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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 Kamakura Carved Presentation Tray
Japanese Kamakura Carved Presentation Tray - JJXM114
Our Price: $595.00
Sale Price: $495.00

Enchanting carved wood presentation tray, early 20th century. Lovely, finely grained cedar wood with glorious floral motif.   Delicate blooms and leaves in fine composition.  Traditionally used for kimono presentation, but wonderful for tea ceremony or food service as well.  From the Kamakura area, so well know for intricate wood-carving techniques.  Very good condition with highly skilled crafting overall. Dimensions:  3.5” x 27.5” x 14.75”.
Japanese Andon Lantern, Edo
Japanese Andon Lantern, Edo Period - JCXM22
Our Price: $1,495.00 In Stock

Rare, old Japanese standing andon lantern with washi paper, Edo period, c. 1700. Mahogany color finish with trio of drawers for accessories and original brass tin as candle base.  Appealing form with broad base and rectangular shade.  An extraordinary, rare item in very good condition with minor distress commensurate with venerable age and use.  Dimensions:  31.5” high, 14.5” square at base.
Japanese Ikebana Vase, Kiri Wood
Japanese Ikebana Vase, Kiri Wood - JJXM31
Our Price: $495.00
Sale Price: $395.00 In Stock

Captivating Japanese wooden ikebana vase with original copper liner, Taisho period, c. 1912-1926.  Rustic, hand-carved kiri wood with lovely circular décor and tie handle.  Charming item for use in ikebana (flower arrangement). A great mingei piece for the collector. Very good condition.  Dimensions:  11” high, 4” diameter.
Japanese Kiri Hibachi or Brazier
Japanese Kiri Hibachi or Brazier - JJXM32
Our Price: $395.00
Sale Price: $295.00 In Stock

Wonderful Japanese kiri-wood hibachi or brazier with original copper liner, Taisho period, c. 1912-1926.  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:  9” high, 13.5” diameter.  Price shown is for one, but we have a pair.  Buy one or both!
Japanese Hagoita New Year’s Paddle
Japanese Hagoita New Year’s Paddle, Wisteria - JJXM33
Our Price: $495.00
Sale Price: $395.00 In Stock

Whimsical Japanese hagoita New Year’s paddle, early 20th century. Evocative rendering of the Wisteria Maiden in the Kabuki play Fuji Musume. Handpainted kimono, exceptional detail and animation.  These paddles are traditionally given as New Year’s gifts to young girls.  Handpainted chrysanthemum motif on reverse.  Very good condition.  Dimensions:  24” high, 9.25” wide.
Japanese Hagoita New Year’s Paddle, Kabuki
Japanese Hagoita New Year’s Paddle, Kabuki Samurai - JJXM34
Our Price: $495.00
Sale Price: $395.00 (Out of Stock)

Delightful Japanese hagoita New Year’s paddle, early 20th century. Enchanting rendering of the Kabuki samurai character.  Handpainted kimono, exceptional detail and animation.  These paddles are traditionally given as New Year’s gifts to young girls.  Handpainted plum blossoms on reverse.  Very good condition.  Dimensions:  24” high, 9.25” wide.
Japanese Cherry Wood Presentation Tray
Japanese Cherry Wood Presentation Tray - JPXF188
Our Price: $2,195.00 In Stock

Rare and spectacular Japanese cherry and cedar wood presentation tray, Taisho period, c. 1912-1926. Lovely, finely grained cedar wood interior, cherry back exterior and inlay.  Remarkable motif features woman washing clothes alongside stream and beneath full moon.  Delicate blooms and grasses dot the shoreline.  Mother-of-pearl accents.  Traditionally used for kimono, but wonderful for tea ceremony or food service as well!  Very good condition with highly skilled crafting overall. Dimensions:  3” high, 23.75” wide, 14” deep.
Japanese Presentation Tray, Cherry and Cedar Wood
Japanese Presentation Tray, Cherry and Cedar Wood - JPXF189
Our Price: $2,395.00 In Stock

Gorgeous, rare Japanese cherry and cedar wood presentation tray, Taisho period, c. 1912-1926. Lovely, finely grained cedar wood interior, cherry back exterior and inlay.  Enchanting motif features pair of deer amid delicate blooms and grasses.  Mother-of-pearl accents.  Traditionally used for kimono, but wonderful for tea ceremony or food service as well!  Very good condition with highly skilled crafting overall. Dimensions:  3” high, 23.75” wide, 14” deep.
Japanese Tea Kettle, Iron Tetsubin
Japanese Tea Kettle, Iron Tetsubin - JJ8F2217
Our Price: $795.00
Sale Price: $595.00 In Stock

