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...

A large basket handmade of bamboo strips. In excellent condition except for a minor break, however no problem for use. 20th century. Diameter:43.5cm, H:17cm

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...

Ikkan-bari basket made of bamboo and paper. Ikkan-bari is a Japanese traditional craft which is: many layers of washi (Japanese handmade paper) are pasted on the bamboo or wood frame, or wood or clay mold. And then coated with urushi or kaki-shibu (persimmon juice) when it becomes dry and hard. It has paper(not Japanese paper) pasted on the bamboo basket and coated with kaki-shibu. Cloth hand-painted daruma and Benkei are collaged on both sides. In excellent condition. Contemporary...