Miharu Hariko Papier-mache Doll; Miharu Village, Fukushima Prefecture, ca. 1987. Figure of girl, possibly an "oiran" (courtesean) with sake ewer ("hisage" / "kannabe.") H.4.75"(12cm) x W.3.25"(8.25cm.) 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...

A painted metal cut-out of a fish, with the word "BAIT" as if to advertise a bait shop. This has an American antique folk art appearance though I believe these are made in Asia, as decorative objects. Add to your Adirondack style interior; excellent for the second house at the lake. Measures 8" by 20" extreme dimensions. The tail area has cracks in the metal so this is delicate and should be handled carefully.

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.

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...

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...

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...

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...

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...

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...

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 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...

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...

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. This colorful backdrop, along with a scenic rural s...

Miharu Hariko papier-mache doll of Daikoku, God of Wealth and one of the Seven Lucky Gods. Miharu Village, Fukushima Prefecture, ca. 1999. H.5.125"(13cm) x W.7"(18cm.) Excellent Condition. Here, Daikoku stands with arms outstretched, his kimono dispaying a pattern of pines, camellia, & wisteria, and the sleeves seemingly flapping in the wind. Miharu-machi (town) is located just NW of Koriyama City in central Fukushima Prefecture. They say the town’s name “mi’ (3) “haru” (spring) co...

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...

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...

Miharu Hariko papier-mache doll of Samurai on Horseback armed with sword, bow & arrows. Miharu Village, Fukushima Prefecture, ca.1988. H.7.5"(19cm) x L.7"(18cm.) 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 s...

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. The techinique of “hariko” (papier-mache) is said to have come to Japan from China during the Mu...