$4,250
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Description
20" (51 cm.) figure. 27" including stand. The large-scale Takeda-ningyo (theatrical doll) of Otohime, the Undersea Princess, having head and hands made of wood covered in gofun with painted details including lower green lip, and hair in an elaborate chignon with trailing long braid and capped by flowered crown is wearing green silk brocade kimono with sleeves thrown back to reveal chirimen silk crepe under kimono with densely-embroidered sleeves bearing interlocked kikko tortoise shell pattern accented by wisteria blossoms, holding a Chinese style fan in her right hand and a pot containing red coral in her left. Mounted on a shelf base fronted by crashing waves made of stiffened paper that is painted blue with white sea froth exploding around her, resting atop a Takeda-style black lacquered base with embroidered front aperture cloth atop tall legs. Restoration to painting of waves. Edo Period, 19th century. Exhibited Mingei International Museum (2005). Published in Ningyo: The Art of the Japanese Doll, p. 258. Otohime is a very layered character in Japanese theatre. In addition to playing a central role in the Urashima-taro story, referenced here in the powerful tortoise shell patterning on her sleeves, she is also seen as possessing the sacred jewels of Buddhist knowledge and enlightenment symbolized here by the coral. In kabuki, the focus of all Takeda-ningyo, Otohime was the subject of numerous plays as well as being featured in the very popular early 19th century henge mono (quick-change dance) roles.