Important Musha-ningyo Warrior by Hara Shugetsu III, Early Meiji Era

Live Auction

44"h. (112cm.) seated x 29"w. The warrior doll with finely carved wood head with fine white gofun finish, inset glass eyes, carved hair, large, well-formed ears, neck post bearing Hara Shugetsu signature, well carved hands covered in stenciled leather, is depicted seated on folding wood and leather camp stool, wearing heavy armor, metal fittings, helmet with face mask, saihai battle whisk with gold lamellae paper streamers, silk brocade textiles, faux fur boots, shin guards with mail, and leather-wrapped bow and arrows with leather quiver bearing gold trefoil crest. A wood signature plaque bears Hara Shugetsu name. Overall fine condition with wear to textiles of upper kimono, restoration to head. Early Meiji Era, Late 19th century. From what is considered Japan's most important pre-modern doll making lineage, Hara Shugetsu III (1826-1899) was renowned for his iki-ningyo (living dolls) created for festival floats, and for his large-scale and elaborate warrior dolls for Boy's Day.