No. 101018207

Sold
Samurai General Doll (Musha-ningyo (武者人形) – Full Armour & Helmet  - Doll - Japan
Final bid
€ 224
1 day ago

Samurai General Doll (Musha-ningyo (武者人形) – Full Armour & Helmet - Doll - Japan

【Important notes】 ・International buyers are responsible for any import duties, taxes, and charges not included in the item price or shipping cost. Please note that VAT paid to Catawiki is separate from and does not cover import duties or customs charges in your country. You may still be required to pay additional fees upon delivery, as determined by your local customs authorities. ・Shipping Details: Most items are shipped via Japan Post EMS (airmail). If you are in a hurry, we can arrange shipping via DHL or FedEx upon request for an additional fee. ・Damage and Issues: If you receive a damaged item, please contact us immediately. The damage must be reported to your local post office within 7 days of delivery, and promptly to us and Catawiki support. 【Product details】 This striking antique Japanese Musha-ningyo (warrior doll) dates to the late Edo period and portrays a high-ranking samurai general seated in his camp, fully prepared for battle. Musha-ningyo were traditionally displayed for Boy’s Day (Tango no Sekku) as symbols of bravery, strength, and protection, embodying the hope for a child to grow up healthy and courageous. The figure is dressed in an impressive miniature suit of armour, featuring a kabuto helmet crowned with a bold gold-coloured kuwagata crest. The layered armour plates are beautifully detailed and tied with vivid orange and green silk cords, creating a commanding presence despite the small scale. The face is made using gofun (powdered oyster shell), giving it a smooth, luminous finish, and is carefully hand-painted with a stern and dignified expression befitting a battlefield commander. The doll is equipped with a katana sword at the waist, a quiver of arrows secured on the back, and a bow, reinforcing the image of a complete warrior ready for combat. In the hands, the figure holds a command accessory, likely a commander’s baton or part of a camp lantern, suggesting authority and leadership within the army. The original formal base has been lost, and the doll is currently seated on a natural wooden stump. Rather than detracting, this creates a rustic “samurai in the field” atmosphere, adding a unique character and quiet presence that suits the aged condition of the piece. There is staining on the face and a small chip to the nose. Overall, there is wear and dirt consistent with age. The silk fabrics and cords show significant ageing, discolouration, and fraying. The bow is broken, and the paper on the commander’s prop is heavily worn, torn, and partially missing. The wooden stump has a crack. The miniature katana is removable and comes loose. The weathered state of this piece provides a profound sense of history and a wabi-sabi aesthetic. Please refer to the photos for details. Overall Dimensions: approx. H 28 cm W 18 cm D 19.5 cm ・Please make sure to review all the provided information and images before placing your bid. ・We make every effort to accurately represent the product's colors and textures in our photos. However, due to differences in monitors and device displays, as well as photographic conditions, slight color variations between the photos and the actual product may occur. We ask for your understanding in advance. Thank you for your interest, and happy bidding!

No. 101018207

Sold
Samurai General Doll (Musha-ningyo (武者人形) – Full Armour & Helmet  - Doll - Japan

Samurai General Doll (Musha-ningyo (武者人形) – Full Armour & Helmet - Doll - Japan

【Important notes】

・International buyers are responsible for any import duties, taxes, and charges not included in the item price or shipping cost. Please note that VAT paid to Catawiki is separate from and does not cover import duties or customs charges in your country. You may still be required to pay additional fees upon delivery, as determined by your local customs authorities.
・Shipping Details: Most items are shipped via Japan Post EMS (airmail). If you are in a hurry, we can arrange shipping via DHL or FedEx upon request for an additional fee.
・Damage and Issues: If you receive a damaged item, please contact us immediately. The damage must be reported to your local post office within 7 days of delivery, and promptly to us and Catawiki support.

【Product details】

This striking antique Japanese Musha-ningyo (warrior doll) dates to the late Edo period and portrays a high-ranking samurai general seated in his camp, fully prepared for battle. Musha-ningyo were traditionally displayed for Boy’s Day (Tango no Sekku) as symbols of bravery, strength, and protection, embodying the hope for a child to grow up healthy and courageous.

The figure is dressed in an impressive miniature suit of armour, featuring a kabuto helmet crowned with a bold gold-coloured kuwagata crest. The layered armour plates are beautifully detailed and tied with vivid orange and green silk cords, creating a commanding presence despite the small scale. The face is made using gofun (powdered oyster shell), giving it a smooth, luminous finish, and is carefully hand-painted with a stern and dignified expression befitting a battlefield commander.

The doll is equipped with a katana sword at the waist, a quiver of arrows secured on the back, and a bow, reinforcing the image of a complete warrior ready for combat. In the hands, the figure holds a command accessory, likely a commander’s baton or part of a camp lantern, suggesting authority and leadership within the army.

The original formal base has been lost, and the doll is currently seated on a natural wooden stump. Rather than detracting, this creates a rustic “samurai in the field” atmosphere, adding a unique character and quiet presence that suits the aged condition of the piece.

There is staining on the face and a small chip to the nose. Overall, there is wear and dirt consistent with age. The silk fabrics and cords show significant ageing, discolouration, and fraying. The bow is broken, and the paper on the commander’s prop is heavily worn, torn, and partially missing. The wooden stump has a crack. The miniature katana is removable and comes loose. The weathered state of this piece provides a profound sense of history and a wabi-sabi aesthetic. Please refer to the photos for details.

Overall Dimensions: approx. H 28 cm W 18 cm D 19.5 cm

・Please make sure to review all the provided information and images before placing your bid.
・We make every effort to accurately represent the product's colors and textures in our photos. However, due to differences in monitors and device displays, as well as photographic conditions, slight color variations between the photos and the actual product may occur. We ask for your understanding in advance.

Thank you for your interest, and happy bidding!

Final bid
€ 224
Julien Gauthier
Expert
Estimate  € 150 - € 200

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