Three 18th Century Rare Miniature Isho-ningyo

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Each of heads and hands of natural wood with painted details including two merchant gentleman and a street performer with a monkey, the gentlemen dressed in a ribbed silk kimono tucked into silk brocade hakama trousers with a fan tucked into the lapel, and mounted on lacquered wood stands with gold treatment and knob feet; and the monkey trainer with creases on his forehead and dressed in a silk brocade sleeveless outer coat over a chirimen silk crepe kimono with staff in right hand, and a monkey tied to his back which is also holding a small staff, and has monkey-like facial features, wearing purple chirimen kimono tucked into silk brocade trousers with ankle ties and a blue obi, on a wooden stand. Extensive wear to textiles, monkey trainer has replaced base. Edo Period, mid-18th century. Early isho-ningyo of this scale are quite rare, being convincing small character studies, while highlighting typical garb of the period. One can easily imagine two dandies strolling through the brothel district and stopping to watch a monkey trainer street side. Though similar in feel, scale and subject matter to kamo-ningyo, their textiles are not applied in the kimekomi style, but actually dressed with layers.