Passed
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Description
6" (15 cm.) The wood-carved doll depicting a crawling baby that is raised slightly up on his arms with head looking slightly to the left, and is covered in gofun with painted details including, smiling expression and painted forelock and side locks, and is swathed in a long white figured silk robe which covers her hands, accented with a flying crane pattern, broad ruffled red silk crepe collar, resting on a silk zabuton cushion. Edo Period, 19th century. Haihai or crawling baby dolls are believed to be derived from the all silk hoko baby of the aristocratic court in Kyoto. The image of a crawling baby in a long silk gown has been used in poetic imagery and prose since the Heian Period and is part of a national aesthetic reveling in the innocent beauty of children. Haihi were created in all sizes, from life-sized to truly miniature. Irrespective of size they retain their irresistible allure.