Takeda-ningyo of Nitta Yoshisada (1301-1338) casting his sword into the ocean to turn back the tide, depicted with left leg on a rock and his right leg thrust forward amidst rolling and crashing waves of papier-mâché, wearing a silk brocade sleeveless outer vest and a kimono with chirimen silk crepe sleeves embroidered with a large dragon head, back velvet details with butterfly-shaped metal appliqués along the front, armor plating of paper covered in silk crepe with metal fittings, head of wood covered in a fine white gofun with painted features, silk fiber hair, his sword is shown “floating” above the waves, minor losses, fading, signs of wear.
Published: Ningyo: The Art of the Japanese Doll, p. 257
Exhibited: Mingei International Museum, San Diego, 2005
Ex-Collectis: Rosen Collection