Catalog: Antiques: Regional Art: Asian: Japanese: Dolls (103)

Spectacular and dramatic Japanese Bunraku Puppet of a Sambaso dancer, rooted in myth, religion, and rituals performed at Shinto shrines and the imperial court, rituals aimed at conjuring up the gods. Has articulated eyes, mouth and arms making an array of wonderful expressions. He is holding his bell rattle, wearing a silk costume and a lacquered hat, presented on a classic Bunraku Puppet stand. 25.5 inches (65cm) tall.

Beautiful Japanese Daki Ningyo standing at the unusual height of 26 inches (66 cm), making him a very rare and striking figure of the merchant class. He is wearing an Inro with a pair of Kokishiki dolls inside. It is most uncommon to see this type of Ningyô outside of Japan, for they are highly prized by the Japanese. A widely held theory has it that these dolls were commissioned by patrons of Geisha as presentation gifts. This one is outstanding in every way. It has a wonderfully expressive face.

A fantastic, extremely rare and important Edo Period Daki Ningyo, with a fine shibori outer kimono, and a red chirimen silk crepe inner kimono with a fawn-spot pattern. Featuring a beautifully sensitive life-like face. Looks wonderful in a seated or standing pose. All aspects of this Daki Ningyo are of the finest quality. We are confident that you have never before seen one of this age and quality offered for sale. Height: 25 inches, 63.5 cm.

Japanese Keto Kyomasa Iki Ningyo. 21 inches (with helmet; 27 inches with staff and stand.

Ningyo of Young Lady Looming Textile. 15 inches (38cm) wide x 10 inches (25.5cm) high.

Munga Ningyo of a Samurai in Court Attire by Toyotomi Hideyoshi. Late Edo Period. Height: 10 inches, 25.5 cm.

Japanese Isho Ningyo of a Noh Actor, Meiji Period, late 19th Century. Height: 13.75 inches, 35 cm.

Kimikomi Ningyo by Jinku-ru. 9.25 inches, 23.5 cm.

Japanese Standing Female Isho Ningyo of a Bijin, Meiji Period. 15.75 inches (40 cm).

Japanese Ningyo of a Mother and Child or Mary and Child. 13.25 inches (33.5 cm) height.

Japanese Musha Ningyo of Old Minister Takenouchi, Meiji Period, late 19th Century. 12.5 inches (31.75 cm) height.

An amazing and rare Daki Ningyo of the Imperial class, with a specatularly carved face, wearing the finest silk textiles of brocades, featuring a highly prized shibori collar, wearing tobi socks and a wonderful hat, all original. Height: 30 inches, 76 cm.

A rare wonderful Daki Ningyo with the most artistic style and a beautiful hypnotic face, wearing a gorgeous painted silk kimono of Imperial purple. Made for the Imperial class. Late 19th Century. 27 inches, 68.5 cm.