Antique Japanese ningyō

This is not a late tourist/export doll. Key indicators: • Gofun face with fine, even crackle texture → traditional oyster-shell finish • Hand-painted facial features (eyeliner taper, lip shape are pre-war style) • Human hair (not synthetic), hand-set • Carved hands with individual fingers (not molded plastic) • Real silk brocade kimono, multiple layers, hand-stitched • Ivory-tone kanzashi hair ornaments (likely bone or early celluloid) • Tatami mat base with fabric border • Elegant, calm expression typical of Meiji–Taishō court figures These traits strongly indicate late Meiji to Taishō period rather than early Shōwa mass production. Estimated date: c. 1900–1925 This piece came over with my great aunt when she left Japan shortly after the war. It has lived in its custom class box for its entire life and has seen very little sunlight. There are no markings that I can see on the doll or base.

Condition

Used (normal wear)

Type

Japanese antique doll (ningyō) in a custom glass display case