (and other animals such as fox and tanuki) in human form...

From our World Handicrafts Collection (Ex-Asia), an interesting hand-made wool prayer rug, probably Persian but it could possibly come from the Caucasus region as well. The rug features a main central medallion in rust colored ground, two minaret motifs towards the top, and geometrical motifs on the borders. The workmanship seems to be a combination of natural mineral pigments and synthetic dyes.

Size and Condition: 60 inches long, 39 inches wide...

This ebullient hand carved Oaxacan Alebrije model of an armadillo will give delight for years to come. Its artist made use of traditional Mexican bright colors to make this armadillo pop. Purple and turquoise dominate but yellows and reds complete the ensemble. Signed Rocio R on the belly.

Condition is Excellent.

Dimensions
Height 3 5/8 inch
Width: 2 5/8 inch
Depth: 11 1/4 inch

From our World Handicrafts Collection (ex-Asia), a handsome inlaid wooden box from Oaxaca Mexico, very attractively executed with dark brown inlay upon a lighter straw colored base wood. The box is fairly light, not quite balsa wood weight but light nevertheless, and is fragrant on the inside where the exposed surface of the hewn wood has not been varnished. Regrettably, we have forgotten the name of this interesting wood...

Miharu Hariko papier-mache doll of a Yakko, the lower rank samurai manservant who often ran in front of the samurai retinue carrying banners, trunks, etc. He carries a lantern with the name "Sagamiya" on it. Pairs with MH-14. Miharu Village, Fukushima Prefecture, ca. 1991. H.7.75"(19.5cm) x W.3.125"(8cm.) excellent condition. Miharu-machi (town) is located just NW of Koriyama City in central Fukushima Prefecture...

Miharu Hariko papier-mache doll of Mother, Child, & Fox. Miharu Village, Fukushima Prefecture, ca. 1988. H.7.25"(8.5cm) x W.3.75"(9.5cm.) Excellent Condition. Miharu-machi (town) is located just NW of Koriyama City in central Fukushima Prefecture. They say the town’s name “mi’ (3) “haru” (spring) comes from the fact that the three famous blossoms of spring; plum, peach, and cherry, bloom here in profusion...

Miharu Hariko papier-mache doll of elderly biwa (lute) player. Miharu Village, Fukushima Prefecture, ca. 1989. H.6"(15cm) x W.2.125"(5.5cm.) With lute strapped to his back and propped up with a cane, this strolling eldery musician looks composed and serene. Miharu-machi (town) is located just NW of Koriyama City in central Fukushima Prefecture...

Miharu Hariko papier-mache doll of "Daiko Uchi Onna" (Dancing Girl Holding Drum.) Miharu Village, Fukushima Prefecture, ca. 2008. H.6.625"(17cm) x W.3.75"(10cm.) Excellent Condition. Miharu-machi (town) is located just NW of Koriyama City in central Fukushima Prefecture. They say the town’s name “mi’ (3) “haru” (spring) comes from the fact that the three famous blossoms of spring; plum, peach, and cherry, bloom here in profusion...

Miharu Hariko papier-mache dolls of Hina Ningyo (Imperial Couple) traditinally displayed in the month of March for Girls Day (March 3rd.) Miharu Village, Fukushima Prefecture, ca. 1992. Empress: H.4.875"(12cm) x W.3.625"(9.25cm,) Emperor: H.5.375"(13.5cm) x W.3.75"(9.5cm.) Condition Note: hat of Emperor cracked and repaired. Small crack on back of Emperor where sword protrudes from body...

Miharu Hariko papier-mache doll of a Farmer Riding a Cow holding a sickle. A possible reference to the Kusakari Kannon (Grass Cutting Kannon (J...

Miharu Hariko papier-mache doll of "Ne Ushi" (Reclining Cow / Ox) made in 2008 for the Year of the OX in 2009. Miharu Village, Fukushima Prefecture. H.2.25"(5.5cm) x L.4.75"(12.5cm.) Excellent condition. Asian Zodiac Ox years: 1949, 1961, 1973, 1985, 1997, 2009, 2021. Miharu-machi (town) is located just NW of Koriyama City in central Fukushima Prefecture. They say the town’s name “mi’ (3) “haru” (spring) comes from the fact that the three famous blossoms of spring; plum, peach, and...

Miharu Hariko papier-mache doll of Dancing Maiden with Fan, Sword, Bow & Arrows. Miharu Village, Fukushima Prefecture, ca. 1988. H.8.5"(21cm) x W.6.75"(17cm.) Very Good Condition, small 1/8" paint loss on bow. A highly expressive figure in the tradition of Miharu Ningyo Dancing Maidens. Miharu-machi (town) is located just NW of Koriyama City in central Fukushima Prefecture. They say the town’s name “mi’ (3) “haru” (spring) comes from the fact that the three famous blossoms of spri...

Miharu Hariko papier-mache doll of a Court Noble ("kuge") seated on a dias. Miharu Village, Fukushima Prefecture, ca. 1988. H.7.5"(19cm) x W.6.5"(16.5cm.) Very good condition, slight paper cracking where sword protrudes from back of body. Miharu-machi (town) is located just NW of Koriyama City in central Fukushima Prefecture. They say the town’s name “mi’ (3) “haru” (spring) comes from the fact that the three famous blossoms of spring; plum, peach, and cherry, bloom here in profus...

Miharu Hariko papier-mache doll of a Sumo Wrestler Daikoku, God of Wealth and one of the Seven Lucky Gods. Miharu Village, Fukushima Prefecture, ca. 1991. H.5.25"(13.5cm) x W.3.75"(9.5cm.) Excellent condition. This is a rare image of Daikoku-sama in a fundoshi (loin cloth) as a Sumo Wrestler! It is a great example of the playful nature of Miharu Ningyo. Miharu-machi (town) is located just NW of Koriyama City in central Fukushima Prefecture. They say the town’s name “mi’ (3) “haru” ...

From our Southeast Asia Collection, a large and very attractive Indonesian tribal mask, crafted from a dark hardwood we think is either teak or some other rosewood variant, inlaid with mother of pearl or shell. They craft a lot of masks in different versions in Bali, but the more frequently encountered version you see there is a much smaller but heavily painted multicolor style, that we tend to find a bit gaudy. We selected this style from Central Java for its austere but artful presence, achiev...

From our World Handicrafts Collection (Ex-Asia), a very interesting Afghani hand-made tribal rug decorated with American military helicopter and B-52 bomber motifs. This piece was acquired about 16 months after the American military campaign in Afghanistan was launched in response to the 911 attacks, and in a fascinating example of art imitating life, the villager who crafted this rug chose to fashion it in this manner, reflecting the military aircraft he/she no doubt saw in the sky day after d...

Miharu Hariko, Papier-mache doll; Miharu Village, Fukushima Prefecture, ca. 1987. H.9.5"(24cm) x W.6.5"(16.5cm.) Figure of Sugawara no Michizane; a politician, poet, and scholar (845-903.) Excellent condition. The story of Michizane (Tenjin-sama) is well-known in Japan. He was a politician and scholar in the ancient Imperial capitol of Kyoto. Through a series of political back-stabbing, he was banished to Dazaifu in remote Chikuzen Province (now part of Fukuoka Prefecture in Kyushu)where he s...