B & C ANTIQUES Vintage Arts,Regional Art,Asian,Japanese,Folk Art

Japanese and Chinese antiques and art from B & C

Catalogue: Vintage Arts: Regional Art: Asian: Japanese: Folk Art (2)

Vintage Japanese Folk Toy Sasano Wood Carving Hawk Catalogue: Vintage Arts: Regional Art: Asian: Japanese: Folk Art: Pre 1960 item# 866486 (stock# 4-278)
click for details		B & C ANTIQUES 203-929-7312 $125
This type of Japanese wooden folk toy, called a “sasano-bori,” is a unique carving of a hawk (“otaka-poppo”). Originating from Yamagata Prefecture, it dates to the mid-20th century. This folk toy hawk was hand carved from a single block of wood and then sparingly hand painted with shades of black, gray and yellow to delineate its features. The long delicate shavings that comprise the wings and tail were cut up towards the body of the bird and left in a natural curl. There is an inscription written on the lower side of the base. It is most unusual to see Sasano-bori of this size as they are typically much smaller. This particular carving technique which created long curling shavings was said to have been used during the construction of Sasano Kannon temple in 807 or learned from the Ainu tribe who were still living in this area long ago. In the late 18th century, the feudal lord of Yonezawa encouraged the production of folk toys to supplement the income of the farmers during the long harsh winters. These toys were sold at temple festivals to be presented to the gods or taken home as lucky charms and souvenirs. These original sculptures are a striking example of what can be done with a single cylindrical piece of wood, colors sparingly applied, and a heavy hatchet-like knife. The first figurines were mostly of hawks, but today all kinds of animals and exotic birds are made. At Sasano, the village which gave its name to this type of carving, there is still an annual festival at the Temple of Sasano Kannon on January 17th, where birds and animals of many different shapes and sizes are sold as symbols of good luck. (See Sasano-Bori on Page 32 of “Japanese Folk Toys: The Playful Arts” by Lea Baten.) CONDITION is excellent; all the curled shavings are intact. The figure lists slightly because of the way the bottom was cut. DIMENSIONS: 15 ¾” (40 cm) high, 2 3/8” (6 cm) diameter at base.

Ornate Old Japanese Kawara Roof Tile Decorations Catalogue: Vintage Arts: Regional Art: Asian: Japanese: Folk Art: Pre 1930 item# 279180 (stock# 9-079)
click for details		B & C ANTIQUES 203-929-7312 $360 for Pair
These wonderful early 20th century Japanese house roof terminal decorations, called "onigawara” or ridge end tiles, were once mounted at both ends of the clay ridge cap atop of the roof of an old Japanese house and were used for both decoration and as an amulet. (Enlargement photos 9 and 10 show examples of the way onigawara were attached to the roofs of traditional Japanese houses.) This pair has been molded from a type of clay material that has the look and feel of old worn granite, and the fronts of both pieces are decorated with swirling or rolling wave patterns called “hire.” The functional beauty of the elaborate designs on onigawara was made even more impressive given their striking location at the ends of the high roof ridge. The name “onigawara” means literally “demon tiles” because the early end tiles were traditionally molded in the shape of a demon’s head or face, much like a clay gargoyle with the same function, i.e., to ward off evil. Onigawara developed around the middle of the Edo period when the tile roofs became popular for houses, and they reflected the status of the family. These highly decorative and unusual Japanese architectural elements are very popular in Japan. They are not normally found in such wonderful condition, as they usually get broken up and discarded when old houses are demolished. It is also rare to find a pair of onigawara, especially in such a large size. Condition is excellent, with only some minor rubbing on the back of the larger onigawara where it rested against the clay ridge cap tile. There is also a small crack above the hole on the back of the larger piece, either from the kiln or from taking if from the ridge cap tile; however, there is no danger of further fracture in the crack. This is an exceptional pair of very decorative and unique Japanese antiques that will display well anywhere in the home or garden. Dimensions: the larger onigawara measures 11" high by 17 3/4" wide by 3 3/8" thick and weighs approximately 12 pounds. The smaller onigawara measures 9 ¼” high by 10 ½” wide by 4" thick and weighs approximately 7 pounds.

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