$550
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Description
9 1/2" (24 cm.) The Jingasa Sarubobo talismanic doll of a monkey, fashioned in direct imitation of the imperial hoko crawling baby, is crafted of stuffed red silk crepe with its arms and legs tied together in front, wearing a ruffled jimbaori military coat of silk brocade secured by a thick purple obi tie belt, over a silk brocade haragake bib, with an additional small ruffled chin bib and a round jingasa military campaign hat. Extensive wear to textiles and hat. Edo Period, early 19th century. Exhibited Mingei International Museum (2005). Published Ningyo: The Art of the Japanese Doll, p. 214. Monkeys have long been considered as a potent talisman and protective symbol in Japan, particular when paired with the color red. Sarubobo, frequently appearing as an amulet or charm, would be attached to children's clothing or placed in the house to ward away malevolent influences. Weighted versions also served as furidome weights on banners for Boy's Day and ultimately came to be seen as a Boy's Day symbol in it own right.