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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 Sake Cask
Japanese Sake Cask - JCXAG2421
Jcollector Price: $495.00
Sale Price: $395.00

Eye-catching Japanese lacquer and hinoki (cypress) wood sake cask for wedding, Taisho period, c. 1912-1926.  Glossy black and red lacquer with twisted bamboo wraps to secure slats resulting in leak-proof construction.  Very good condition.  Dimensions:  24” x 18”.
Japanese Peddler’s Chest or Trunk
Japanese Peddler’s Chest or Trunk - JCXAG2425
Jcollector Price: $995.00
Sale Price: $795.00

Rare, old Japanese peddler’s chest or trunk, early 20th century.  Traditionally strapped and carried on the back of traveling merchant.  Dark olive weave, sturdy cypress wood frame with metal fixtures.  Features red mon (crest) and inscription. An exceptional and rare find!  Very good condition.  Dimensions:  24” x 20.5” x 16”.
Japanese Noh Theater Mask
Japanese Noh Theater Mask - JCXAG2412
Jcollector Price: $1,995.00
Sale Price: $1,695.00

Striking Japanese carved wood Noh theater mask, Meiji period, c. 1868-1912.  Finely rendered face of a eye-catching traditional character.  Fabulous rendering of the facial expression, reflecting grace and refinement. Artist mark on reverse.  Comes with original wood tomobako storage box. Very good condition.  Dimensions: 8” x 5”.
Japanese Hibachi Hand Warmer
Japanese Hibachi Hand Warmer - JCXAG247
Jcollector Price: $1,995.00

Rare Japanese wood hibachi, Taisho period, early 20th century.  Remarkable, natural detail on robust form.  Original copper liner.  A sturdy, dramatic display piece, originally crafted as a portable heater.  Fabulous for its traditional use, jardiničre or – with glass top – a side table.  Very good condition.  Dimensions:  24” x 20”.
Japanese Ceramic Tea Jar
Japanese Ceramic Tea Jar - JJXAG162
Jcollector Price: $995.00
Sale Price: $697.00

Magnificent, Japanese ceramic chatsubo tea storage jar, Meiji period, c. 1868-1912. A striking example of rich. light and dark brown contrasts on rough, patinated and textured surface with remnants of the paper that would have advertised the tea within.  Woven reed lid.  A wonderful display item or for use with dramatic ikebana display. Very good condition. Dimensions:  25” high, 17” diameter.
Japanese Ainu Bear, Wood Carved Okimono
Japanese Ainu Bear, Wood Carved Okimono - JCXAG141
Jcollector Price: $395.00
Sale Price: $356.00

Striking Japanese carved Ainu bear, mid-20th century.  Exceptionally large, beautifully crafted okimono carved by Ainu craftsman in Hokkaido, the northeast region of Japan.  A traditional folkcraft of the Ainu, Japan’s indigenous people.  Highly detailed and expressive, shown with freshly caught fish between its teeth.  Artist mark on underside.  Very good condition.  Dimensions:  12” high, 16.5” long, 16” deep.
Japanese  Wood Carved Ainu Bear Okimono
Japanese Wood Carved Ainu Bear Okimono - JCXAG142
Jcollector Price: $395.00
Sale Price: $356.00

Charming Japanese carved Ainu bear, mid-20th century.  Exceptional, highly detailed okimono carved by Ainu craftsman in Hokkaido, the northeast region of Japan.  A traditional folkcraft of the Ainu, Japan’s indigenous people.  Beautifully crafted and expressive, shown with freshly caught fish between its paws.  Very good condition.  Dimensions:  13” high, 12” long, 6.5” deep.
Japanese Kashigata Sweets Mold
Japanese Kashigata Sweets Mold - JCXAG145
Jcollector Price: $395.00
Sale Price: $356.00

Large, highly detailed 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: 17.75” x 6” x 2”.
Japanese Tengu Mask, Lacquered Wood
Japanese Tengu Mask, Carved and Lacquered Wood - JGXJL1510
Jcollector Price: $795.00
Sale Price: $716.00

Fantastic Japanese carved wood tengu mask, early 20th century.  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.  Red, gold and black lacquer. Old tengu masks are becoming increasingly difficult to find and are in great demand by collectors.  Dimensions: 7” x 6” x 9”.
Japanese Hokai Kaiawase Shell Box
Japanese Lacquer Hokai Kaiawase Shell Box - JGXJL1511
Jcollector Price: $495.00
Sale Price: $446.00

Impressive Japanese lacquer wood hokai box for storing shells used as Kaiawase game pieces during holiday season, Meiji period, c. 1868-1912.  Remarkable, finely rendered, gold against black lacquer ground.  Dramatic, vermilion interior.  Unusual, oval form on raised base.   Very good condition. Dimensions:  10” high, 14” diameter.
Japanese Lacquer Hokai Shell Box
Japanese Lacquer Hokai Shell Box - JGXJL159
Jcollector Price: $1,295.00
Sale Price: $1,166.00

