Posted 12 years ago
rustyiron
(1 item)
I was left these two Antique Japanese Dolls from my late mother. They were given to her by my dad over 50 years ago when he was in the service in occupied japan. They are both in their original mirrored back glass and wooden display cases. The cases measure about 10 1/2" high x 5 3/8" deep x 7 " across the front. The dolls inside have never been out of these cases. They are on a wooden base and there is a small wooden dowl of some kind which somes through the bottom of the case.
I am looking for any information someone can help me with. Such as how old are they? Is there a name for this type of doll? What materials are they likely to be made of? What would the approximate value be for insurance purposes? I would appreciate any help someone could give me that is more knowledgeable than myself.
Your dolls were common from about 1930's to 1950's . They are Geisha dolls in lacquer cases which Japan was making a lot of the lacquered wood . They are beautiful and here is a link to one for sale right now similar to yours
Unfortunately dolls have taken a hit in the market and ethnic dolls even more . They are made of a composition type face , yours are very nice as they have glass eyes not seen as common as the painted eye doll and shows a higher quality doll . You don't mention how tall they are ? Clothes are made of silk so keep out direct sunlight . Hope this helps you . As far as insurance you would need a appraisal in writing by someone that actually is holding them . The value of them is not really high enough to warrant extra insurance . Precious story about them and I would cherish them .
http://www.ebay.com/itm/Vintage-Big-Japanese-Geisha-Doll-w-Kimono-15-1-2-Tall-Glass-Wood-Case-/310364318115?_trksid=p3284.m263&_trkparms=algo%3DSIC%26its%3DI%26itu%3DUCI%252BIA%252BUA%252BFICS%252BUFI%26otn%3D21%26pmod%3D250925224473%26ps%3D54#ht_12158wt_975
I had one of these as a child. My dad bought it new in the late 1960s. The one I had/have is almost identical but not in good condition! as yours is. I'll have to try and find it.
They still make them today wolcott . They are lovely and would love to see yours !
It may take awhile to find. lol. I remember staring at it endlessly when it was first given to me. The rich colors of the fabric pulled me in completely. The one on the left is the one I still own.
the first two pictures of the doll is a dance called SHIOKUMI
Shiokumi - The dance is about the shiokumi Matsukaze, a "salt-scooper" who carries seawater for the purpose of making salt.
The doll is very richly dressed, wearing opulently embroidered garments, a beautiful cloak and a courtier's gold hat (eboshi), which ought to belong to her lover, Ariwara No Yukihira. She carries a pair of pails, painted with waves, on a yoke across her back. The poet Ariwara no Yukihira was exiled to the seashore of Suma, where he had a love affair with two shiokumi sisters, Matsukaze and Murasame. Ariwara no Yukihira was forgiven by the Imperial court and finally left Suma for the Imperial Capital Kyôto. Matsukaze dances to the memory of the poet and expresses her longing for him. In the end, her dancing recalls the sweet memories she had with him.
the Next 2 pictures of the doll has a theme of FUJIMUSUME dance
So what is the dance about?
Well, it portrays the spirit of the wisteria as a fashionable young girl, extravagantly dressed in a long sleeved kimono, called Nagasode, and obi (or sash) with a distinctive wisteria pattern. She also carries a wisteria branch with which she poses as the dance begins
wow, i also one one... but a small one... about 4 inch... :) will post it later... :)