Mingei Arts

Stingray and Octopus Woven Bronze Basket

Whether antique or contemporary, woven, carved or simply lacquered, bamboo basketry plays an important role in the everyday life of the Japanese. Bamboo containers provide not only a utilitarian purpose, but offers superb beauty to the viewer as well.

Baskets

In trying economic times, and when travel is a luxury, we turn to computers, films, and books as means of escape. Books, especially, are not only an educational resource, but also provides us with many hours of pleasure. Be an armchair traveler and see what awaits you in our book section.

Books

Japanese Mino-Oribe Ware Tea Bowl – Edo Period

Japanese ceramics and porcelain are some of the most highly-prized and collected pieces in the world. From the beautifully decorated, ornate Imari and Kutani porcelain, to the simplest, unadorned Raku-fired tea bowl, begin or add to your collection by clicking here.

Ceramics & Studio Pottery

Kimekomi Doll | Japanese Noh Theater Character White Lion Dancer “Shishi-gashira”

“A nation without toys is a nation doomed to ruin” says an old adage. The Japanese are well known for doll and toy making, of which the most popular is the amazing toy known as Kokeshi.

Dolls & Toys

Japanese Kamakura-Bori Lacquer Letter Box

While China originally developed the use of lacquer as a surfacing material, it was the Japanese who refined the various techniques, with stunning use of gold makie and silver powders. In pieces ranging from an Inro to letter boxes, trays, and even furniture, Japanese lacquerware reigns supreme.

Lacquerware

The Japanese have been crafting metal works for many centuries. Starting with the samurai’s sword fittings, and encompassing sculptures, vases, boxes, and lanterns, the Japanese are unsurpassed in the use of mixed metals. Their metal crafts were the major influence in the 1880’s in Europe and America.

Metalwork

Netsuke of Usofuki, and Boy named Hyoutokusu | Antique Ivory

Possessing the gift to find the unique and unusual is a talent that all collectors hope to acquire. These fortunate discoveries are often found in the least expected place. Here you can find Okimono, Netsuke, Lighting, Folk Carvings, Hanging Scrolls, Scroll Weights, Erotica and Temari Balls. Don’t just dream.

Serendipity

Vintage Japanese Wedding Kimono | Uchikake

The Japanese have traditionally viewed textiles as an embodiment of not only beauty, but as family heirlooms and repositories of history. The Noren replaces doors and welcomes guests, woven tatami mats cover the floors; and the Japanese lady adorned herself with exquisite hair combs and pins.

Textiles + Accessories

Kawase Hasui Woodblock – Tsukishima no yuki | Snow, Tsukishima

Coloured woodblock prints are virtually the only truly Japanese art form, and in early years, illustrated traditional stories in book form. Nothing in the Western world can match the quality of the Japanese print. Click on our woodblock section and experience the history and traditions of the Japanese culture.

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