Rare and Interesting Isho-ningyo of the Tanabata Weaving Goddess, Edo Period

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11" (28 cm.) x 14". Dressed in the Chinese fashion with a ruffle-edged vest, black velvet trim, hair drawn into a tall single topknot, is Isho Hata-ori-me ningyo (Weaving Goddess Doll), positioned at a complex and accurately rendered takabata treadle loom with foot pedals and partially woven bolt of silk fabric attached, and with a metal shuttle in her left hand, the arrangement resting on an attached base. Edo Period, Mid-19th century. Hataori-me was the star goddess, when paired with the Ox Herder, of the Tanabata Festival in the 7th lunar month, one of the go-sekku (five principal festivals) that punctuate the Japanese calender. Also known as the Hoshi Matsuri (Star Festival) it tells the tale of the silk weaving goddess Orihime (the star Vega) and the ox herder Hikoboshi (the star Altair). These celestial beings became so entranced with each other that Orihime stopped weaving and Hikoboshi allowed the oxen to wander. In anger, Tentei, the Sky King, formed a rift in the Milky Way separating the two lovers. But hearing their grief he relents and allows them to meet once a year. Dolls directly relating the Tanabata legend are rare.