Mingei Arts

This is a Japanese vintage Ichii Itto bori wood zodiac animal carving from the 1960s. This piece was crafted by and signed on the underside by Ryoho, who worked in the Hida Takayama area of Gifu Prefecture. This piece is made of Japanese Cedar, which is an evergreen yew tree from the mountain areas of [...]

This is a Japanese vintage Ichii Itto bori wood zodiac animal carving from the 1960s. This piece was crafted by and signed on the underside by Ryoho, who worked in the Hida Takayama area of Gifu Prefecture. This piece is made of Japanese Cedar, which is an evergreen yew tree from the mountain areas of [...]

The art and tradition of Kokeshi dolls dates back to the early 1800’s, in the Tohoku area of Japan, with Sendai being the heart of the region. The original use of these small wooden dolls is thought to be spiritual in nature but popular opinion holds that Kokeshi were originally made by farmers for their [...]

The art and tradition of Kokeshi dolls dates back to the early 1800’s, in the Tohoku area of Japan, with Sendai being the heart of the region. The original use of these small wooden dolls is thought to be spiritual in nature but popular opinion holds that Kokeshi were originally made by farmers for their [...]

This is a Japanese vintage Ichii Itto bori wood zodiac animal carving from the 1960s. This piece was crafted by and signed on the underside by Ryoho, who worked in the Hida Takayama area of Gifu Prefecture. Carving techniques inherited by craftsmen such as Ryoho date to the 5th and 6th centuries, with wood carving [...]

Most of the folk craft in wood has disappeared in Japan with the exception of a few small towns in the mountains that continue to produce woodcrafts today. Woodcarving developed from small beginnings in the Hida mountains in Takayama, where rather special small woodcarvings were left uncolored, simply taking full advantage of the beautiful grain of the Paulownia tree. Since [...]

The historical tradition of crafting Inu Omamori dates from the eighth century, and comes from the oldest Buddhist convent for women in Japan. The Hokke-ji, which was founded by the Empress Komyo, was primarily devoted to the welfare of women, the poor, and the sick. Hokke-ji is where the Imperial Princess and noblewoman (monzeki) has been interned for the past 1,200 years. These [...]

This is a wonderful example of Ittobori style carved Shi Shi (lion dog) articulated head. Shi Shi are known to “repel evil spirits”. The jaw is attached by a wooden dowel, which allows the mouth to open and close. Tapping your finger rapidly on the chin makes a wood clapping sound to bring attention to its’ presence. Shishi means Lion, Gashira means head. This carved Japanese Shishigashira [...]