KAMIMURA GALLERY
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Kamimura Gallery
kamimura@interlog.com
A Japanese large pair of warrior dolls.(Musha Ningyo) Warrior, possibly representing Emperor Ojin, seated and his flag-holder Hatamochi. Each figure designed with a carved wood head covered in Gofun painted with expressive features and costumed in brocades, armor and attributes, warrior with Gigan-glass eyes seated on a camp stool holding a bow.
19th century
Height: 55 cm (warrior) 41 cm (attendant)
War-fan and flag accessories are missing.


Note: Musha Ningyo (literally, "warrior dolls") are elaborately costumed dolls displayed for the Boy's Festival held on May 5th. They almost exclusively feature heroic military figures and episodes from Japan's history. For only a short period every year, they were brought out from carefully kept storage to display for the Boy's Day Festival at home and to wish for boys to grow strong. Also, they were regarded as the guardians of the boy's souls, protecting them against diseases and bad influences.
#722
close up of face
SOLD