Four Gosho-Ningyo As Auspicious Presentation Gifts,Early 19th Century

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2.5" (6 cm.) - 4". The group of four is each fashioned from wooden composite (toso) and depicted in a kneeling position resting back on their heels,each covered in a fine shell white (gofun) with painted details,and each has fixed silk haragake bibs with painted designs and small patches of birodo velvet on its head representing various childrern's hair styles. The two larger figures each hold an auspicious object including a hobbyhorse signifying New Year's well wishes and a small Akita puppy; of the two smaller figures one sports an eboshi court cap holding the tie strings in one hand,and the final has both hands resting on his legs. Condition: some lifting and chips of gofun,some pigment loss. Comments: Japanese,Edo period,early/mid 19th century,small gosho-ningyo of this style were very popular as gifts given on auspicious occasions from significant birthdays to season holidays or the achievement of an important goal; not intended for play they would have been displayed in a special alcove within the home. Value Points: wonderful variations on the rare early dolls,presented in 1916 to the Cleveland Museum of Art by Yamanaka and Company,important antique art importers of that era.