Japanese Folk Art

Adorable unique wood carved figurine statue. we don't know anything about the item, but believe it was made in Japan in the 1960s. Ideal decoratio...

Vintage Japanese 3 tea cups from mid-century studio pottery. In good original new condition and just found in the warehouse, never used before.

This is an object of a person from Hokkaido prefecture in Japan. They are called Ainu. This object is all hand carved. It was made around 1980s in Showa era. It is made with wood. ...

Early 20th century porcelain Maneki Neko, Japan This porcelain Maneki Neko, the good fortune beckoning cat, is a molded seated form with the right raised paw closely to the side of ...

This is an old toy soccer ball. Over the years, the outer material has peeled off, exposing the inner material. The appearance, which has changed naturally over time, has a beauty th...

Japanese antique shinto shrine ceramic Inari fox guardian and Shinto Kami (god). Rare glass eyes and remnant red (mouth) and white paint on its base still present and it holds the ...

Antique Japanese Indigo-Dyed Double Ikat Kimono This deeply saturated indigo-dyed kimono is made of heavy-weight hand-spun cotton and precisely patter...

This is an object of a person from Hokkaido prefecture in Japan. They are called Ainu. This object is all hand carved. It was made around 1980s in Showa era. It is made with wood. ...

A wonderful, beautifully crafted Japanese festival Shishi Lion Dance (Shishi Mai) mask (Gashira). The shishi mask represents a mythical lion that prote...

An exquisite, beautifully crafted, and wonderfully designed Yunomi teacup by master Japanese potter Shoji Hamada featuring his wax-resistant technique and highly coveted rich Kaki glaze over Mashiko...

Antique Traditional Japanese Batik (Wasarasa) Western inspired Japanese batik (wasarasa) designs became increasingly popular during the latter part of the Meiji (1868~1911) and Tais...

Bring originality and boldness to your décor with this tattooed wooden arm. Inspired by the ancient and multicultural art of tattooing, each piece is adorned with powerful and dreaml...

Fabulous and in near mint condition Fiat 600 with a rollback cloth convertible top. From a lot of seventeen that were probably stored from day one, and never played with. Made by Ban...

Antique Japanese Stencil-Dyed Han-Juban Han-juban are worn under kimono. This example, without its original cotton sleeves, displays a unique stencil-dyed pattern with indigo. A ve...

Antique Japanese Recycled Zanshiori Jacket Zanshi-ori cloth is woven from leftover cotton and silk threads, either from commercial kimono production or from home-produced recycled y...

A rare large and most impressive rustic midcentury Japanese Ainu hand carved Ussuri Brown Bear sculpture. Indigenous Ainu Peoples, probably Ashikawa, Hokkaido, Japan's northernmost island, mid-20th century, anonymous artist. This exceptional example of traditional Kibori Kuma (木彫り熊) was finely hand carved, chiseled, sculpted and painted from a massive block of solid Japanese hardwood, using old primitive techniques with customized knives and chisels, the artisan would sit on the hut floor, using their feet as a vice to hold the block of wood, carefully manipulating and turning, wood chips flying, skillfully carving to create this beautiful piece of art! This massive scale realistic rendering showcases the artisan's exemplary skills, workmanship, and artistry, the bears aggressive naturalistic appearance comes to life, evoking power, strength, and natural bounty, lending to its fierce dramatic presence. Modeled as a wild Ussuri brown bear standing on four legs, head slightly tilted up as if about to expel a ferocious roaring growl, having inset black glass eyes, mouth agape with jagged teeth exposed, the bold muscular body with distinct richly textured chip-carved fur, this sculpture captures the essence of Ainu reverence for nature, this sacred animal, and their deep connection to the land. No apparent signatures, typical of folk art work. - DIMENSIONS: (approx) 19.5" Wide x 11.375" Tall x 13.25" Deep; Wight: 18.75lbs - HISTORY / BACKGROUND: The Ainu are an aboriginal hunter/gatherer/fisher people who once inhabited many of the islands that bound the southern half of the Sea of Okhotsk north of the main Japanese island of Honshu and Southern Russia. Their land was contested by the Japanese Empire and the USSR for centuries, with the Meiji era Japan colonisation of Hokkaido taking place in the 19th century. Colonisation dispossessed the native Ainu people of their lands and property. Widespread discrimination enforced against them, including their forced relocation into mountain areas and the prohibition of the use of the Ainu language decimated their economy with the eventual aim of the extinction of Ainu culture and its replacement by Yamato Japanese culture. The history of the Ainu bear...

