Passed
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Description
14" (36 cm.) Warrior doll with wooden carved head having well-formed grimacing features of an aramusha (rough stuff) warrior, gofun finish with painted features including shadowed beard scruff, and real hair drawn into a tall military topknot, is depicted as a kneeling vassal with left leg thrust forward, wearing a silk brocade jimbaori military campaign vest with stiffening wire support, black birodo velvet trim, couched gold-wrapped thread circles, lacquered paper armor with metal fittings, inner birodo black velvet hitatare kimono with sleeves drawn closed and a mesh sleeve, silk brocade hakama trousers, shin guards, simulated leather tabi socks, straw sandals, and is holding aloft a sword. Wear to textiles, losses to hair. Edo Period, 19th century. Exhibited Japan Society (1996). Published Ningyo: The Art of the Human Figure, p. 52. As a musha-ningyo, Kato Kiyomasa (1562-1611) came into cultural vogue as part of the Hideyoshi boom of the early 19th century. Prior to this time, his depiction would have been illegal. The circular wa crest represents a bowstring winder and is closely associated with Kato Kiyomasa. His fearsome disposition is well depicted in the intense expression with furrowed brows, down-turned mouth and bared teeth.