Mingei Arts

Japanese traditional dolls are known by the name Ningyo, which literally means human shape. It is said that Kimekomi dolls were first made by Tadashige Takahashi, who served for Kamigamo Shrine in Kyoto over 260 years ago. Kimekomi dolls, “Ki” means wood, “Mekomi” refers to the construction. These small wooden dolls were clothed with leftover fabrics of Shinto priest’s [...]

This is a Buddhist image of “Kannon Bosatsu” in the form of a Kokeshi doll, with a detachable base with a small hollow, allowing for the insertion of a small tightly rolled paper Sutra (charm), originally created by Kato Kuen, a well respected Priest of Kannonji Temple on Koya-san Mountain. This Kokeshi-styled Buddhist doll has [...]

These accessories are called dougu in Japanese and include ceremonial items such as trays and offering stands as well as practical items such as furniture and tableware. High quality dougu are often very well made with fine craftsmanship and wood joinery and expert lacquerwork possibly decorated with  detailed  maki-e finish. Shown are two (2) rare and elegant miniature Japanese Hibachi from the [...]

These accessories are called dougu in Japanese and include ceremonial items such as trays and offering stands as well as practical items such as furniture and tableware. High quality dougu are often very well made with fine craftsmanship and wood joinery and expert lacquerwork possibly decorated with   detailed maki-e finish. During the Heian period, playing with dolls was called Hina-Asobi, and [...]