A beautiful, wonderfully crafted, alluring mask made for Japanese Noh theatre. The mask is handcrafted and hand-carved from natural wood and is signed by the maker. This mask is o...

A scarce antique Japanese Noh theatre hand carved and painted wooden mask of Ko-Omote. Sculpted in Japan in the 19th century, Ko-omote (literally ...

A vintage opal Indian head carving, weighing 32.10 carats, featuring an intricate piece of lapidary artistry. Crafted from opal, a gemstone known for its iridescent play of colors, t...

Hand-sewed rice straw art by ARKO. Title: Composition Rinforzando This is one of the series named "Composition XX" Her works have the feelings of...

This is a Japanese Traditional doll which was made in 1970 in Showa era. This doll is in a box which is made with wood and glass. This doll is made with porcelain and she is wearing ...

Rare Antique Formal Japanese Silk Tsutsugaki Futon Cover An exceptional example of tsutsugaki from the late Meiji period. The abstract rendering of the auspicious phoenix and paulo...

Beautiful pair (2) old Japanese vintage gilt pheasant bird sculptures. Marked Japan on bottoms. From our recent Japanese acquisitions in original condition with original attractive gilding present. Japan, an attractive and iconic pair (2) pheasant sculptures with original gilt patina. One is poised with vertical tail and thehy other in a seated horizontal position. The pheasant is considered Japan's national bird. This creative simple adaption makes a compelling contemporary pair of sculptures. Fine original used condition with original gold gilt patina appropriate to their age. Original gilt patina from age. Dimensions: 7 inches tall and 6.5 inches wide Photographed in natural day light. Quality: Excellent quality and fine craftsmanship by Japanese specialized artisans Provenance: authentic Japanese examples (see labels). Lifetime guarantee of authenticity. All of our Asian works of art come with our lifetime authenticity guarantee. About Japan's Green Pheasant In Japanese culture, the green pheasant is unofficially considered the national bird of the country owing to its references in ancient folk tales of Japan. The green pheasant was said to be a messenger of the Sun Goddess...

Fine Pair (2) Quails In A Monumental Size Japan, a fine huge pair (2) of antique quail sculpture hand-carved and red lacquered, Taisho period. Fine...

Fantastic Japanese camp knife with a leather sheath. Blade stamped 'Japan.' Traditional stacked leather handle in black with red and white accent rings. Full tang blade running strai...

This Wind up Boy on Tricycle is an original vintage toy. Vintage friction toy representing a motorcyclist on his bike. Small toy made in tin in Japa...

Antique Japanese basket called "Tangara", made for coal miners to gather and carry the smaller piece of coals. Materials are carefully chosen for carrying heavy rocks - Handwoven wi...

This truly a magnificent piece. Stunning. Beautiful. Supremely serene. Meticulously hand carved in such fine and amazing detail (see hands and flowing robes). Gilded throughout. Sea...

An absolutely gorgeous Shino ware pottery sake/ teacup by Japanese master potter Kitaoji Rosanjin (1883-1959) who was arguably one of if not the great...

Japanese Antique display stand, "Dai" in Japanese, made from thick, single solid root wood slab. Product of 1940s - 1960s (mid Showa era), estimate from the material and condition. ...

Antique Japanese Double-Ikat Futon Cover This eye-dazzling hand-spun cotton, indigo-dyed 4-panel futon cover is a classic double ikat design displaying rows of concentric squares in...

19th Century Japanese Meiji Iki mask A Japanese Meiji period Iki mask dated from the late 19th Century, depicting a dynamic expressive human face, with glass eyes and hair and a burn...

Fabulous Ford Falcon Japanese Tin Litho Friction Toy Car C1960. In excellent vintage condition with minimal, if any wear. Came from a large lot of toys th...

A truly beautiful, wonderfully crafted, alluring female mask made for the Japanese Noh theatre. This mask is handcrafted and carved from natural wood and lacquer. Omi-Onna's (...

Antique wooden Zushi (miniature shrine, the "house of the Gods") with mini wooden figurine of Ebisu - from Tohoku area., Japan. Manufactured circa 1860s - 1900s (late Edo to Meiji pe...

Antique Japanese Indigo-Dyed Double Ikat Futon Cover This early 20th century indigo-dyed futon cover displays a large, graphically compelling lattice design created by warp and weft...

Japanese Monk Meditation Fish Gong, Edo Period (Zen fish shaped drum, Gyoban) In the Zen Buddhist temples of Japan, suspended in front of the entrance to the refectory, you will not...

