$2,600
Sold
sold
Click image to enlarge
Description
4" (10 cm.) -6" figures. 40" full length case. The unusual and whimsical set of chirimen-ningyo (silk crepe dolls) of the Shichigofukujin (Seven Gods of Good Fortune), arranged in original display case, comprise Daikoku (the god of daily wealth) in a blue cap with his treasure sack and money mallet; Hotei (the god of happiness) with his bared belly, shaved head of a monk, treasure sack and fan; Benzaiten (the goddess of music and beauty), with long, flowing Chinese-style robes and a billowing scarf; Jurojin (god of wisdom) with his staff and fan; Ebisu (the god of daily provision) with a giant red tai (sea bream) under his left arm and a fishing pole in his right; Fukurokuju (the god of longevity) with his tall cranium, scroll in left hand and a staff in his right; and finally the warrior god Bishamonten (protector from evil), shown with spear in his right hand and a sword in his left with a large helmet on his head. Each is done in colorful chirimen silk crepe, with large, pendant ears indicative of their divinity, and with additional silk fiber hair. Showa Era, early 20th century. Published Japanese Dolls: The Fascinating World of Ningyo, p. 132. Chirimen-ningyo, also known as chirimen saiku (fine craft of chirimen) has a long, though less-documented tradition than classic ningyo. Simple figures made from scraps of this extremely popular, and therefore, ubiquitous fabric, have doubtless been around for many centuries. Then, during the Meiji and Taisho Eras chirimen-ningyo began to evolve into a studied form and truly skilled artisans began making isho-ningyo type character studies. The Shichigofukujin are among Japan's most recognized icons and with their exotic natures and quirky attributes lend themselves admirably to chirimen-ningyo. This is a rare set with their original hinged glass and wood display box.