Japanese Doll   Takeda Ningyo

Japanese Doll   Takeda Ningyo

circa 1800 (late Edo period)

Height without stand and ornaments 12 ½ inches (32cm)

A warrior takeda doll with a headband and holding a bow in his left hand, dressed in silk costume of brocade, velvet, embroidery on crepe. Takeda dolls are the dolls mimicking the poses of the popular Kabuki actors, at the time, playing the most famous scenes. The origin of its name is said to be coming from "Takeda-za", Osaka's biggest Kabuki theater in Edo period.