A high quality antique samurai doll 武者人形 (Musha ningyô) in full armour. Emperor Ôjin 応神天皇 (Ôjin Tenpô) wears an impressive brocade kamishimo 裃 (samurai costume) above which some golden elements of a yoroi (suit-of-armour). A high golden ‘courtier hat’ adorns his immaculately done hair. In his hand he holds a Japanese war fan 軍配 (gunbai), in the other a long black and red bow, and on his side a long katana in a ‘tiger fur’- sheath. On his back a quiver filled with goose-feathered arrows. His head is painted with elegant noble-like features and its eyes inlaid with glass. The soft skin is created by applying repeated layers of the pigment called gofun 胡粉, which is the refined powder of the itabo oyster (Ostrea denselamellosa). He sits on a separate camping chair. Considering the age, the doll and the costume are in a very good original condition with some traces of age and wear. Please take a close look at the photo of his face. For a clear condition reference, please look at the photos as well. Dimensions noble samurai: Height 44 cm, Width 39 cm, Depth 21 cm. Including original tomobako 供箱 (storage box) with a label of the dollmaker Hashimoto Hasoburo, who was active from 1880 to 1920 in Kyôto. The back of the box with an inscription and date: Meiji 44 (Anno 1911). Musha ningyô were displayed during Boy’s day. May 5 marks tango no sekku, which in Japan is also known as Boys’ Day. In Japan, the focus of tango no sekku was traditionally on male children, with decorations and specially prepared dishes intended to ensure that sons grew into healthy and prosperous adults. The emphasis broadened to include both boys and girls when the day was adopted as the national holiday Children’s Day in 1948. (From Nippon.com) When shipped we will add a certificate of authenticity.