Large Antique Japanese hand-curbed wooden trough, hand-crafted circa 1900s - 1930s estimated from the material, style & conditions. Hollowed out from the single solid wood of Keyaki ...

Antique Japanese Recycled Saki-Ori Farmer’s Vest This late 19th C recycled farmer’s vest from northern Japan was strip woven from repurposed cotton scraps in a technique known as sa...

A well-preserved Japanese fireman's hood (known as hikeshi zukin in Japanese) circa 1900s, late Meiji period. Woven with thick cotton with sashiko (co...

An exquisite, beautifully crafted, and wonderfully designed Yunomi teacup by master Japanese potter Shoji Hamada featuring his wax-resistant technique and highly coveted thick rich Kaki glaze over Mashiko stoneware pottery in a circular striped pattern. A unique work. Rare to find such a beautiful piece in such impeccable condition. It is a true pleasure to hold in your hand. The original Hamada signed and sealed wood storage box is included. A beautiful work. Would be a great addition and sure to shine in any Hamada or Japanese/Asian ceramics collection or serve as an eye-catching stand-alone accent piece in about any setting. Shoji Hamada was designated a Living National...

Antique Japanese Recycled Saki-Ori Farmer’s Jacket This early 20th C farmer’s jacket from the northern Japan sea coast region was strip woven from repurposed cotton scraps in a tech...

A Japanese Mashiko Cup studio pottery with stylized designs in the brown glazed body in the manner of cloud-water flowing pattern and dating from arou...

A truly magnificent in size and execution Japanese stoneware studio pottery charger/bowl. This exceptionally large and heavy asymmetrical work features a circular swirl design patter...

Antique Japanese Stencil-Dyed Han-Juban With Fan Motif Han-juban are short, waist length garments that are worn under kimono. It’s not uncommon for older examples to be missing thei...

This is a wooden shovel that was used in old farmers in Japan. It is made of chestnut wood and hand-carved. It seems that the user at that time made a hole in order to drain the wa...

Hand-sewed rice straw art by Arko. Title: A head-sea over the night sky (Small model) This work has the feelings of contemporary, tribal art, contempora...

This is an old Japanese "Kobo Daishi" wooden figure. "Kobo Daishi" means "Kukai". "Kukai" was a monk from the early Heian period. His posthumous name was "Kobo Daishi". He is the fou...

A rare 19th-century Japanese iron ohaguro tsubo-a ritual teeth-blackening dish-formed as a stylized deer. These were traditionally used to hold the heated iron implement and mixture ...

Pair of Large Japanese Ceramic Shi-Shi Dogs roof tiles, Bizen kiln, 20th c. Bizen kiln is one of the oldest and well known kilns in Japan. This is a very unusual pose of Shi-Shi Do...

Hand-sewed rice straw art by Arko. Title: Composition Accelerando #01 This work has the feelings of contemporary, tribal art, contemporary craft art, ...

It is believed that this was used as an old Japanese folk tool. It is likely a tool used to carry soil to melt snow. Since pouring soil on top of snow makes it easier for the snow to...

Hand-sewed rice straw art by ARKO. Title: Composition Marcato (B) This is one of the series named "Composition XX" Her works have the feelings of...

Mask Geisha Wig & Nô Theater 1, with real natural hair Geisha wig on head model and with Nô Theater white painted wood mask. Measures: Base: 28,5 x...

A beautifully crafted round mirror designed by Sori Yanagi for Akita Mokko. The solid wood frame, finished in a warm brown tone, reflects Yanagi’s philosophy of organic simplicity — ...

For the mechanical bank and toy enthusiast, listed is a tin, lithographed and painted, all original 1960s mechanical bank made by the Yone Company of Japan (see image of logo on side panel). The company was founded in 1950 and is typical of the post war companies who produced outstanding children's toys. The action is unique, clever, and encourages saving money. With the bank wound (attached key wind on the underneath (see image); place a penny on the spot provided on top of the bank. The mouse dashes out of the grey shoe...

Kobe Toys are very mysterious and not much is known about them. They were created and hand made, strictly for tourists and foreigners (never exported) during ...

A striking Japanese carved wood mask with polychrome paint and lacquer surface. This rare mask is dated to the Edo period (first half of 19th century and possibly earlier). The mask ...

This is a doll which is called Yuhime-Ningyo. These dolls are made in Matsuyama, Ehime prefecture. The kimono which the doll is wearing is made with silk. We say that these dolls ar...

A Kendo mask and bust protection. Japan 1930s. Very good patina. In original good condition