Antique Japanese Saga Ningyō Doll, Karako With Puppy, Kyoto, Early Edo, C17th

This rare and charming carved wooden Saga Ningyō (嵯峨人形) depicts a smiling karako (Chinese boy) affectionately cradling a puppy, it dates to the 17th century, during the Early Edo period.

Saga Ningyō are among the oldest and rarest forms of Japanese carved dolls. They originated in the Saga district of Kyoto during the early Edo period and were traditionally produced by sculptors associated with Buddhist workshops. Unlike later Japanese dolls made with textile costumes, Saga dolls were carved entirely from wood, with their garments formed as part of the sculpture before being finished with thick gofun (crushed oyster shell), urushi lacquer and rich gold decoration. Their sculptural quality places them somewhere between fine folk art and devotional carving.

Comparable examples may be found in the collections of the Kyoto National Museum, whose online catalogue includes a number of Saga dolls illustrating the development of this distinctive Kyoto tradition: Click here to view.

An excellent overview of the history of Saga Ningyō, including their origins and methods of manufacture, is provided by the Saga Arashiyama Museum: Click here to view.

A particularly interesting comparison is the celebrated Boy with Bird Saga doll in the Peabody Essex Museum, attributed to the early 17th century, which demonstrates the same sculptural tradition of depicting children with animal companions: Click here to view 

The removable head is original to the body. The tongue has become detached over the centuries and is loose inside the head, but remains present. This does not affect the appearance of the doll.

Condition is clearly shown in the photographs. A sympathetic conservation and professional clean would benefit this rare and important doll while preserving its remarkable originality.

One of two closely related 17th-century Saga Ningyō that I currently have the pleasure of offering for sale.

SOLD WITH A CERTIFICATE OF AUTHENTICITY

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