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Japan
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Japanese Boys' Day Horseman (Item JAP 1-1) |
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| DESCRIPTION: This figure of a mounted samurai warrior is a handmade art piece of excellence. Each May 5th there is a celebration held for centuries. Japanese families celebrate Tango-no-sekku, "The Boys' Festival." It has always been Japan's way of celebrating the healthy growth and development of her young men. In the observance of this event a display is arranged in the Tokonoma or alcove of the guest rooms of Japanese houses. Among the decorations are a miniature helmet, suits of armor, a samurai sword, bows and arrows, and warrior, which represent Kintaro, a Herculean boy who grew up to be the samurai, Shoki, an ancient Chinese general believed to protect people for devils and Momotaro, the Japanese David, the giant killer. Boy's Day first became popular in the days of the Empress Regnant Suiko, 593-629 AD. As the Musha-Ning Yo warrior dolls became more artistic they were gradually displayed indoors, not to scare away insects, but to remind the young boys of the family of manliness and to ward off evil spirits. The handsome effigy we offer here is the equestrian (Kintaro), the samurai general. This is one of the finer-made representations of the Nipponese hero. It probably dates from the mid-to-late 19th century. It was taken by an American GI in the Philippines. He found it in a deserted Japanese foot locker in one of the HQ company's Quonset huts. He was quite careful in packing it and sending it home, but unfortunately, the hand that supports the samurai sword is damaged; however, the rest is in really fine condition considering its age and delicate construction. Note the lifelike faces and eyes on both man and horse, the painstaking detailed construction of the armor, etc. The measurement from the horse's head to tail is 10 inches; from Kintaro's helmet peak to the bottom of the horse's hoofs is 11 inches. The fabric of the saddle blanket, and the warrior's tunic are incredible! The hairlike substance that the horse's skin is made from is so realistic as to feel ALIVE! When you consider the fact that this figure is handmade with such absolute painstaking reality and artistic excellence. You stand in awe after close inspection. The hand that is stretched out is open to receive the samurai sword when this is the display preference. At this point in time it is in its fur-covered scabbard. The scabbard for Kintaro's sword is the tail of a tiger and that is what is carefully represented here. Here is a unique Japanese item of great historical importance worthy of a museum display and although not Teutonic by any means, we still are proud to offer it in the true spirit of Bushido, "Way of the sword."
PRICE: SOLD |
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Japanese Wakizashi (short sword) (Item JAP 1-2) |
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| DESCRIPTION: This great little Wakizashi is with Koto blade before 1600's and has a very rare saya (scabbard) covered in sane, which is stingray skin that is generally used only on the tsuka (hilt). This is usually with rounded nodules of varying sizes; however, when making a very special scabbard for a very special sword great care and painstaking art went into making the sane of the saya smooth. We have learned some of the terminology of the various sword parts, but we do not read Japanese, but know someone who does. The characters on the tang read "Masamune," which is probably the sword-maker's name. The tsuba is quite plain, but obviously old. The menuki or grip ornaments are sunflowers. The kashira, pommel, and PRICE: SOLD |
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Unusual Japanese Samurai Sword (Item JAP 1-3) |
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| DESCRIPTION: This is in WW II fittings although we believe it is a very early sword. It is "flat bladed," but the unique part is that the blade is completely etched and, at first, looks like Damascus. It is a well-known fact that some of the swords of the famous Masamune were treated in this manner by artisans in his age; however, we are sure that this sword is not by Masamune, but could be a copy done by a later proficient sword smith who, perhaps, wished to add to the value of this work by copying the master's work and by signing Masamune to the tang, which he has done, also. The length of the blade is at 2 feet and is 1 ¼ inches wide at its widest point making it a true "Katana." The overall condition is excellent +. The Samurai sword is admired by us, but is not our particular expertise so please do not get into a long question and attempt an answer session. What you see is what you get and knowing just enough to be dangerous I'd say that for this price you will be getting far more than this price merits. I think this is a (real) sleeper.
PRICE: NO LONGER AVAILABLE |
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Model of Japanese Soldier (Item JAP 1-4) |
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| DESCRIPTION: This is added to our list only because of its rarity and obvious quality. The man who made this does it from scratch! This is not an action figure or GI Joe doll. It is actually a handmade figure in an accuracy that practically defies description. This man in Canada does one of these figures every once in a while. He does the fabric, the composition flesh, the leather boots, and the metal sword and scabbard. The eyes are so lifelike as to follow you. So excuse us for having a newer article, but we are always impressed with true art and this is truly art with a flair! Any Japanese or axis collection would be graced by a model such as this.
PRICE: $225.00 |
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Japanese Medal (Order of the Sacred Treasure) (Item JAP 1-5) |
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| DESCRIPTION: This is one of the most beautiful of the Japanese medals. The Fifth Class of the Order of the Sacred Treasure was established on January 4, 1888 by Emperor Meiji as an award for distinguished military merit. It comes in eight classes. The fifth class has the outer rays trimmed in silver. This decoration is symbolic of two of the treasures bequeathed by the first emperor of Japan (Emperor Jimmu) to his successor a mirror (center) and the sacred beads. The back of the medal is silver with Japanese characters.
