Takeda Samurai Doll with Signed Base, Edo Period
April 2014 Auction by Far East Asian Art

Fine and rare early example of a Japanese Takeda ningyo (figurine) which shows all the typical characteristics of this Japanese doll genre: the extravagant pose, the dynamism, the upturned eyes and the downturned mouth. Ca. 1800. Representing a Kabuki actor playing a warrior, the figure is posed on a tree stump, carrying a pair of swords on his waist and a jingasa over his shoulder. His garments are made of embroidered chirimen (silk crepe) and brocade...