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Folk Art
  Japanese Masks

Folk Art of Japan


Japanese Folk Art or Mingei is a category of exceptional antique and vintage items that were initially created by unknown craftsmen for utilitarian use but have become popular in the collecting world for their unique artistic appeal. Because of their warm, earthy nature and striking, often exotic, shapes, textures and colors, Japanese folk mingei items make fabulous additions to any environment.

Some folk art you will find at Jcollector are Japanese dolls, Japanese textiles (kimono, obi, noren, nobori banners), Japanese pottery and ceramics (sake, rice and tea jars, bottles, barrels, buckets), Japanese kanban shop signs, bird cages, bento and lunch boxes, roof tiles, tea kettles (tetsubin) and utensils.

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Japanese Architectural Temple Element
Japanese Architectural Temple Element, Wood Dragons - JC9J259
Our Price: $1,995.00

Spectacular, large Japanese  handcarved wood architectural temple element, Meiji period, c. 1868-1912.  Dramatic, uniquely animated dragon finished in dazzling gilt.  Rendered with great depth, skill and meticulous detail.  Very good condition.  Dimensions:  11” high, 52” wide.
Japanese Noh Mask, Female Waka-Onna
Japanese Noh Mask, Female Waka-Onna - JP9J417
Our Price: $1,995.00

Striking Japanese carved wood Noh theater mask of the character Waka-Onna, Meiji period, c. 1868-1912.  Traditionally the face of and elegant beauty.  Fabulous rendering of the facial expression, reflecting grace and refinement.  Very good condition.  Dimensions:  8.5” x 5”.
Japanese Tengu Mask, Wood Devil
Japanese Tengu Mask, Wood Carved Devil - JP9J419
Our Price: $1,995.00

Superb Japanese carved wood tengu mask, Meiji period, c. 1868-1912.  Tengu are mythical, long-nosed devils who are said to dwell in forests and mountains and harass travelers.  This fabulous rendering features piercing gaze, accentuated by a furrowed brow and frightening grimace.  Tengu masks are becoming increasingly difficult to find and are in great demand by collectors.  Very good condition.  Dimensions:  11” w/nose x 10” x 8”.
Japanese Noh Mask, Wood Carved Zo-onna
Japanese Noh Mask, Wood Carved Zo-onna - JP9J420
Our Price: $1,995.00

Exceptional Japanese carved wood Noh theater mask of the character Zo-onna, Taisho period, c. 1912-1926. Fabulous rendering of the facial expression, reflecting calmness, purity and tranquility.  Very good condition.  Dimensions:
Japanese Noh Mask, Happy Woman Otafuku
Japanese Noh Mask, Happy Woman Otafuku - JP9J421
Our Price: $3,995.00

Extraordinary Noh mask featuring Otafuku or “Happy Woman,” Meiji period, c. 1868-1912.  Incredible rendering features skilled carving with great attention to detail and animation.  Comes with original, inscribed kiri wood storage box.  Very good condition.  Dimensions:  7” x 6” x 3”.
Japanese Mask, Carved Wood Nio Misshaku Kongo (Agyo)
Japanese Mask, Carved Wood Nio Misshaku Kongo (Agyo) - JJ9JU121
Our Price: $995.00
Sale Price: $695.00

Dramatic Japanese carved wood temple mask, early 20th century.  Fabulous, fierce and animated rendering.  Represents temple guardian or Nio figure.  Called Misshaku Kongo (Agyo), this character represents overt strength with bared teeth.  Great color and patina. Paper label on back.  Dimensions:  13” high, 9” wide.
Japanese Kiri Wood Hibachi
Japanese Kiri Wood Hibachi - JJ9JU124
Our Price: $395.00
Sale Price: $359.00

Handsome Japanese kiri-wood hibachi or brazier with original copper liner, Meiji period, c. 1868-1912.  Hand-carved, richly grained kiri wood.  Useful size as a planter or for use in ikebana (flower arrangement). A great mingei piece for the collector.  Very good condition.  Dimensions:  8.5” high, 2.5” diameter.  Price shown is for one, but we have a pair.  Buy one or both!
Japanese Carved Wood Tea Tray with Frog
Japanese Carved Wood Tea Tray with Frog - JP9J47
Our Price: $1,295.00

Beautiful Japanese carved tea tray in leaf form, Meiji period, c. 1868-1912.  Exquisite form with lifelike textural effect overall and lovely wood grain.  Traditionally used to serve sweet cakes.  An exceptionally well rendered piece in very good condition.  Artist signed on underside.  Dimensions:  12” x 10”.
Japanese Hibachi, Wood Brazier or Handwarmer
Japanese Hibachi, Wooden Brazier or Handwarmer - JC9J447
SOLD
Our Price: $495.00

Stunning Japanese wooden hibachi or brazier with original copper liner, Meiji period, c. 1868-1912.  Hand-carved, richly grained kiri wood with lovely handpainted lacquer décor featuring inlaid mother-of-pearl accents and rare metal strapping.  Useful size as a planter or for use in ikebana (flower arrangement). A great mingei piece for the collector.  Very good condition.  Dimensions:  8” high, 12” diameter.
Japanese Carved Bamboo Vase - Ikebana
Japanese Carved Bamboo Vase for Ikebana - JW9MY133
Our Price: $1,295.00

