A very nice pair of Japanese Ichimatsu or friendship Ningyo dolls dating to the late Taisho period or early 1930's. Superb detail and craftsmanship throughout including silk kimono and real human hair. The faces, hands and feet are painted gofun (crushed oyster shell) and the eyes are glass. Dimensions: 17" tall. An excellent display set for any collection of Japanese dolls.
A rare large Japanese standing Gosho Ningyo Doll dating to the late Edo period (1800-1865). Dramatic pose and lively expression, this little fellow stands 11 1/2" tall x 8" wide. He is constructed of wood covered in many layers of white gofun (crushed oyster shell). His clothes are made of silk and paper brocade. His face is hand painted with a delicate expression. Gosho dolls of this size and age are rare and highly sought after by collectors. An excellent addition to any collection o ...click for details
A superb boxed Gosho Hai-hai ningyo or doll from Kyoto and dating to the late Taisho period 1912-1926. The paulownia storage case is signed and stamped by the Kyoto craftsman where this doll was purchased. Delightful chubby infant with typical oversized features crawls over a hand-made silk cushion. The infant is adorned with a rich red chirimen silk costume. The hand painted details on the face and head are exquisite.The surface is smooth polished white gofun (crushed oyster shell). The doll h ...click for details
An impressive rare Japanese boy Ichimatsu ningyo or doll that sits dating to the late Taisho era (1912-1926). Boy ichimatsu dolls are rare but ones that bend at the waist and sit are even more difficult to find. This is a very high quality doll made by a master craftsman whose stamp is featured on a sheet of paper covering the abdomen (under his clothing). His expression is radiant with a superb white gofun face ( the application of many layers of crushed oyster shell) with glass eyes. His hair ...click for details
A superb high quality Kyoto ichimatsu ningyo or friendship doll from the late 1920's - early 1930's. The doll was made by a famous Kyoto doll maker whose seal can be found attached to the base (see detail picture). Her expression is beautiful and subtle. Her face is gofun (many layers of crushed oyster shell) with glass eyes and real human hair. The doll was hardly ever displayed because the hands and legs are covered in the original brown paper covering! The doll's kimono is fine s ...click for details
A beautiful high quality Kyoto doll or ningyo depicting a dancing girl in its own case, dating to the late Meiji period (1868-1912). The girl is most likely a performer at the Miyako Odori in Kyoto, where the doll was purchased. A type of Isho Ningyo, the quality of workmanship is extremely high. Only the very best dolls have teeth and this doll is no exception. Also the artist has used his all of his skill to make the doll stand on one leg - the dancer's left leg is actually about 1/8" ...click for details
A rare boxed and signed Japanese wooden doll depicting a noh performer. The doll has been hand carved from a single piece of semi-hardwood and hand painted. The reverse of the sliding lid bears the signature of the artist "Haku Ho" and is dated Showa 17 (1942). The same signature is carved on the reverse of the doll base (see pictures). The female noh performer, complete with mask is adorned with a period kimono with exquisite hand painted flowers. Of the many types of Japanese ningyo ...click for details
A superb Japanese Kabuki Ningyo / doll dating to the late 19th C. or early Meiji period (1868 - 1912). Doll represents a kabuki or traditional Japanese theater performer in a dancing pose. Dynamic pose with elaborate brocade costume and excellent attention to detail. The head and hands are painted gofun (crushed oyster shell). Period hairstyle with real hair and glass eyes. Early Kabuki dolls are rare and difficult to source. Doll stands 12 1/2" x 11"7". Overall condition is good ...click for details
A rare Japanese ningyo or doll depicting a fisherman from the Edo period (1615-1868). One of the most unusual themes for a doll we have seen. The character is a common fisherman in kneeling position complete with fishing rod. The doll maker has tried to be as realistic as possible and no attempt has been made to gloss over the fisherman's pockmarked face. The doll is constructed of wood, straw, felt and silk. The face and hands are covered with painted gofun (crushed oyster shell). His eyes ...click for details
An antique Japanese doll depicting a traveling commoner and dating to the Edo period (1615-1868). A rare and unusual subject for a Japanese doll. Wearing a striped kimono and matching obi of typical Edo period material. His hair is silk and tied up in period fashion. His face and hands are gofun (crushed oyster shell) over wood with glass eyes. He carries a bundle over his shoulder wrapped in traditional fashion. Dimensions: 12" x 5" x 6". Overall condition is good considering age ...click for details
