Carved Wooden Gosho in Parody (Mitate) of Samurai, Circa 1930s

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14" (36 cm.) including helmet. Carved wooden head with very rounded shape, gofun finish, centered facial features, glass eyes, sculpted details including heavy eyeliner, closed mouth with row of teeth, smiling expression with impressed dimples, painted feathering of hair around the forehead, black silk fiber hair extending to bottom of back armor, wooden hands with curled fingers, wearing silk brocade kimono with layered collars under red lacquer paper armor, painted stockings, fur-tipped boots, and with helmet of stiffened red silk crepe with gold banding, embroidered pom-poms, and an elaborately carved dragon; and carrying sword and sabre. Mounted on wooden base with chip-carved edging. Excellent condition. Showa era, early 20th century. A similiar piece is shown in Japanese Dolls, The Fascinating World of Ningyo by Alan Scott Pate, page 120. The mitate ningyo were designed as a parody of their classic counterparts, and are a delightful expression of Japanese whimsy. This present example is notable for the unusual childlike gentle expression.