Kokeshi, folk toy of NE Japan. Wood, Height 9.625". Zao-kei (Zao Onsen [hot spirng]), Yamagata Prefecture. Made by Oumiya Yasumitsu, who was born in Showa 11 (1936) and passed away on July 19, 1995. Probably made in the mid-late 1970's.

Kokeshi, folk toy of NE Japan. Wood, Height 10". Zao-kei (Zao Onsen [hot spring]) in Yamagata Prefecture. Made by Saitou Takeo, born on Nov. 29, 1929. Probably made in the late 1970's.

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.

Kokeshi, folk toy of NE Japan. Wood, height 12". Tsuchiyu-kei of Tsuchiyu Onsen (Hot Spring) in Fukushima Prefecture. Made by Saito Hiromichi, born August 8, 1930. This kokeshi is probably from ca. 1980.

Kokeshi, folk toy of NE Japan. Wood, height 9.625". This is a Yajiro-kei (Yajiro-classification) kokeshi, generally crafted in the vicinity of Shiroishi City in southern Miyagi Prefecture. However, this particular craftsman, Sato Seikou (?), lives in the next prefecture of Fukushima, on the coast in Iwaki City. He was born on February 22, Showa 22 (1947). This kokeshi probably dates from ca. 1980.

Kokeshi, folk toy of NE Japan. Wood, height 9.75". Yajiro-kei, Miyagi Prefecture. Made by Niiyama Hisaki, born Feb. 7, 1942. This kokeshi probably dates the early 1980'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.

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.

Kokeshi, folk toy of NE Japan. Wood, height 10". Made by Sugawara Toshi, born Showa 13 (1938) and passed away in December of 1992 at the age of 55. Akiu Onsen is a hot spring resort not far from the city of Sendai. It is thought to be one of the oldest kokeshi-making locales in the Tohoku region where all traditional (dentou) kokeshi originate.

Kokeshi, folk toy of NE Japan. Wood, Height 9.875". Tougatta-kei, Miyagi Prefecture. Although of the Tougatta classification, the maker, Umiya Yoshiemon (Umitani Kichiemon?) lived in Sendai City. He was born in the 38th year of the Meiji Era (1905) and passed away on April 20th, 1985 at the age of 79. This particular kokeshi probably dates from the 1970's or earlier. The "bun" haristyle is an interesting feature of this kokeshi, which also appears on some other Tougatta style dolls.

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.

Kokeshi, folk toy of NE Japan. Wood, Height 9.75". Kijiyama-kei of Akita Prefecture. Made by Satou Shuuichi, born Aug. 7, 1927. This kokeshi probably daes fromt he 1970's-1980's. One of the unique & interesting characteristics of Kijiyama style kokeshi is the depiction of the apron ("maekake" or "maedare") on the body of the doll.

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.

Wonderful Japanese tea bowl RAKU ware. This bowl was made between 1900 and 1940. Excellent condition. It has an exquisite contrast of colours, great form and glazing The potter's mark is in the bottom. RAKU is a light weight ceramic ware with a long history in Japan and particularly prized in the tea ceremony. RAKU means happiness, pleasure, enjoyment, satisfaction. Size: 4.5" X 3.3". Weight: 330gr.

This is a beautiful dark blue Japanese Uchikake (wedding gown) made in Nishijin, Kyoto. The label states the name of Nishijin and the use of pure gold. The gown is woven with fans and Gosho (palace) flower carts which is one of the favorite motifs used for Japanese wedding gowns. They are remainders of the Heian period (794-1192) which was the last graceful era of the aristocrats. The gown is meticulously hand sewn to perfection as most Japanese kimonos are...

Japanese 20th century wooden carving OKIMONO of USOBUKI in a seated position and telling a lie. The OKIMONO measures 8" tall, 7 3/8" wide and 6" deep.

Elegant Japanese kimono wedding gown (Uchikake) designed by Hanae Mori. The gown displays the designer’s logo without a signature; her butterflies and initials are woven all over the red liner. Hanae Mori is truly the first and most famous international Japanese designer of the 20th century. She not only contributed to the Japanese clothing industry but to many other areas since the rebuilding time of Japan after WWII...

This 20th century export Japanese ivory okimono is 7 ¾ inches high, 2 ½ inches wide and 1 ¼ inches deep. It depicts a well dressed young geisha wearing formal straw hat and carrying an instrument ready to perform. There is a red artist signature on the side. It is in excellent condition.