Remarkable Japanese iron tetsubin tea kettle, early-mid 20th century. Rustic skirt design with dramatic textured finish. Wonderful aged patina.  Exceptional workmanship.  Comes with traditional kiri wood storage box.  Very good condition. Dimensions:  9” high w/handle, 8” diameter.
Pair Japanese Giboshi Bridge Finials - Ornaments
Pair Japanese Giboshi Bridge Finials or Ornaments - JJXJ915
Our Price: $1,195.00
Sale Price: $995.00 In Stock

Extraordinary pair Japanese bronze giboshi, Meiji period, c. 1868-1912.  Giboshi are ornamental caps, known as finials, often found on top of posts in temples or on bridges.  Rich, age-old, dark patina.  A rare item in excellent condition.  Height:  8”.
Chinese Family Shrine, Carved Wood - Metal Stand
Chinese Family Shrine, Carved Wood w/Metal Stand - JOXF26
Our Price: $3,995.00 In Stock

Traditional Chinese lacquered elm and cedar wood family shrine, Ching dynasty, c. 1890. Originally used for private worship of ancestors in the home. Detailed, authentic design, with handcarved elements and painted wood accents. Very good condition. Dimensions:  22.5” x 17” x 67.5” w/stand; 35” high w/out.
Pair Japanese Sake Casks for Wedding
Pair Japanese Wooden Sake Casks for Wedding - JJXJ421
Our Price: $595.00
Sale Price: $495.00 In Stock

Wonderful pair Japanese hinoki (cypress) wood sake casks for wedding, Taisho period, c. 1912-1926.  Twisted bamboo wraps secure slats resulting in leak-proof construction.  A rare pair for the Mingei collector, still decorated for the big event!  Very good condition.  Dimensions:  22” x 8.5”.
Japanese Sakura Cherry Wood Suzuribako
Japanese Sakura Cherry Wood Suzuribako Calligraphy Box - JJXJ44
Our Price: $595.00
Sale Price: $495.00 In Stock

Delicately carved Japanese sakura cherry wood suzuribako calligraphy box, Taisho period, c. 1912-1926.  From the Akita area, famed for its Kanto Festival, this is a highly detailed, skillfully carved piece with dramatic grain and patterning. Wonderful textured effect and beautiful form overall. An exceptional piece traditionally created to hold the tools of calligraphy.  Very good condition. Dimensions:  1” x 8.5” x 6.5”.
Japanese Sakura Cherry Wood Letter Box
Japanese Sakura Cherry Wood Letter Box - JJ912166
Our Price: $695.00
Sale Price: $595.00 In Stock

Stunning Japanese carved sakura cherry wood letter box, Taisho period, c. 1912-1926.  From the Akita area, famed for its Kanto Festival, this is a highly details, skillfully carved piece with dramatic grain and patterning. Wonderful textured effect and beautiful form overall. An exceptional piece in very good condition. Dimensions:  2.75” x 13.5” x 9.5”.
Japanese Bamboo Tea Ceremony Cabinet
Japanese Bamboo Tea Ceremony Cabinet - JJ912167
Our Price: $495.00
Sale Price: $395.00 In Stock

Wonderful Japanese bamboo tea ceremony shelf and case, early 20th century.  Finely formed in raised cupboard form.  Used for storage of traditional tea ceremony items. Charming composition, richly varied and patinated bamboo slatting.  Very good condition.  Dimensions:  14.5” x 10” x 13”.
Japanese Hagoita New Year Paddle
Japanese Hagoita New Year’s Paddle - JN912237
Our Price: $995.00 In Stock

Large and dramatic Japanese hagoita New Year’s paddle, Taisho period, c. 1912-1926.  Skillfully rendered Kabuki character from the play Sukeroku.  Handpainted costume, highly animated pose.  Great expression and detail.  These paddles are traditionally given as New Year’s gifts to young girls.  Handpainted on reverse.  Very good condition.  Dimensions:  30” high, 13” wide.
Japanese Keyaki Wood Writing Box Tansu
Japanese Keyaki Wood Writing Box Tansu - JJ9112513
Our Price: $695.00
Sale Price: $595.00 In Stock

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 Hyotan Gourd Sake Bottle
Massive Japanese Hyotan Gourd Sake Bottle - JJ9112518
Our Price: $495.00
Sale Price: $395.00 In Stock

Huge Japanese hyotan gourd sake bottle, early 20th century. Traditional double-lobe form used as handy sake vessel.  Rich, rust-color 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:  21” x 11”
Japanese Kanban, Wood Shop Sign
Japanese Kanban, Chinese Poem - JJ8N2922
Our Price: $495.00
Sale Price: $395.00 In Stock

Remarkable, Japanese wood kanban featuring Chinese poem, early-, mid-20th century.  Dramatic script on finely grained kayaki wood plank representing a verse from Chinese literature known as the Seven-Step Quatrain.  It relates historically to a pair of brothers, Cao Zhi and Cao Pi, and the jealousy that threatens to separate them.  Very good condition with minor distress commensurate with age and use. Dimensions:  31” x 15”.
Japanese Wood and Lacquer Shrine
Japanese Wood and Lacquer Shrine - JC910204
Our Price: $1,495.00 In Stock

