RARE! Vintage 50's Porcelain Japanese 18 Geisha Doll Playing Shaimsen

  

Vintage 20s-50's Handmade Porcelain Japanese 18 Geisha Maiden Doll with Copper Hair, Playing Nagauta Shaimsen from Kabuki Plays. Styled in nature's (olive hue) and gold sparkly threads decorate the kimono. She is playing a Nagauta Shaimen - 3 string instrument uniquely Japan.

They played a major role in Japanese theater in kabuki and bunranku puppet theater. It has a gentle, relaxing almost haunting sound. The details here are unprecedented, I researched hundreds of dolls that simply come close, but never exactly like this. The'copper-color' hair is super-unusual, coiffured under a shiny large caramel Bakelite comb & coral-color beaded pick with traditional dangling silver metal tassels.

Her obi is printed beige & red brocade with an exquisite bow at her back. Head, hands, feet are all bisque porcelain, with delicate hand paintings.

These dolls began in the 20s and started to take off in the 40s & 50s by Kamimura Tsuyuko. Before WWII, these became known as'Furansu Ningyo' (French Doll) stemming from the bisque materials used. The painted face & head (all around) are very detailed.

The copper hair is brilliant & yet subtle, you can see some of the black hair around the edges. Even the back of the neck has traditional paintings just below the hairline. Fine rarity & quality is what collecting is all about & age lends a sense of charm and mystery to her allure. This sturdy & gentle doll is a one of a kind find.

Sorry the case is not available, when trying to dismantle the case for security, ironically, I broke a couple of tabs off that snap together. Sadly, life happens, but I will try to reglue. Estate Sale find from a remarkable home, the homeowner lived in Dallas many years owning/running three antique shops. Most of the items were Asian/late 1800s & incredible rooms top-to-bottom. Condition is Used/Pre-Owned, in great shape, showing only minor wear as expected with age (see pictures as part of description). Forgive the poor photography this is quite nice & quite old.

(Doll) 18" inch Tall x 9" Width. I will be happy to answer any concern. All items are packaged with extreme care.

This item is in the category "Collectibles\Cultures & Ethnicities\Asian\1900-Now\Japanese\Dolls". The seller is "mark*126" and is located in this country: US. This item can be shipped to United States.

1. Provenance: Ownership History Not Available
2. Country/Region of Manufacture: Japan
3. Culture: Japanese
4. Modified Item: No
5. Handmade: Yes