Early Carved Wooden Ningyo as Falconer, Late 18th Century

Live Auction

9 1/2" (24 cm.) Posed in a semi-kneeling crouched manner, the young lad has a carved wooden head in rounded shape, lustrous gofun finish, centered painted features, very narrow eyes, closed mouth with slightly protruding tongue, human hair over painted black pate and having an attached silk cap, carved wooden hand styled for holding an object, and wearing a padded silk crepe kimono with resist dye design of cherry blossoms on sleeves, with five layers of collars and with under sleeves having ties at the wrists and a bast fiber obi with black bow at back. A paper mache falcon is perched on his shoulder held by the leash in his right hand. Good condition albeit, loss of hair, and extensive fading of early costume. Edo period, late 1700s, a rare early doll complete with all costume features and falcon.