Passed
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Description
20" (51 cm.) Isho-ningyo depicting Jurojin, one of the Seven Gods of Good Fortune, having finely-carved head of wood covered in gofun with painted details displaying features of an old man with heavy wrinkles, smiling expression, grey/white silk hair and flowing chin beard, is posed standing, swathed in Chinese-style textiles featuring layers of silk brocades, long flowing sleeves with tasseled wrist tie closures, extensive use of ruffled fringes, chirimen silk crepe trousers with gold-wrapped thread embroidery, lacquered boots, tall cap, and with a staff in hand, accompanied by a deer made of papier mache, all mounted on a lacquered wood stand with front aperture cloth. Deer is repainted with repair to legs. Edo Period, 19th century. The Shichigofukujin (Seven Gods of Good Fortune) permeated popular culture with their positive messaging and were an exceptionally popular motif for doll artisans, with these figures appearing singly or in pairs as well as depictions of the entire group. Jurojin represented longevity and is invariably shown in the company of a deer, believed to turn black after 2,000 years.