PRICE: $250.00 |
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Japanese Soldier’s Wedding Album (Item JAP 1-6) |
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| DESCRIPTION: This is very unusual in that it is from an aristocratic traditional family steeped in Japanese tradition. It was found in a Japanese garrison house after the Battle of Guadalcanal on September 14, 1942. This was the Battle of Bloody Ridge. The Japanese Sendia Division lost 455 dead and the First Marine Division had 76 dead. There is a picture folded in the album that was placed there by the marine veteran, himself. This purports to be a scene of the casualties at Bloody Ridge. There are 23 pictures in the finest of photographic excellence bound in an excellent leather binder. Some of the pictures are 10 x 8, others 5 ½ x 8, while others are 4 ¼ x 6. There are Japanese maidens shown in beautiful traditional Geisha costumes, while many of the men are wearing old Samurai attire. At least three of the pictures show the young man in his World War II-issue uniform with Samurai sword, while in other pictures he is with his very beautiful wife in kimono while he appears in high-dress western suit. This is the largest album in size we have ever seen in Japanese WW II-connected archival items and because it traces an important event involving the ultimate Japanese aristocracy, it is considered quite rare and definitely historically important.
PRICE: $375.00 |
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Pendant of Japanese Archers Made for Members of the Hitler Youth (Item JAP 1-7 & YOUTH 9-1) |
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| DESCRIPTION: This is a very unusual and rare badge that was struck N.S. Germany. (Please read the narrative on our home page entitled “About our Rings and Silver Insignia”.) In the Hitler Youth there was a vast interest in Japanese cultural life and art. Visitations to Japan by youth members were often made while Japanese youth were sent on trips to Berlin and Munich. The H.J. leadership and counselors were particularly interested in the cult and the saga of the Samurai. The chivalry, the traditions and the use of their weapons were of particular interest to the Hitler youth lads. The art of archery especially from horseback fascinated them. And there were exercises in Japanese archery at several of the Youth camps throughout the Reich. The H.J. organization gave as an archery prize a pendant copied from one of the ancient awards as presented for centuries by the various Japanese archery groups.
The award that came in silver for 1st Class and bronze for 2nd Class, was a skull struck in these metals, and would suspend from a chain about the neck. Since archery was considered not only a favored sport but also served to train Japans warrior class in weapon dexterity, it ranked next to proficiency with the Samurai sword. These were considered “National Treasure Pastimes” so it would only follow that the youth of Germany in their desire to be an elite entity would be vigorously enthused about learning all they could about the archery skills of the Samurai. Just like American Boy Scouts received merit badges for proficiency, so did the H.J. This badge could be considered exactly that...an award for excellence in Japanese style archery. To wear this petite skull marked the wearer as an expert exponent (extraordinaire!) in this age old art. The medallion is very small about (one inch high). The detail is great! Having been produced in Germany, the silver ones are stamped with the 925 silver designation on the back of the jaw. This is an item that is important in historic tradition and today quite rare indeed.
Just as rare in bronze as in silver.
PRICE: $385.00; one left in bronze |
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Japanese WWII Flag (Item JAP 1-8) |
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| DESCRIPTION: This 35 x 57 silk flag of the Japanese Empire is in very beautiful shape. This is the Japanese flag of today, but this one is from the Second World War. It has the stiff edging with grommet edging rings. It’s very colorful and the right size for display in a good collection.
PRICE: SOLD |
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Japanese WWII Map Case (Item JAP 1-9) |
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| DESCRIPTION: Here is a Japanese officer’s map case taken on Guam by a Marine veteran. It is in good shape except for a large gash at the side bottom. This is where the Marine first cut it open to find out its contents. He did not want to open the flap as one normally would since so many things like this were booby trapped. This one was not, but other guys divided up the maps, letters, etc., that were found inside. All our vet was left with was the case itself. It is made from good-grade front-quarter cowhide. It has the Nipponese star insignia in sewn-form on its flap. This is a nice Pacific War souvenir. It has a reparable broken strap.
PRICE: $125.00 |
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Japanese WWII Sake Cup (Item JAPAN 1-10) |
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| DESCRIPTION: This is a very interesting little sake cup shaped like a Japanese helmet. On top of the helmet are two crossed rifles that also act as the stem that allows the cup to sit stationary on the table (footing). The inside of the cup is decorated with Japanese flag, helmet, rifles, and Japanese characters (writing). This is rare a rather neat! There is a small chip on the top edge.
