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If anyone in the know about Japanese traditional dolls could please provide info on the type of costume she is wearing and what period does it represent. Does anyone know who might have created this piece and is it vintage or more recent in your opinion. Any more additional info like headdress et,Thank you for looking into this.

Perhaps this Wikipedia link will answer some of your questions.

Best regards,

Bill H.



URL Title :Japanese Dolls

Dear Bill
Thank you for your response and the link.
This may be the wrong forum for Japanese dolls, I was hoping that someone might know as these dolls have been around for a such a very long time and during searching for answers I was led to belief that the atire is very important and that it represents a certain time in history. So I did some comparing and study of my own and came up with "Wisteria Maiden" (The branch over her back) It still does not help me a great deal and is very confusing (A master doll maker would know). I wanted to know what is the significance and how it relates to history. Color and pattern along with dress combination are important too.
But great to get a quick reply from you, very much appreciated Bill.

Yes, you are right. This is a 尾山人形(oyama ningyo/doll) of a wisteria maiden based on the kabuki play 藤娘 (Fuji Musume). The wisteria maiden is also a common theme in Ukiyo-e and Otsu-e paintings. Like the one you own, most Oyama ningyo are kabuki motif/theme and the costumes are made with real kimono fabric. Judging from the condition of the doll, I would say it is made in mid to late Showa Period. However, by comparing to some other wisteria dolls, I think yours is missing a kasa(hat) in the right hand

Dear Eric
Thank you very much for your feedback and information on the doll.
You are totaly correct with the missing hat as there is a provision on her right arm for this hat to be placed. I was trying to find such a hat to fill the gap.Thank you for pointing me in the right direction of its production period, wonderful to know. I suppose it would be difficult to find out who was the Artist that made it. Thank you once again for sharing your valuable knowledge. So the Showa era was from 1926 - 1989. It is very beautifully made and so much work has gone into making it.

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