$27,000
Sold
sold
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Description
17" (43 cm.) Sculpted wooden or paper mache child with very plump modeling and over-all fine gofun finish, over-sized large rounded head, depicted seated with his right leg extended forward and left leg bent at the knee. His arms are extended forward and he clasps a wooden toy top in his right hand. He has a bright eager expression with painted features including outlined eyes in deeply set sockets, smiling mouth painted as though open with suggestion of teeth, painted feathering of hair at sides under silk fiber hair and an extraordinary presentation ribbon (mizuhiki) at his forehead. The doll is sexed, has dimpled knees and elbows, defined ears, and is wearing a teal green silk robe with gold brocade obi. Generally excellent. Edo era, early 1800s. The painted presentation ribbons were inspired by the traditional Japanese system of ribbon tying on boxed gifts, substantiating the purpose of the doll as a gift or honorary gesture. The grand size of this gosho and elaborate detail of the presentation ribbon indicate the doll's original presentation as an imperial court gift or omen of auspicious wishes.