Exceptional Japanese carved bamboo ikebana vase, Meiji periood, 1868-1912.  Floral motif rendered with extraordinary detail and meticulous attention to detail. Charming item for use in ikebana (flower arrangement). A great mingei piece for the collector. Very good condition.  Dimensions:  13.5” high, 6” diameter.
Japanese Folk Masks, Tale of Momotaro
Japanese Folk Masks, Tale of Momotaro - JW9MY134
Our Price: $1,995.00

Exceptional set of five Japanese carved wood masks of the characters in the folk tale of Momotaro, Taisho period, c. 1912-1926. In this classic folk tale, Momotarō, accompanied by the old man, meets and befriends a talking dog, monkey, and pheasant, penetrates the demons' fort and beats the demons' leader, Ura, as well as his army, into surrendering. Momotarō returns home with his new friends. Fabulous rendering of the facial expressions.  Masks have a mouthpiece with which they are held in place during the performance. Very good condition.  Dimensions:  10” x 6”.
Japanese Noh Mask, Zo-onna
Japanese Noh Mask, Zo-onna - JP9A1610
Our Price: $2,495.00

Exceptional Japanese carved wood Noh theater mask of the character Zo-onna, Taisho period, c. 1912-1926. Fabulous rendering of the facial expression, reflecting calmness, purity and tranquility.  Very good condition.  Dimensions:  8” x 5”.
Japanese Ninja Jacket or Haori, c. 1604
Japanese Ninja Jacket or Haori, c. 1600 - JC9MY820
Our Price: $3,495.00

Extremely rare Japanese ninja jacket or haori, Edo period, c. 1600.  Cotton indigo with simple stitching and black mon or crest on back.  A fabulous piece of ancient textile, almost impossible to find!  Remarkable condition for its venerable age and use with mild wear and fading.  Dimensions:  33” long, 45” sleeve tip-to-tip.
Japanese Carved Wood Temple Mask
Japanese Carved Wood Temple Mask - JP9A161
Our Price: $2,195.00

Dramatic Japanese carved wood temple mask, Showa period, early 20th century. Fabulous, animated rendering of fierce facial expression. Great color and patina. Paper label on back.  Dimensions:  18” x 13” x 12”.
Japanese Ikebana or Bonsai Shears
Japanese Ikebana or Bonsai Shears, Floral Tool - JJ9MY913
Our Price: $95.00
Sale Price: $75.00

Fine pair vintage Japanese Ikebana stainless shears for floral arrangement or bonsai, early-mid 20th century.  High grade, heavy duty tool, built to last a lifetime.  Also great for bonsai and garden use.  Manufacturer’s marks.  Very good condition.  Dimensions:  2” x 5.75” x 2”.
Japanese Shears, Tool for Ikebana or Bonsai
Japanese Shears, Tool for Ikebana or Bonsai - JJ9MY914
Our Price: $95.00
Sale Price: $75.00

Fine pair vintage Japanese Ikebana stainless shears for floral arrangement, early-mid 20th century.  High grade, heavy duty tool, built to last a lifetime.  Also great for bonsai and garden use.  Manufacturer’s marks.  Very good condition.  Dimensions:  2” x 6.25” x 2”.
Japanese Kanban Shop Sign, Sake
Japanese Kanban Shop Sign, Sake, Edo - JP9M812
Our Price: $1,595.00

Great old Japanese wood kanban shop sign, late Edo period, c. 1800-1850.  Dramatic sake cask and calligraphy on richly lacquered wood plank.  A fantastic, old find for the Mingei collector!  Very good condition. Dimensions:  25.5” x 18.5”
Japanese Jizai Kagi, Keyaki, Edo
Japanese Jizai Kagi, Keyaki Wood, Edo - JP9M89
Our Price: $5,495.00

Substantial, rare Japanese jizai kagi or hearth hook, late Edo period, c. 1800-1868.  The jizai, part of every traditional Japanese home, is an architectural element of solid hardwood which was suspended from a ceiling beam over an open fire to support a hanging kettle. Made of solid keyaki wood, this Jizai is a fine example of the simplicity and quality of Mingei, the tradition of crafting every day objects. Very good condition. Dimensions:  21” x 17”.
Pair Japanese Fusuma Doors
Pair Japanese Fusuma Sliding Doors, Beautiful Women - JP9M826
Our Price: $7,995.00

Stunning, rare set of Japanese fusuma doors, Meiji period, c. 1868-1912.  Exquisitely painted dancing bijin (beautiful women).  Fabulous detail and expression. Color and impression still vivid.  A very rare find indeed!  Very good condition.  Dimensions:  73” high, 72” wide, fully extended.
Japanese Tsutsugaki Edo Indigo Futon Cover
Japanese Tsutsugaki Textile, Edo Indigo Futon Cover - JW9M1913
Our Price: $4,995.00