PRICE: $55.00 |
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Two Original WWII Soldier Pictures (Item JAPAN 1-11) |
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| DESCRIPTION: Here is a pair of photos completely period and original. They were found on a Japanese soldier killed on Guam He is shown in the smaller photo (2 x 2 ¼ inches) and again with comrades in the larger (4 x 2 ¼ inches) photo These are good historic archival items
PRICE: $65.00 |
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Japanese WWII Flag (Item JAPAN 1-12) |
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| DESCRIPTION: This is the one the GI’s called the “meatball.” It is also called the personal battle flag that Japanese soldiers carried with them for nationalistic and religious reasons. The flag measures 25 x 44 inches and has leather tabs at its edges. It was taken in battle at Okinawa. It bears the stains and fraying of being dragged in a soldier’s duffle bag all through the rest of the Pacific War. But, it is still a great war souvenir that is authentic and a great example of Japanese war tenacity and Yankee determination.
PRICE: SOLD |
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Dragon Tsuba (signed) (Item JAPAN 1-13) |
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| DESCRIPTION: Here is one of the nicest Tsuba that we have ever seen. It was crafted in pure silver and the detail of the dragon is fantastic. It measures 3 ¼ in diameter. This is a heavy object in the precious metal. This is part of a collection that we traded for recently. It’s a very nice piece and signed.
PRICE: $850.00 |
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Dragon High-Art Tsuba (signed) (Item JAPAN 1-14) |
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| DESCRIPTION: Here is a very fine bronze Tsuba. It depicts a New Year’s-style dragon suit that seems to be being fitted by a man with extreme difficulty. A fan figures into this scenario, as well. The reverse has decoration as well, but it will take someone much more steeped in oriental art than we are to interpret what is portrayed there. The piece is signed quite clearly.
PRICE: $485.00 |
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Small Dragon Motif Tsuba (high grade) (Item JAPAN 1-16) |
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| DESCRIPTION: This small 2 ¼ x 1 ¼-inch Tsuba is in genuine silver. It is designed to portray a fierce dragon which encircles the center sword fitting with his body. There is very little noticeable wear and is in very fine detail throughout.
PRICE: $750.00 |
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Very High-Grade Tsuba (Item JAPAN 1-17) |
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| DESCRIPTION: This is possibly the finest art Tsuba (sword guard) that we have had the pleasure of offering. It has the typical Japanese-stylized waves of the sea highlighted by gold and silver curls and a golden carp with copper-colored face who eyes a sea urchin or other tasty morsel at the bottom. The reverse is seaweed disturbed by ocean current. It measures 3 x 3 inches and seems to be struck in copper with silver and gilt flashing.
PRICE: $950.00 |
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Tsuba in Bronze (Item JAPAN 1-18) |
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| DESCRIPTION: Here is an interesting Tsuba that can only be described as looking like bamboo sections around a center motif with traditional design. It measures 2 ½ inches in diameter.
PRICE: $225.00 |
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Large Tsuba with Silver Edging (Item JAPAN 1-19) |
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| DESCRIPTION: This massive Tsuba measures 3 3/8 x 3 3/3 inches. It’s quite plain, but has a cutout that depicts in its design a lake crane in flight. A very delicate cutout design makes this Tsuba quite special. It’s gold rimmed inside the cutout of crane and has silver edging on its outer rim.
PRICE: $485.00 |
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Huge Heavy Silver Tsuba (Item JAPAN 1-20) |
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| DESCRIPTION: This is the mother of all high-grade Tsuba that we picked up in a trade involving some of the finest Tsuba we have ever seen. This one, 2 ½ x 3 inches, was crafted in solid silver. It feels like 4 to 5 ounces, at least. The motif is a fantastic dragon in wonderful detail. The head of the monster is on the obverse, while the continuation of his body and scales is on the reverse. This one we consider the best of all the piece in the collection.
PRICE: $850.00 |
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Traditional Bronze Tsuba (Item JAPAN 1-21) |
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| DESCRIPTION: Here is a big Tsuba measuring 3 inches square in bronze and heavy. It is the standard Samurai style.
PRICE: $300.00 |
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Japanese Soldiers (Item JAPAN 1-22) |
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| DESCRIPTION: These are again added to our list because of their uniqueness. They are truly rare and of very obvious quality. Remember, these are not GI Joe models or the junk coming out of China. These are one-of-a-kind figures that are made to exacting detail by a man in Canada, who only now and then undertakes to turn out one of these painstaking projects (see Item JAPAN 1-4 on this page) for further description. They are nothing short of phenomenal. No. 1: An officer with Samurai sword No. 2: An officer of Imperial Marines with sword No. 3: Enlisted rank with Arisaka rifle and all the equipment that such a soldier would carry in the early campaigns. Accurate beyond belief. The figures with base are 13 inches high. Their accuracy is fantastic. PRICE: $225.00 each |
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WWII Rice Bowl and Sake Cup of the Japanese Veterans' Organization (Item JAPAN 1-23) |
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| DESCRIPTION: Here is a set of Japanese mess-hall items for the Japanese Veterans' Organization, with its insignia emblazoned upon them. There is writing on the bottom as well. They are crafted in a fine enamel finish over what appears to be light wood. They are in immaculate, fine condition. The rice bowl measures 5 inches in diameter, while the sake cup is 3 ½ inches across. This is a very nice and seldom-encountered relic set of the eastern war.
PRICE: SOLD |
Please refer to item designator in parentheses in all correspondence.
