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...

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...

KOREAN SCREEN PAINTINGS 8 separate artist made hand painted large transcriptions of a rare 20th century Korean screen in the British Museum London. Ink on thick paper each 26x79 cms. Undated. Estimated to be recently made...

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...

From our World Handicrafts Collection (Ex-Asia), a charming hand-carved mirror frame from Cuzco Peru, sister city of the famed Macchu Piccu ruins. The wood used here is an indigenous Andean softwood that has been very skillfully carved in Spanish Baroque style, not uncommon since Peru was colonized by the Spanish in the 1500's and Spanish architectural influence still pervades their culture and crafts. The mirrored glass was installed later in the States...

Nantucket woven rattan basket or purse having 2 scrimshawed ivorite plaques, one features a sailing ship with the inside plaque featuring Marblehead Harbor. This basket has a swing handle, leather hinges and a wood base. Made in Rhode Island, it is signed Farnum on the bottom and a penny glued inside dates the basket 1996. Measures 11" long x 8" high with the handle down.

Miharu Hariko Papier-mache Doll; Miharu Village, Fukushima Prefecture, Japan, ca. 1986. H.7.5"(19cm) x W.5"(12.5cm.) Figure of a Hikyaku (Courier.) Condition Notes: Cracks to paper on right leg, left arm kimono sleeve, and right hand. Helmet re-glued to head. See enlargements. The Hikyaku was the express messenger or courier of the feudal period, running messages and mail between post towns. Miharu-machi (town) is located just NW of Koriyama City in central Fukushima Prefecture...

Miharu Hariko papier-mache doll of "Hebi" (Snake) made in 1988 for the Asian Zodiac Year of the Snake in 1989. Miharu Village, Fukushima Prefecture. H.4.75"(11cm) x Dia.2.875"(7cm.) Moveable tail. Some minor toning to paper due to age. Snake years include: 1941, 1953, 1965, 1977, 1989, 2001, 2013. Miharu-machi (town) is located just NW of Koriyama City in central Fukushima Prefecture...

Miharu Hariko papier-mache doll of Kabuki Actor Sitting on a Drum, Fukushima Prefecture, ca. 1987. H.6.5"(16.5cm) x W.4.5"(11.5cm.) 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; 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...

Miharu Nigyou papier-mache rooster. Height: 6". From the artisan studio of Hashimoto Hiroji in Miharu-machi (town), Fukushima Prefecture. In the Asian zodiac, the rooster corresponds with the current year 2005, in a 12-year cycle. Miharu-machi (town) is located just NW of Koriyama City in central Fukushima Prefecture...

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...

Hariko Ningyo (papier-mache folk doll). Height: 3". From Miyagi Prefecture, City of Sendai, this folk toy is an example of the tradition "Sendai Hariko". It is a rooster, one of the 12 animals of the Asian zodiac, and corresponds to the current year, 2005. It was made at the artisan studio of Takahashi Hashime, a long-time craftsman in Sendai. For more information on the history of papier-mache dolls in the Tohoku (NE Japan) region, please see the catalogue listing for Miharu Ningyo of Fukushima...

Miharu Hariko papier-mache doll of Young Maiden Carrying Water Buckets. Miharu Village, Fukushima Prefecture, ca. 1988. H.7.5"(19cm) x W.5.5"(14cm.) 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. This colorful backdrop, along with a scenic rural setting, and a...

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...

From our World Handicrafts Collection (ex-Asia), a handsome painted wooden box from Veracruz, Mexico, depicting various flora and fauna including birds, butterflies, and parrots, rendered in green against a black background, all crafted upon a wooden body. A charming piece of authentic Mexican handicraft and a lovely gift item.

Size and condition: 15 3/4 inches wide, 8 inches tall, 7 1/2 inches deep. A few nicks.

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-16. 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. They say the town’s name “mi’ (3) “haru” (spring) comes from the fact...

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. 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, bl...