Mechanical Gosho (Karakuri) as Lion Dancer, Early 1800s

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8" (20 cm.) Of sculpted paper mache, the very plump gosho portrays the Shishi-mai dancer, and has fine gofun finish with tiny centered painted facial features, downcast eyes, smiling expression, teeth, silk fiber sidelocks and forelock inserted in slits with painted feathered detail, jointing at shoulders with mechanical turn lever at the back allowing the arms to alternately raise and lower the baby rattles which he holds in each hand. He is wearing a richly-embroidered haragake bib under a red silk crepe (chirimen) sleeveless jacket, and on his head is tied a gilded paper mache cap in the shape of a lion's head. Excellent condition. Edo period, early 1800s. The mechanical action gosho are known as Karakuri; this example is designed for alternate movement of the arms, as opposed to #28, with synchronized arm movement. According to Alan Scott Pate in Ningyo, The Art of the Japanese Doll, the style and painting of a number of these rare dolls is so similiar as to suggest a common maker, although further research to identify that maker is needed.