Antique Japanese Kimekomi Ningyo: Heian Court Lady
May 2013 Auction by Far East Asian Art

This lovely early 20th century Japanese doll with long hair and layered robes represents an aristocratic court lady during the imperial Heian period (794 to 1185). Her silk brocade robes are tucked into a wood body, and her face and single outstretched hand are finished with several layers of white gofun (crushed oyster shell). Her expressive facial features are well modeled and hand painted in wonderful detail, with a delicately painted hairline and sculpted eyes...