Antique Japanese Doll, Victorious Samurai, VERY RARE

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NAME: Antique Japanese costume doll of a victorious samurai

AGE: Around Meiji (1868-1912)

SIZE: Approx 12" (30.5cm)

CONDITION: The face of the samurai has some light soiling and there is a tiny chip above his left eye. Some bug damage on the purple sash, two holes in front, most in the back. There may have been another string that held the armor together. There is now a gap on the right side and you can see the wooden torso. Normally the sides are hidden by the sleeves. The gofun finish is missing from the tip of the left pinky and there are a couple small chips in the armor paint in front.

NOTES: Traditional gofun finish -- both heads. The legs and hands are carved wood.

There is no armor on the left shoulder and I'm not sure it was ever there. The sleeve is very different on the left side so it may not have been covered on purpose.

Most unusual and very rare doll. I have seen a few life-sized Japanese beheaded head "dolls" and only one other similar to this doll. Interesting, gruesome and part of Japan's sometimes violent history.

This product was added to our catalog on Friday 20 August, 2010.