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Mingei
We carry a large assortment of Mingei, Japanese Folk Art, in our retail store in New
York City, in both our mid-range antiques and inexpensive gift items. Mingei literally means
"Art of the People", and this referred to things that were used on a daily basis within the home,
but crafted with such skill and reverence that they acquired a beauty not normally associated with everyday household items.
"Japanese Folk Art is produced by anonymous craftsmen, for everyday use by ordinary people... it
may be distinguished by directness, unselfconsciousness... simplicity, spontaneity, naivete... and asymmetry... The emphasis is
on local, inexpensive materials, which are always appropriate for their intended function."
(Introduction to the book "Mingei", the Japanese exhibition at the Brooklyn Museum.)
"Every artist knows that he is engaged in an encounter with Infinity, and that work done with
heart and hand is ultimately worship of Life itself." (The Unknown Craftsman", by Soetsu Yanagi.)
Because Mingei is always produced locally, each province, or town or village produces
something in a slightly different way from the place next door. Many resort areas or temples became known for a hand-crafted
toy, doll, or good-luck ornament, which people purchased as a memento of their visit.
Below is a list of some of the Mingei items we presently carry:
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Bobbing Head Animal Zodiac Signs