Kokeshi, folk toy of NE Japan. Wood, height 9.5". Naruko-kei, Miyagi Prefecture. Made by Itou Shouichi (Matsuichi?), born on Feb. 13, Taisho 13 (1924). This kokeshi probably dates from the 1970's.

Paper mache Daruma Dolls from Tamashima district of Kurashiki in Okayama Prefecture by Ono Ichi, ca. 1972. Pair or single, smaller (FI-8b): H. 4.875"(12.2cm) x W.3.5"(9cm.); larger (FI-8a): H.5.25"(13.25cm) x W.3.375"(8.5cm.) Painted paper mache. These dolls were made in 11 sizes ranging from 11 - 45cm. The small one here is the second smallest size made, known as "9-go", and the larger is an "8-go" size...

Chinese cinnabar lacquer box in the form of a lobed squash or fruit with stem for handle, deeply carved with intricate scenes of flowers and butterflies, interior is lacquered black.

Mid 20th century.

Size: 6" wide x 3 1/2" high including stem

Korean mask for use in dance performances widely known as talchum or Yangju Pyolsandae Nori. Though these dances vary by region, they all share common themes such as exorcism, ritualistic dance, satire, and parodies of wealthy upperclassmen and would often be performed on the day of Buddha's birth and other seasonal festivals...

An elegant sterling silver rollover jigger in Tiffany & Co.’s highly desirable 1961 “Bamboo” pattern. The jigger is designed so the stems on either side of the bowl rest on the rim of cocktail shaker or glass. Once filled, the jigger can simply be tipped sideways, allowing the liquid to drop into the vessel without spills. The handle is marked “Tiffany & Co. Sterling”.

Origin: America, ca. 1970. Condition: excellent, no dings, no monograms. Size: 6” long; 2-3/8” wide...

Akebi Hato Guruma, Vine Pigeon on Wheels; Nozawa, Nagano Prefecture. L.4.75"(12cm) x W.2.375"(6cm) x H.2.5"(6.5cm.) ca. 1972, woven akebi vine. The region of Nozawa has long been known for vine weaving craftsmanship, producing utilitarian items like hats, baskets, and teapot trivets. Vines were sourced from nearby mountains and then bleached naturally in local hot springs...

A very bold and distinctive plate by well-known Bizen potter Kaneshige Makoto (Maruyama Kiln). The plate was purchased from an independent exhibition of Kaneshige’s early works close to 40 years ago and, following a accidental break, was skillfully repaired with gold joinery, or what is known as “kintsugi” in Japanese...

Unusual special hardwood side table or stand with a beautiful dramatic woodgrain. It is of an hourglass form and is very heavy. Very fun interesting stand. Size: 25.5" height, 12.5" width

Vintage Chinese red lacquered trunk with gilt lacquer designs of lotuses, reeds, and cranes. It has two metal handles on its sides, a front lock, and comes with a sheet of glass to lay over the top of the chest so objects can be placed over it without damaging the lacquer. Size: 12" height, 23.75" width, 13.75" depth

Japanese early to mid 20th century ceramic tea cup by SUIGETSU. The tea cup has the design of a camellia blossom done in high relief around the sides of the cup. The cup measures 4 3/8" tall and 3 1/8" in diameter.

Lovely Japanese Hira Taiko Drum, made from a light hardwood, and hung from a Hiratsuri stand. The drum has iron studding to keep its drum skins in place and gold kanji/kana on a black metal strip, with a gold taiko logo for Maru Masa. A drumstick is included which hangs off a hook from the Hiratsuri stand. Makes a lovely drum sound as it is intact and in good condition. Taisho/early Showa period (c1930) Size: 33" High x 34 1/2" Wide

Art deco oribe ceramic vase by Shigetaka Kato b.1927-d.2013. Shigetaka was born the second son of Kato Tokuro in 1927. He graduated the Seto Industrial School of Ceramics and studied under his father. From 1959-1971 submitted annually to the Nitten where he received the Hokusho prize as well as the Modern Ceramics Prize among others. He also received the Japanese Ceramics Society award and governors prize at the Asahi Togeiten...

Kokeshi, wooden folk toy of NE Japan. Height: 8.5". This is an example of the "Naruko-kei" tradition of Miyagi Prefecture. The artisan, Akiyama Tadaichi, was born in Meiji 34 (1901) and passed away on May 19th, 1984 (Showa 59.) For a brief story on "dentou" (traditional) kokeshi, please see our weblog, which can be accessed through our Trocadero homepage.

Matsue Hariko Koma, paper mache horse from Matsue, Shimane Prefecture. H.3.25"(8.5cm) x L.3"(7.5cm) x W.1"(2.5cm). Ca. early 1970's, made by H. Kimura. Painted paper, straw tail. Matsue paper mache dates back to the Edo Period (1600-1868) and has a wonderful robust charm. The horse, in this rural area, is a symbol of good harvest. Matsue is known in the West as the long-time Japanese home of writer Lafcadio Hearn (1850-1904.)

Wonderful sterling repousse teapot by S. Kirk & Son measuring 7 1/2" tall x 7 1/2" wide including handle. The markings on the bottom are 418AF, Sterling, Hand Decorated. This piece is absolutely beautiful!

A deep, almost bulbous, Wan-gata Chawan by Ueda Tsuneji Titled Kikumon, or Chrysanthemum, enclosed in the original signed wooden box. The large bowl is covered in speckled green glaze turning blue on the lower edges, with a bodacious mum in blue and black. It measures 5-1/2 inches (14 cm) diameter, the slightly tapered rim just over 3 inches (8cm) tall...

Wood bowl (shikarinpah) with bird motif, made by Ainu craftsman in Hokkaido. All hand-carved and in excellent condition. 20th century. L:24cm W:10.5cm H:5cm

Excellent addition to any glass collection! Designed by Tom Connally, this decanter stands 12 1/4 inches tall with it's mushroom cap stopper. (10 3/4 inches without) and is 2 3/4 inches in diameter. The color is a crisp, clear blue. The decanter has a heavy base so its not easily tipped. These pieces were hand blown so there are variations in the glass and structure. Rare, Made only from 1969 to 1972. Condition is excellent with no chips or cracks.