East Asia, Japan, late Edo to Meiji period, ca. mid-19th to early 20th century CE. A pair of antique wood and cloth dolls, one is a Musha-ningyo representing a samurai or shogun, and the warrior figure is a Takeda doll, in dynamic pose upon a wooden pedestal. The samurai is in a seated position and originally sat on a military field chair. The silk brocade is decorated with metallic threads and the arms is made from brass plates, and both hands have curled grip that could hold either his included bow or sword. This is a special warrior doll known as a musha-ningyo that was made to celebrate Boy's Day to inspire bravery and courage. The other Takeda doll is more dynamic, mimicking the poses of the Kabuki actors. The dolls were elaborately dressed and represented ideal heroes and strong leaders from history and legends. Size of Takeda w/ base: 8.5" L x 6.5" W x 12" H (21.6 cm x 16.5 cm x 30.5 cm)

The samurai tradition is treasured and unique to Japanese history. The samurai was the venerated guardian of the people, trained from birth to live up to his birthright and work toward the highest honors of his elite class. This class was second only to the Imperial family in the Japanese social hierarchy. Given their place in society, the samurai were great patrons of many artforms, including swords, armor and fittings which were considered works of art. Hence, "Bushido" or "Way of the samurai" is an important aspect of Japanese society. During the Meiji period (1868-1912) and the restoration of the emperor as the locus of power, the musha-ningyo dolls often represented characters that were the most devoted and loyal to the emperor, a subconscious political message to the boys that received these dolls.

Provenance: private New York, New York, USA collection; ex-Stanley and Susan Reifer collection, Sag Harbor, New York, USA, acquired in the 1990s

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#176526

Losses to textile and fraying to fibers on both, especially on knees and arms of helmeted samurai and verso back of standing figure. Losses to wooden hands on both. Fading and discoloration to fabric and painted areas. Chips to faces and swords. Overall good to fair condition.