Kokeshi, wooden folk toy of NE Japan. Height: 3.75". This is an example of the "Naruko-kei" tradition of Miyagi Prefecture. This particular shape was called an "ezuko" (basket child) in the local Miyagi vernacular. The artisan was Sakurai Shouji, who was born on January 1st, 1927 (Showa 2.) It is not dated, but was most likely made during the 1960's or 1970's. For a brief story on "dentou" (traditional) kokeshi, plase see our weblog, which can be accessed through our Trocadero homepage.

A beautiful old export Chinese silver enameled mirror with jade stone inlay in excellent condition. Marked. L;18cm

A beautiful old Chinese silver enamel burner gold washed inside with turquoise and carnelian stone dragons and phoenix decoration throughout in excellent condition. Marked "silver". Weights:315. H:18cm

A beautiful old Chinese silver and gold wash enamel with a piece of jade in the center, in excellent condition. Marked. W:3 H:2"

Hirosaki Hato Bue, Clay Pigeon Whistle from Hirosaki, Aomori Prefecture. Painted clay; L.6"(15cm) x H.4"(10cm) x 2.5"(6.5cm.)ca. 1970's...

Kokeshi, folk toy of NE Japan. Wood, Height 8.25". Naruko-kei, Miyagi Prefecture. Made by Satou Minoru, born Dec. 27, 1932. This kokeshi probably dates from the 1970's.

A pair beautiful old very unusual Chinese silver yellow jadeite stone earrings, in excellent condition. Marked. H:2cm

A pair of vintage Chinese silver gold washed enamel carnelian earring, in excellent condition. Marked. D:2.5cm

Kokeshi, folk toy of NE Japan. Wood, height 12". Yamagata-kei classification of Yamagata Prefecture. Made by Kobayashi Koutaro of Yamagata City, born March 13, 1936. This kokeshi probably dates from the late 1970's. The very thin body of this kokeshi is an unusual and interesting characteristic.

Two beautiful old Chinese rattan bangles with silver in excellent condition. D:6.2cm,D:6.3cm

A well painted enamel on copper playing card box made in China circa 1900-1940, probably during the Republic period. Condition - excellent - no damages and no restoration...

A very nice early 20th C. Chinese enamel silver dish with flower motif and also flower design on the bottom of the dish. It has some normal enamel losses (pls. see photo), otherwise in good condition. Marked. D:3-1/2" weighs 43g.

An Early 20th C. well executed and finely painted enamel and cloisonne high stem bowl,with playful scenes of boys at play. Every detail is hand painted with thin layers of pigmented glass enamels; In excellent condition H:6"

This very well made mid 20th century Chinese Canton enamel plate is 7” in diameter and three quarters of an inch high. It depicts two yellow phoenixes over a blue background. There is a red stylized character “Shou” (longevity) on the bottom. It is in great condition.

Kokeshi, folk toy of NE Japan. Wood, height 9.75". Kijiyama-kei, Akita Prefecture. Made by Abe Youko; born April 3, 1932. This kokeshi probably dates from the 1970's. Women kokeshi makers, such as Ms. Abe, are in the minority in Japan in this craft that is usually handed down from father to son. Also, unique & interesting about Kijiyama style kokeshi is the depiction of the apron ("maekake" or "maedare") on the body.

Tsuchi Ningyo, Clay Doll. Kintaro with Giant Carp. ca. early 1900's. H.4.25"(11cm) x W.3.375"(8.5cm.) Signed on bottom "Yano." Body is 100% intact and in good condition, but most of the paint has flaked off of the fish...

Naruko-kei Kokeshi by Tsugawara Wahei, born Sept. 13, 1945. Wood, Height 7". Although this is a typical Naruko stle kokeshi, the words "Kaizen Damashii" (Group Spirit) have been written over the normal decorative patterns. Also written is "Mogami Denki Kabushiki Kaisha" (Mogami Electric Company, Inc.) This was probably commissioned and given out to company employees at a corporate solidarity event or campaign. Probably dates from the 1980's.

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.