Antique Japanese Doll Laughing Buddha Hotei Edo Period Isho Ningyo Circa 1840 AF

This very charming little Japanese doll is quite the rarity, we hope that you too will be beguiled by his charm.

This small seated doll dated to the Edo period, circa 1800 to 1850. This is a rare early example of the Japanese Buddha god Hotei who is depicted in a sitting position wearing a rich textile garment. We see him with both legs thrust forward and with open welcoming hands. One hand would have held a Fan (now missing we can include a staff). The fan signifying both authority and that he was able to grant wishes.

Hotei is one of the 'Seven Lucky Gods'. He is on his path to enlightenment. He is also known as the Laughing Buddha or the Smiling Monk.

We believe that this small God once sat at the back of a miniature Festival cart. The original full size festival Carts paraded around Japanese towns on Festival days. Scaled down versions on the cart and their gods were made. See those used during the MIKURYAMA Festival in Toyama.

This Isho Ningyo or fashion doll is carved from a block of wood and then covered in fine Gofun (crushed oyster shell). He has hand painted features, we see a bald pate with side shaded details including very finely painted individual hairs, also individually painted eyebrows and even hairs on his chest!! He has inset glass eyes, an open mouth with a row of teeth and pierced nostrils. He is finely modelled, notice the wrinkles on his forehead, the wrinkles around the corners of his eyes and mouth. His large droopy earlobes a sign of his devout divinity. His rotund stomach is equally well modeled with realistic folds, nipples and belly button.

His open brocade Kimono is of woven green and silver metal thread. It has the usual gaping padded sleeve. His trousers are of green woven silk. His hands and feet are carved from wood again with Gofun covering. We see individual fingers and toes, and some detailing to the underside of his feet...an indication of a well made doll. His trousers/pantaloons on his moveable legs are stuffed with strips of paper. Hi sleeves and back also are padded. The front and rear apron of his Kimono are backed with green paper. His belt is also of paper.

Size: 7 1/2 inch tall (19 cm), 8 inch wide (20 cm), approx 6 inch deep (15 cm)

Condition: Not perfect, definitely showing his age. The surface of the Gofun is grubby with a surface hairline running vertically down the center of each ear. Some flaking to the red pain on his lips. Age foxing to the Gofun surface. Two finger tips missing on his left hand exposing the wood. Toe tip missing on his right foot exposing the wood. Old damp marks to his trousers. Some silk perishing to the seat of his trousers.

ITEM ID:14450