Lavish Japanese lacquer wood hokai box for storing shells used as Kaiawase game pieces during holiday season, Meiji period, c. 1868-1912.  Remarkable, finely rendered, gold floral cartouches against black lacquer ground.  Dramatic, vermilion interior.  Unusual, oval form on raised base.   Very good condition. Dimensions:  13” high, 16” diameter.
Japanese Wood Rice Measure
Japanese Wood Rice Measure - JCXJN2522
Jcollector Price: $495.00
Sale Price: $446.00

Fine Japanese rice measure, Taisho period, c. 1912-1926.  Traditionally used to measure and carry rice.  Mark and stamp of manufacturer.  A wonderful Mingei display piece for any environment.  Fabulous for use as planter, dramatic ikebana flower arrangement or storage option for firewood or magazines .  Very good condition.  Dimensions:  12.5” x 15”.
Japanese Wood Tea Tray
Japanese Wood Tea Tray - JCXJN2525
Jcollector Price: $2,795.00
Sale Price: $2,516.00

Remarkable, rare Japanese carved wood tea tray, Meiji period, c. 1868-1912.  Spectacular, fluid form with rustic wood grain.  Traditionally used to serve sweet cakes.  Rich, dark, age-old patina.  An exceptionally well-rendered piece in very good condition.  Dimensions: 13” x 17” x 16”.
Pair Japanese Lacquer Hokai Shell Boxes
Pair Japanese Lacquer Hokai Shell Boxes - JCXJN2516
Jcollector Price: $2,695.00
Sale Price: $2,426.00

Splendid pair of Japanese black lacquer wood hokai boxes or hampers for storing shells used as Kaiawase game pieces during holiday season, Edo to Meiji periods, c. 1860. Rich black lacquer with intricately etched brass fittings and dramatic gold decor. Loop holes on the legs allow for the top lid to be tied down to aid in transporting. Today these are often used to provide a dramatic platform for ikebana formal floral arrangement. A lovely pair, in very good condition. Dimensions:  17.5” x 18”.
Japanese Style Step Ladder
Japanese Style Step Ladder - TJXJN49
Jcollector Price: $395.00
Sale Price: $296.00

Charming Japanese style step ladder, contemporary. A fantastic display piece with traditional practical use. Sturdy and attractive folding stairs for easy storage. A fine Mingei-style piece!  Dimensions: 24” x 16” x 22”.
Pair Black Lacquer Japanese Hokai Shell Boxes
Pair Black Lacquer Japanese Hokai Shell Boxes - JCXJN15
Jcollector Price: $2,995.00
Sale Price: $2,696.00

Beautiful pair of Japanese black lacquer wood hokai boxes or hampers for storing shells used as Kaiawase game pieces during holiday season, Edo to Meiji periods, c. 1860. Rich black lacquer with intricately etched brass fittings and dramatic gold decor. Loop holes on the legs allow for the top lid to be tied down to aid in transporting. Today these are often used to provide a dramatic platform for ikebana formal floral arrangement. A lovely pair, in very good condition. Dimensions:  17” x 14.5”.
Japanese Taiko Drum
Japanese Taiko Drum - JCXJN16
Jcollector Price: $1,495.00
Sale Price: $1,346.00

Dramatic Japanese taiko drum, early 20th century.  Beautiful, richly grained keyaki body. Comes with customized wood stand.  Very good condition, both as an instrument (still retaining much of its original timbre) and a fabulous display piece.  Terrific collector’s item!  Dimensions:  26” high w/stand,  19” w/out, 13.5” diameter.
Japanese Lacquer and Wood Rice Barrel
Japanese Lacquer and Wood Rice Barrel - JCXJN18
Jcollector Price: $495.00
Sale Price: $446.00

Wonderful Japanese rice box or barrel, early 20th century. Rich red and black lacquer throughout. Twisted bamboo wraps secure slats resulting in leak-proof construction. A wonderful item for the Mingei collector. Very good condition. Dimensions:  12” high, 20” diameter.
Japanese School House Soroban Abacus
Japanese School House Soroban Abacus, Meiji - JJXJN210
Jcollector Price: $495.00
Sale Price: $347.00

Wonderful old Japanese soroban or abacus used in school house, Meiji period, c. 1886-1912.  Large size, likely used by a teacher or students for demonstration.  Rustic wood frame with iron brackets.  A wonderful item for the Mingei collector.  Very good condition.  Dimensions:  11" high, 33.5" wide, 1.75" deep.
Japanese Bunraku Puppet Head
Japanese Bunraku Puppet Head - JPXMY1318
Jcollector Price: $2,495.00
Sale Price: $2,246.00

Remarkable, rare Bunraku puppet head, Meiji period, c. 1868-1912.  Fabulous rendering, with great detail and expression.  Carved with with layer upon layer of brilliant white gofun.  Head moves forward. Very good condition with minor hair loss.  Dimensions:  12” high w/stand, 5.5” x 5.5”.
Japanese Ainu Bear, Carved Wood Okimono
Japanese Ainu Bear, Carved Wood Okimono - JJXMY1613
Jcollector Price: $395.00
Sale Price: $349.00 SOLD

