Description: First, a little about the first doll in the box with the 4 wigs. These dolls are commonly called Yamato-ningyo or Ichimatsu. According to a book called "Japanese Antique Dolls" by Jill and David Gribbon, "Ningyo" is a compound of two Chinese characters meaning human (nin) and form (gyo)." According to a book called "Japanese Dolls" by Tokubei Yamada, published by the Japan Travel Bureau in 1955, Yamato-ningyo were first produced at the end of the Meiji era (1868-1912). These dolls represented the spirit of the Japanese child. A Yamato-ningyo dollmaker usually learned his art from his father or a master, and dollmaking skills were passed down from generation to generation. There was a tradition of including Isho-ningyo costume dolls in the wedding trousseau of daughters of samurai in the Edo Period and the dolls played an important role in bearing the burdens or bad luck in place of the bride. In 1927, a batch of Ichimatsu dolls were sent to the USA as 'Ambassadors of Friendship' with an explanation of the origin and meaning of the Japanese dolls attached. The dolls were hugely popular for awhile thereafter. These dolls are mainly made in Kyoto and Tokyo. Her head and body is made from wood (likely paulownia). Her face is hand carved and has been painted with a white pigment made from ground up oyster shells. Her arms and legs are jointed, as is her head. Unlike her modern counterparts, she is solid wood (the modern ones often have a stuffed or celluloid body). Also, she has real hair, as opposed to the painted on hair of more contemporary Ichimatsu dolls. Her features were painted on with VERY great care and attention to detail. There are 4 different Geisha wigs that are meant to be able to put on her head, but I don't think that was ever done, as it seems her current hair is glued into place. When standing, she only measures just a tish over 3 inches. She is soooo cute! The box that she came in appears to have been carefully hand crafted as well. It seems to be made of a very light wood (maybe balsa or paulownia). The dog is in good vintage condition except for she lost her right arm. The wigs are in good vintage condition.
Price: 225 USD
Location: San Jose, California
End Time: 2024-12-11T03:23:54.000Z
Shipping Cost: 0 USD
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Item Specifics
Return shipping will be paid by: Buyer
All returns accepted: Returns Accepted
Item must be returned within: 14 Days
Refund will be given as: Money Back
Brand: Unknown
Provenance: Ownership History Not Available
Original/Reproduction: Antique Original
MPN: Does not apply
Region of Origin: Japan
Country/Region of Manufacture: Japan
Age: 1850-1899
Culture: Japanese
