Catalog: Archives (152)

Through the Nanbansen trade, the Portuguese introduced two important things to the Japanese in the 17th century. They were the matchlock gun and tobacco. As the popularity of tobacco spread rapidly to all classes, there was the need for a tray or box to hold the utensils. Tobacco-bon came to be the "must have" entertainment piece in the Edo period (1614-1868)...

This is a newer Hakata doll. Hakata doll was originated by a roof tile maker in the early 17C during the construction of Fukuoka castle. Hakata is located on the Kyushu island (southern island in Japan), famous to other porcelain makers such as Satsuma, Imari, Nabeshima and Hirado.

She looks quite different from the 50’s Hakata export dolls, looking more like a dancer with an umbrella than a Geisha. She is 15 ¼” tall and her "Kanzashi" hair accessories and the umbrella are removal...

This old pair of candle holders is called Shokudai. The large tweezers hanging from a hook is used to pinch the wick. Then, the wick will be stored in the small brass pot. The base of these holders and plates are beautifully shaped like lotus flowers which has been always associated with Buddha and the temples. It weighs over 10 pounds packed and 26.8 inches tall. Circa, Meiji period (1868 to 1912). Original wood box...

Antique Japanese kesa, purple satin silk brocade. Kesa was originally made from scraps of material donated to the priests. People who gave to Buddhist institutions were often keen to give very expensive items, so some fabulous kesa were created from wonderful silk brocades. This also could mean that the wealthier temples end up collecting the better fabrics or able to send out for the expensive custom made kesa as this...

This is a beautiful old Japanese Shusu (lustrous Satin-weave) obi with the finest embroidery work. Condition of the silk is excellent. It feels so soft, totally different from the newer obis. Color is a shiny deep blue. There is one seam in the center of the front and two in the back. Converted from Nagoya style obi to a flat obi of 11 1/8" wide x 80" long, all the works are done profesionally by hand. The design areas are balanced on each end of the front side this way...

This is a very high quality Kyoto Nishijin silk brocade obi, one of the best quality obi that we are currently offering. You may find the same type of designs in newer or even in old obis, but the quality of silk and the fine embroidery would not be the same. I have been always searching for the same obi after purchasing this obi in Japan. The seach is still continued. The originally white color is now aged to a beautiful creamy tan color, excellent condition...

When you look at an obi like this, you know why the name "Nishijin" is so known. This is a very formal obi, the biggest obi that I have seen, 13" wide and 154" long. Just a perfect piece for the formal dining room. It is large enough to cover two formal dining room tables. The colors are pastel, very gentle. When this obi was woven, the gold thread was woven in together. Every dot and line that you see in these pictures is the gold thread. It is a thick textile without a thick padding...