Delightful Japanese carved Ainu bear, mid-20th century.  Exceptionally well-detailed okimono carved by Ainu craftsman in Hokkaido, the northeast region of Japan.  A traditional folkcraft of Japan’s indigenous people.  Very good condition.  Dimensions: 11” x 16” x 10”.
Japanese Lacquer Sake Barrel, Iwaidaru for Wedding
Japanese Lacquer Sake Barrel, Iwaidaru for Wedding - JCXMY155
Jcollector Price: $995.00
Sale Price: $896.00

Wonderful Japanese lacquer sake iwaidaru pouring barrel in sashitaru-style, Meiji period, c. 1868-1912.  Traditionally given as a congratulatory gift at weddings and other auspicious occasions.  Large, dramatic form.  Rich and vivid red and black lacquer with gold décor.  Very good condition.  Dimensions:  18” x 17” x 5.5”.
Chinese Inkstone for Sumi-e Calligraphy, Carved Dragon
Chinese Inkstone for Sumi-e Calligraphy, Carved Dragon - JCXA289
Jcollector Price: $595.00
Sale Price: $536.00 SOLD

Remarkable, large Chinese inkstone, mid-20th century.  Stone mortar for the preparation of ink for sumi-e calligraphy.  Lovely shape with ample grinding area.  Spectacular dragon motif.  A wonderful item for the scholar’s desk.  Very good condition.  Dimensions:  13” x 9”.
Japanese Bunraku Puppet Head, Samurai
Japanese Bunraku Theater Puppet Head, Samurai Warrior - JNXA149
Jcollector Price: $1,995.00
Sale Price: $1,596.00

Remarkable Bunraku theater samurai warrior head, early 20th century.  Fabulous rendering, signed by artist Kumaya with great detail and expression. Abundant human hair.  Handcrafted in Kyoto, indicating the highest quality and artisanship.    Very good condition.  Dimensions:  13” high, 5.5” wide.
Japanese Keyaki Wood Writing Box Tansu
Japanese Keyaki Wood Writing Box Tansu - JJ9112513
Jcollector Price: $695.00
Sale Price: $487.00

Exceptional Japanese writing box tansu or suzuri-bako, Meiji period, c. 1868-1912.  A remarkable example of finely grained keyaki wood.  Typically the top section would have held the ink stone and the drawers, brushes and accessories.  Dynamic metalwork fixtures.  Very good condition.  Dimensions:  8.5” x 11.5” x 8”.
Japanese Tea Room Kanban
Japanese Tea Room Kanban - JCXA201
Jcollector Price: $395.00
Sale Price: $356.00

Carved Japanese keyaki wood kanban sign traditionally for tea room, 20th century.  Ready for your own calligraphy or signage.  Natural, sinuous form mounted on log feet, gorgeous, eye-catching graining.  A wonderful find! Very good condition. Dimensions:  16” high, 36.5” wide.
Japanese Inu Hariko, Folk Dog Doll
Japanese Inu Hariko, Folk Dog Doll - JNXA143
Jcollector Price: $595.00
Sale Price: $476.00

Whimsical Japanese folk doll, inu hariko, Taisho period, c. 1912-1926.  Similar to papier-mache this folk toy is crafted of shoufu-nori paste and kiri wood sawdust and covered with gofun (crushed oyster shell).  Highly detailed, colorful rendering.  Charming pose and expression.  Traditionally thought to offer protection for mothers during childbirth and children.  Comes with glass display case.  Very good condition with minor foxing.  Dimensions:  12” high, 11” wide, 8” deep.
Japanese Imari Porcelain Maneki Neko  Cat
Japanese Imari Porcelain Maneki Neko Welcome Cat - JNXA144
Jcollector Price: $595.00
Sale Price: $476.00

Rare, old Japanese Imari porcelain maneki neko welcome cat, Meiji period, c. 1868-1912.  Traditional figure shown beckoning with upright paw, seen in almost every store or business in Japan.  The raised left paw is thought to attract customers!  Delightfully rendered with great charm and appeal.  Very good condition.  Dimensions:  6.75” high, 3” wide.
Japanese Imari Porcelain Inu Hariko Folk Dog
Japanese Imari Porcelain Inu Hariko Folk Dog - JNXA145
Jcollector Price: $495.00
Sale Price: $396.00

Charming Japanese Imari porcelain inu hariko folk dog, Meiji period, c. 1868-1912.  Traditionally thought to offer protection for mothers during childbirth and children. Delightfully handpainted, whimsical pose and features.  Artist signed on underside.  Very good condition.  Dimensions:  3” high, 4” wide.
Japanese Mask, Carved Wood Nio Ungyo
Japanese Mask, Carved Wood Nio Ungyo - JJ99279
Jcollector Price: $895.00
Sale Price: $627.00

Striking Japanese carved wood temple mask, early 20th century.  Fabulous, fierce and animated rendering.  Represents temple guardian or Nio figure.  Called Ungyo, this character has a closed mouth and represents the beginning of the universe.  Great color and patina. Paper label on back.  Dimensions:  9” x 7”.
   
 


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