Comments on: testimonials

By: Scott Gibson

Scott Gibson — Sun, 26 Feb 2012 17:55:42 +0000

What a great experience purchasing from Mingei Arts. Very fair pricing and responsive to my inquiries. Thanks again!!!

By: Mas

Mas — Sun, 05 Feb 2012 00:23:58 +0000

The Rice Merchant ivory okimono arrived in perfect condition as usual, Michael and Robert. It immediately becomes the centerpiece of our antique Japanese ivory collection. Visually and tactilely, it is a superb piece of art. We marveled at the detail in the grains of rice, the rice baskets, and his heavy coat. The carving of the hands and feet, the little bird hoping for a grain of rice to drop to the feet of the merchant, and the merchant’s happy face all contribute to the total effect. Then when we picked it up, we could feel the texture of the baskets, coat, and rice. Many thanks to you, Robert and Michael, for finding such beauty and art in a piece less than six inches tall. Thank you also for the history lesson on rice merchants, valuable background of the type you include with all purchases.

Collecting items of this type has long been a goal of my wife and me. We wanted something from the Japanese culture to pass on to our children and grandchildren because they are quickly getting away from their background. We did not dare take a chance on acquiring these beautiful and valuable art pieces from just anyone. But one day we happened into Vermillion, your shop in Carmel. Both of us felt something good about you–trust. When we discovered a box with some beautiful netsuke, we, without hesitation, bought two of them, thus beginning our antique ivory collection. Through your assistance we have created a very good collection. We have every confidence in your judgment, expertise, and evaluation of Japanese folk art. We have never been disappointed.

By: sandra shrubb

sandra shrubb — Fri, 03 Feb 2012 12:11:40 +0000

I just received your kokeshi book and beautiful Akita Ittobori carving – very special surprise when I came home from work – and especially that it is my birthday today, so very appropriate. Thank you for the prompt service from the USA to Australia. I look forward to browsing your site for more treasures.

By: Candace Strohm

Candace Strohm — Mon, 23 Jan 2012 23:49:11 +0000

Amazing service! I orderd a copy of your book Kokeshi: Wooden Treasures of Japan on Thursday and received it in Friday’s mail. I also received a personal email Thursday afternoon with shipping confirmation and a thank you for my purchase. I rather feel as if I was in Japan. I am very happy with the book as it has been difficult to find clear information on kokeshi. I have a rather small collection, but I plan to keep adding to it, and knowing more about what I buy will help immensely. Thank you again.

By: Kirsten Albrecht

Kirsten Albrecht — Sat, 08 Oct 2011 23:51:38 +0000

I am sitting at my Apple on a dreary melbourne Sunday morning and my spirits have been lifted immensely.
My well read copy of your beautiful book is placed beside me, and I am delighted to have added your sumptuous web site to my favorites. I have been collecting kokeshi for over 5 years and your book along with the tiny tome by Takeuchi and Stephens have been my constant companions. My collection of many hundreds surrounds me as I write; and now try to buy only the very best of the dento and sosaku with the developing knowledge I have.
Each year at sakura time my husband and i visit Japan and wander the antique shops, print galleries and flee markets; this morning I have felt like I have been back amongst it all. We travelled to Japan straight after the Tsunami and were touched by our Japanese friend’s steely determination to assist their northern counterparts in whatever way possible…most inspiring. Thank you Michael and Robert for helping me further grow in my understanding of the land I love so dearly.

By: R. McIntyre

R. McIntyre — Mon, 22 Aug 2011 11:43:56 +0000

I’m so happy to hear that you will entertain a counter offer on your antiques. My retirement income has been greatly reduced with the bad economy, and there are still a number of items I would love to order so I will be taking you up on your counter offers.

By: Maria Kwong, Japanese American National Museum

Maria Kwong, Japanese American National Museum — Sun, 21 Aug 2011 17:54:26 +0000

Robert and Michael have been a pleasure to work with since I first met them online in 2005. Since then they have been an invaluable source of information regarding kokeshi, and I am indebted to them for the publication of their book (the only one in English I could find when I was doing research for our kokeshi exhibition at the JANM).

By: R. McIntyre

R. McIntyre — Thu, 30 Jun 2011 12:54:27 +0000

I love the koi pond and feeding the koi with a click of the mouse. I discovered that the koi follow the mouse as it moves across the pond until they are fed. Yesterday I was waiting for my dental appointment, and feeding the koi really helped to reduce the stress of my dental procedure. Fun activity while shopping. I just love your book! My sisters all want copies for their birthday presents.

By: Mas

Mas — Wed, 20 Apr 2011 20:12:33 +0000

I must write about this find–you found it; we get it. The bold, detailed carving on the kiseru zutsu is extraordinarily beautiful. The wooden horse netsuke is unlike the delicate ivory netsuke that we have collected, yet it is most appropriate, so powerful. The lacquered pipe and ojime complement the set.
As usual, the set arrived in perfect condition. Thank you so much for having this on-line site where we can confidently make purchases.

By: Terrie Cohen

Terrie Cohen — Wed, 30 Mar 2011 19:02:58 +0000

I am so glad I bought your book and visited your website! The Kokeshi Snow Coat that I purchased from you is wonderful!! She is my favorite!! I feel so lucky to have found you!!