Exceptionally Rare Grand-Sized Wooden Gosho in Distinctive Pose, Early 1800s

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14" (36 cm.) Of carved wood in distinctive and unusual pose and with overall gofun finish with beautiful sheen, the big-headed boy has right foot extended forward as though for balance, his right hand extended upward as though reaching to the sky, and his left hand clasped for holding an object. His torso and limbs are shortened, depicting a young child, and his face is turned sideward, glancing upward in the direction of his extended right fingers. Sculpted and painted facial features are superbly rendered including detail of sculpted teeth, and raised eye lids. The doll has human hair, is sexed, has excellent detail of fingers, toes, dimpled elbows and knees, and is wearing a rare red silk crepe (chirimen) robe with silk lining. Generally excellent. Edo period, early 1800s. Rarity factors of the compelling figure include his dramatic and robust pose, his upper-glancing head, very fine details of carving and features, and luxury costume of which Alan Scott Pate has noted "the dramatic combination of the thick black hair, the brilliant white of the gofun and the vibrant red of the textiles...such a dramatic counter-positioning of colors was seen as particularly auspicious and added to the overall gift-giving aspect that was inherent in the gosho form" (Ningyo, The Art of the Japanese Doll, page 43).