Mingei Arts

Welcome ヱlcオメ

Lovers of Japanese Antiques and Folk Art

Cultural objects have always been the primary vehicle for the transmission of lifestyle in every society. On our site, you will become personally enriched with exposure to the underlying spiritual and intellectual themes which permeate the Japanese aesthetic philosophy and artistic expression.

Your overall objective is to enlighten yourself about a culture you value and appreciate. Buy the best you can afford, continue to upgrade in quality, and expand the diversity of your collection while being an observant buyer. People who make mistakes regarding collecting forget to compare ‘apples to apples’ as they say, and understand the importance of specialist and fair market value. You are on a locked, secured and encrypted site, and our transactions are via PayPal. Thank you for we value your visit.

Shop All Things Japanese

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.

Accessories

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 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

“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

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

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

All of the Shiwan figurines being offered on our site are from an estate of a long-time publisher and collector of antique and vintage Chinese pieces which were purchased prior to the 1960-70s. Original pieces are hand-formed; primitive in sculpting techniques; vivid in imagery; rich in hand-glazed colors, (yellow, blue green, red purple, pale blue, brown and white), and demonstrates exceptional three-dimensional techniques, unglazed clay faces, hands and feet, and exceptional expressive detailing.

Shiwan Pottery | Mud Figures

Textiles

“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.

Vintage Toys

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.

Woodblock Prints

Sosaku Kokeshi Book

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Sosaku Kokeshi: A New Look At An Old Tradition is a modern exploration of a folk craft more than two centuries old. This timely publication reflects both the growing interest in Japan and Japanese culture in the West, and the rediscovery of folk art, traditional crafts and culturally unique handmade objects.

Buy Kokeshi: A New Look at an Old Tradition

Kokeshi Book

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“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 doll known as Kokeshi. Our book is entitled, Kokeshi: Wooden Treasures of Japan and our focus is Creative (sosaku) Kokeshi.

Buy Kokeshi: Wooden Treasures of Japan