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I acquired this 19 inch costume doll, representing an early Edo Period noble woman wearing a Homongi kimono of chirimen nishijin silk with gold embroidery, six years ago from a major collector in Pennsylvania who was culling out her collection. She thought it was from the early 1970s. I saw what appeared to be its sister doll in a University of Oklahoma library Japanese doll exhibit (different kimono pattern, same exceptional quality and possibly same maker) soon after. Unfortunately, the exhibit had no details about the doll they were displaying.

Due to the great quality, including carved wood gofun-covered hands, I’ve always wondered if it was a bit older, perhaps 1950s? It was well taken care of since it’s pristine, which might be why it was considered no more than 40 years old, but the quality of costumes dolls had really decreased by the 1970s, so I’m stumped. Is anyone able to translate the maker’s plaque, and/or give some opinions about the age?

Thanks in advance!

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