$1,600
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Description
18" (46 cm.) Posed standing, having well-defined sculpted facial features with fierce expression, rare sculpted black moustache and flowing beard, inset glass eyes, painted features including up-angled brows, black silk fiber hair in archaic Chinese style, heavy wooden lower legs on attached wooden stand with scalloped-edge border, sculpted hands designed for holding objects. He is wearing an extraordinary costume in archaic Chinese style including leather helmet with heavy metal fittings, white silk under kimono, elaborate studded leather armor with metal fittings, mask-face belt buckle with rare inset eyes, fur boots, necklace with sacred "jewels" which center a mirror, and is carrying a staff with hawk finial and an elaborate sword with bells surrounding the grip. Excellent condition. Included is his original wooden box with maker's signature. Showa era, circa 1930. Depicted is Jimmu Ten'no, the legendary first Emperor of Japan. The masterful ningyo was presented by the Kyoto shop Maruhei (Okiheizo) supplier to the Imperial Family, and considered among the finest ateliers of the early 1900s.