Delightful Isho-ningyo depicting the popular folk and children’s tale of Urashima-taro standing on the back of a turtle, dressed in a green silk brocade outer kimono with sleeves thrown back to reveal silk crepe inner kimono with embroidered sleeve details, round head of wood covered in gofun with painted details, wearing a silk brocade Chinese-style cap, standing astride a papier-mâché turtle with painted details, fanlike tail suggesting great age, mounted overall on a black lacquered base with front aperture cloth, fading, minor losses, overall fine condition.
Exhibited: Mingei International Museum, 2007
Published: Ningyo: Art of the Japanese Doll, p. 209