We've put out a selection of old prints including this kabuki actor by Utagawa Kunisada aka Toyokuni III (1786 - 1865). We have a few of his prints in the shop including some wonderful triptychs. He was working in the mid 19th century before the introduction of brighter inks at the end of the 19th century and I love his works for their subtle colours.
There are more lovely subtle colours in this old (19th century?) patchwork silk kesa, or Buddhist monk's mantle. This is just a detail from one corner:
Some beautiful and also very useful early 20th century dishes:
This is a lovely pair of old (late 19th century?) hina ningyo Girls' Day dolls. Please have a look at my early blog on hina matsuri for more information about the hina festival and dolls:
The next piece is one of my favourite things in the shop at the moment. It's of 'Kanzeon' Bohdhisattva of Compassion handpainted on wood and would have been donated as a temple gift to wish for protection from fire, disease or whatever. It is says down the left side Sadakichi Kaneko painted 1807, repaired 1868. It has a lovely warm, aged, rustic quality:
Moving on to the 20th century... this 'Katsura ningyo doll with changeable wigs has clearly been made as a souvenir:
And lastly, this old metal advertising sign for a vitamin drink is a little rusty but has a great retro character:
