Japanese Yaegaki Kimono Geisha Maiko Kabuto Oyama Doll- 舞扇 20" c1950 A298

A beautiful Geisha Nishi doll shaped like Princess Yaegaki Hime was handmade in Japan in 1957. She is styled with a beautifully decorated kimono and standing on a black lacquered wood stand. Her silk-masked face is finely hand-painted, and her black hair is coiffured with elaborate gold and silver floral kanzashi decorations with shiny dangles and a bow at the back. The kimono is made of silk brocade with flower patterns in pinkish beige with inlays of white, purple, blue, and coral. Her wide obi is a bold red and black brocade with sakura (cherry blossom) designs and has a large bow at her back. The hands are wired and bendable, and in her left hand, she is holding a Japanese Fan, which is the traditional doll called Oyama Doll- 舞扇 

Interestingly, this type of decorative Geisha doll has been hand-crafted in Japan since the 1920s and became popular during the 40's and 50s. These dolls typically represented a particular dance or type of performance. Princess Yaegaki-hime is a famous Kabuki character and one of the three essential princesses in Japanese folklore – Sanhime – and onnagata (女形) woman’s role.

This Geisha doll is 20" tall with a wooden stand, which is 11.75" x 9.5". Considering their age, she is in excellent condition but shows signs of aging/wear after being displayed over time.  The Geisha doll is sturdy, well made, and in overall excellent vintage condition, and the signs of aging give this maiden a particular character and charm to her beauty. Please see the pictures for the condition.

This beautiful Japanese geisha doll would make a nice display for somebody interested in art dolls or a collector of Asian treasures.