Wonderful Japanese futon cover, futongawa or futonji folk textile, featuring the tsutsugaki technique, late Edo period, c. 1800-1868.  Remarkable old item with crane motif on rich indigo cotton ground.  A splendid item of Mingei, never used, and painstakingly crafted with great detail and care.  Very good condition.  Dimensions:  59” x 67”.
Japanese Tea Storage Box, Cherry Wood
Japanese Tea Storage Box, Sakura Cherry Wood - JJ9F237
Our Price: $295.00
Sale Price: $195.00

Enchanting Japanese sakura cherry wood tea box, mid-20th century.   From the Akita area, famed for its Kanto Festival, this is a skillfully carved piece.  Wonderful textured and finely grained effect and beautiful form overall. An exceptional piece in very good condition. Dimensions:  5” x 3.5”.
Japanese Tea Ceremony Gourd Vase - Ikebana
Japanese Tea Ceremony Gourd Vase for Ikebana - JC9F1225
Our Price: $995.00

Wonderful Japanese gourd ikebana vase with copper liner for the tea ceremony, early-mid 20th century.  Rustic, hand-carved, with exquisite wabi-sabi feel.  Charming item for use in ikebana (flower arrangement). A great mingei piece for the collector. Very good condition.  Dimensions:  16” high, 6” diameter at widest.
Japanese Kashigata Sweets Mold, Koi
Japanese Kashigata Sweets Mold, Koi - JG9F1230
Our Price: $295.00

Fine Japanese handcarved kashigata sweets mold, early 20th century.  Crafted of cherry wood and traditionally used to prepare holiday confections of sugar and soy flour.  Remarkable workmanship. Highly detailed and lifelike rendering.  Very good condition.  Dimensions:  2” high, 10” wide, 6” deep.
Japanese Sweets Mold, Koi Kashigata
Japanese Sweets Mold, Koi Kashigata - JG9F1231
Our Price: $395.00

Wonderful Japanese handcarved kashigata sweets mold, early 20th century.  Crafted of cherry wood and traditionally used to prepare holiday confections of sugar and soy flour.  Remarkable workmanship. Highly detailed and lifelike rendering.  Very good condition.  Dimensions:  2.25” high, 12” wide, 7.75” deep.
Japanese Kashigata Sweets Mold, Carp
Japanese Kashigata Sweets Mold, Carp - JG9F1232
Our Price: $495.00

Excellent, large Japanese handcarved kashigata sweets mold, early 20th century.  Crafted of cherry wood and traditionally used to prepare holiday confections of sugar and soy flour.  Remarkable workmanship. Highly detailed and lifelike rendering.  Very good condition.  Dimensions:  1.5” high, 16” wide, 7.75” deep.
Japanese Okimono, Carved Wood Rooster
Japanese Okimono, Carved Wood Rooster - JC9F1220
Our Price: $695.00

Wonderful Japanese handcarved wood rendering of rooster amid blossoms, early-mid 20th century.  Exceptional detail and imagination.  Great artistry to the carving and delightful proportion.  A skillfully executed piece with great folk charm.  Very good condition.  Dimensions:  12” high, 27” wide, 6” deep.
Japanese Hyotan Gourd Sake Tokkuri
Japanese Hyotan Gourd Sake Tokkuri - JJ9J192
Our Price: $395.00
Sale Price: $295.00

Great Japanese hyotan gourd sake bottle or tokkuri, early 20th century.  Traditional double-lobe form used as handy sake vessel.  Rich, golden patina.  Often suspended from the obi sash, the hyotan served as a canteen.  Old silk tassel accessory.  Highly collectible and in great demand.  Very good condition.  Dimensions:  14” x 6” at widest.
Japanese Sake Tokkuri Hyotan Gourd
Japanese Sake Tokkuri Hyotan Gourd - JJ9J193
Our Price: $395.00
Sale Price: $295.00

Beautiful Japanese hyotan gourd sake bottle, early 20th century.  Traditional double-lobe form used as handy sake vessel.  Rich, golden patina.  Often suspended from the obi sash, the hyotan served as a canteen.  Old silk tassel accessory.  Highly collectible and in great demand.  Very good condition.  Dimensions:  15” x 7” at widest.
Japanese Wood Carving, Wall Hanging
Japanese Wood Carving, Leaping Koi Wall Hanging - JC9J171
SOLD
Our Price: $1,595.00

Excellent Japanese handcarving of leaping koi or carp, early-mid 20th century.  Charming rendering reflects symbolic nature of the koi, considered representative of perserverance in adversity and strength of purpose.  According to myth, the strongest koi swims upstream until it reaches the waterfall, where it hurdles into the mist to become a water dragon. Great artistry to the carving and delightful proportion.  A skillfully executed piece, rendered with great folk charm.  Very good condition.  Dimensions:  36” high, 15” wide, 3” deep.
Japanese Temple Carving, Architectural Element
Japanese Temple Carving, Architectural Element - JC9J1725
Our Price: $1,695.00

Fabulous carved architectural temple element, Meiji period, c. 1868-1912.  Robust blooms amid turbulent waves.  Rendered with great animation and skill.  Comes with kiri wood storage box.  Very good condition.  Dimensions:  11” high, 18” wide, 7”  deep.
   
 
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