19th Century Japanese Wooden Mitsuore Doll, Additional Wigs, Original Box by Maruhei

Live Auction

13" (33 cm.) Carved wooden socket head with elongated oval face, fine lustrous gofun finish, narrow inset glass eyes in half-moon shape, painted lashes, open mouth, defined teeth, wooden body with slender torso and limbs (except original silk crepe padded upper arms), jointing at hips, knees and ankles (triple jointing or mitsuore), and hollow opening at back thighs to allow extra articulation, elegantly expressive fingers, and having silk fiber hair with painted feathering around the face. Condition: generally excellent. Marks: (see box label). Comments: Japan, circa 1890, the label on the original box indicates that the doll came from the legendary Kyoto atelier of Maruhei, specifically from the 1890-1897 period, and the doll was made by the Japanese artist Takizawa Koryusai. Value Points: rare model with documented markings, is enhanced further by owning five interchangeable wigs in various male styles, and is presented in original labeled box.