Carved Wooden Portrait Ningyo of the Celebrated Hero, Kusunoki Masahige, Circa 1850

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10" (25 cm.) (including cap). Carved wooden head with highly-characterized features and expression, slightly-pigmented gofun finish, painted features, chin shadowing, outlined eyes, pronounced brows, strong nose, fiercely downcast lips, black silk fiber hair in style that emphasizes the bald crown, extended sideburns and topknot. Posed kneeling, he has carved wooden hands, and a padded body which is richly-costumed in a silk brocade kimono under green silk sleeveless jacket with combined trousers (kamishino), body armor with crest that is his characteristic symbol, wrist guards with black velvet detailing, and unusual high pointed cap. Generally excellent. Edo period, circa 1850, portrait of the legendary hero noted for his loyalty.