Fine Japanese wooden shrine, Taisho period, c. 1912-1926. Traditionally used for the private religious practice in the home. Rich, red lacquer and gilt accents.  Fine, authentic design. Very good condition.  Dimensions:  25” x 18” x 20”.
Pair Japanese Lacquer Hokai Shell Boxes
Pair Japanese Lacquer Hokai Shell Boxes - JO9102814
Our Price: $4,995.00 In Stock

Exceptional pair Japanese maki-e lacquered wood hokai boxes or hampers for storing shells used as Kaiawase game pieces during holiday season, Meiji period, c. 1868-1912. Rich, chocolate-colored lacquer exterior with exquisite gold floral and vine motif throughout. Exquisite, finely engraved etched metal accents. Loop holes on the legs allow for the top lid to be tied down to aid in transporting. Very good condition.  Dimensions:  15” x 17.25”.
Japanese Ceramic, Daikoku Mask
Japanese Ceramic, Daikoku Mask - JC9102010
Our Price: $595.00 In Stock

Charming representation of Daikoku, one of Japan’s Seven Lucky Gods, legendary god of wealth and patron of farming, early 20th century.  Animated expression, whimsical form and rendering.  Dimensions:  11.5” x 12.5”.
Pair Japanese Andon Lanterns
Pair Japanese Andon Lanterns - JC910206
Our Price: $3,295.00 In Stock

Rare, old pair Japanese standing andon lanterns with washi paper, Meiji period, c. 1868-1912.  Appealing tall shape with globe-form shades.  Glossy black lacquer stands.  A stunning matching duo, extremely difficult to find.  Very good condition with minor lacquer loss commensurate with age and use.  Dimensions:  34” x 15”.
Japanese Ceramic Mask, Ebisu
Japanese Ceramic Mask, Ebisu - JC910209
Our Price: $595.00 In Stock

Whisimical representation of Ebisu, one of Japan’s Seven Lucky Gods, symbol of bountiful fishing and safe sailing and bringer of prosperity to all, early 20th century.  Animated expression, charming form and rendering.  Dimensions:  13” x 13”.
Japanese Bamboo Tea Tray, Display Stand, Wall Hanging
Japanese Bamboo Tea Tray, Display Stand, Wall Hanging - JJ992712
Our Price: $295.00
Sale Price: $195.00 In Stock

Rustic Japanese carved bamboo tea tray in fan shape, early 20th century.  Exquisite form and craftsmanship, fine grain and rich patina overall.  Traditionally used for service during the tea ceremony but also serves as a wonderful display stand or wall hanging.  Very good condition.  Dimensions:  19” x 11”.
Japanese Andon Lantern or Lamp
Japanese Andon Lantern or Lamp - JJ992718
Our Price: $895.00
Sale Price: $695.00 In Stock

Enchanting Japanese standing andon lantern with washi paper, early 20th-century. Glossy black lacquer stand. Appealing tall form with hexagonal shade.  Adapted for electrical use, providing a lovely soft light.  Dimensions:  42.5” high, 12” diameter at top.
Japanese Mask, Carved Wood Nio Ungyo
Japanese Mask, Carved Wood Nio Ungyo - JJ99279
Our Price: $895.00
Sale Price: $695.00 In Stock

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”.
Japanese New Year’s Paddle, Princess Hagoita
Japanese New Year’s Paddle, Princess Hagoita - JN99261
Our Price: $895.00 In Stock

Remarkable Japanese hagoita New Year’s paddle, Meiji period, c. 1868-1912. Enchanting rendering of the princess in the Kabuki play Musume Dojo-Ji.  Handpainted kimono, exceptional detail and animation.  These paddles are traditionally given as New Year’s gifts to young girls.  Handpainted cherry blossoms on reverse.  Very good condition.  Dimensions:  32” high, 13” wide.
Japanese Obi or Towel Stand, Tenugui Kake
Japanese Tenugui Kake, Obi or Towel Stand - JJ992714B
Our Price: $395.00
Sale Price: $295.00 In Stock

Lovely bamboo tenugui kake obi or towel stand, early 20th century.  Charming, richly patinated bamboo segments fitted in rectangular form.  Hinged shelf originally designed to support rolled obi.  Very good condition.  Dimensions:  24.5”x 15”.
Japanese Obi or Towel Stand, Tenugui Kake
Japanese Obi or Towel Stand, Tenugui Kake - JJ992714A
Our Price: $395.00
Sale Price: $295.00 In Stock

Wonderful bamboo tenugui kake obi or towel stand, early 20th century.  Charming, richly patinated bamboo segments fitted in rectangular form.  Hinged shelf originally designed to support rolled obi.  Very good condition.  Dimensions:  30” x 15”.
   
 
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