Passed
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Description
11" (28 cm.) The parody palace doll depicting a Chinese boy is posed standing, of wood covered overall in a fine white gofun with painted details and birodo black velvet patches of hair at the temples, dressed in what was thought of as "Chinese" style with purple chirimen silk crepe pleated ruffle cuffs, short vest jacket with pleated ruffle shoulders, silk brocade trousers and kimono secured with a purple silk obi, with a silk brocade mamoriboko charm bag at his right hip, arms and hands positioned to hold a long staff with a dangling kusudama flower ball made of silk. Craquelure at back of head by left ear, minor wear to textiles. Edo Period, 19th century. The karako or "Chinese boy" was a felicitous symbol, conveying not only the sense of the exotic, but also conferring happiness and fertility. During Japan's prolonged period of isolation, few ever actually saw foreigners, and so no attempt was made at accuracy. In order to depict Chinese subjects, a textile shorthand was used, frequently entailing the extensive use of pleated ruffles. Kusudama (medicine balls) were ornamental aromatic or herbal flower balls, frequently adorned with silken tassels and strings that were suspended within the home to protect the inhabitants from evil.