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Glass Case Dimensions: 19"H x 18.5"W x 15"L
This a doll of the lion character from the traditional Japanese theatre of Kabuki.
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Glass Case Dimensions: 26.75"H x 24.5"W x 17.75"L
This doll is displayed in honor of the son of the family every year on May 5, the Japanese holiday recognizing boys. The doll is typically purchased by his grandparents around the time he is born. The doll, which portrays a young samurai in a high societal position (shown by the exquisite kimono) holding a helmet of traditional Japanese armor (representing strength and protection from misfortune), is meant to bring good-luck to the boy so that one day he can achieve the same status. The doll is also accomapnied by a wooden plaque that has inscribed on it the title of the doll and the creator/artist's name. This doll is titled SHU-SE KA-BU-TO or "Success helmet"
The Japanese holiday honoring girls is on March 3.
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The Japanese kokeshi doll is typically a cylinderical shaped doll made of wood . Each geographical region of Japan has its own style of this doll which makes for a popular souvenir for children and kokeshi collectors.
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On the small wooden sign placed next to this doll is written the name given to the doll by the artist and the artist's name. The doll's name is IZUMI-NO.
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Raw Wood Doll -- 14"H x 2.5" diameter
Both of these dolls are form the Northern part of Japan. The dark painted doll is dressed in tradional Winter wear which included an article of clothing that was worn on the head and draped over the body to protect from the cold temperatures and snow. The raw wood kokeshi is an example of traditional simplistic Japanese art. Clothing and other features are typically drawn on the wood in thin lines so as to not take away from the natural beauty of the wood.