Elegant 18th Century Bijin Isho-ningyo of a Beautiful Woman, Edo Period

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14" (36 cm.) The Isho-ningyo (fashion doll) of a Bijin (beautiful woman), is posed standing, her head and hands of wood covered in gofun with painted details, hair formed as part of the head, narrow eyes, bee-sting lips, and full face with chin crease; and wearing a beautifully embroidered chirimen silk crepe kimono with embroidered flower designs on her long flowing sleeves and a blue silk brocade short sleeveless jacket secured at the waist, holding a silk flower stem in her right hand, and mounted on a black lacquer base with a painted front aperture. Wear to textiles, minor soiling of facial gofun. Edo Period, Late 18th century. Bijin isho-ningyo became an exceptionally popular subject beginning in the 18th century and are the ancestors of today's ubiquitous Japanese "Geisha Doll." 18th century examples frequently featured carved hair as opposed to silk or human hair which came to dominate around 1800.