Antique doll in Kyoto
Jan 21st, 2008 by Ad Blankestijn
When walking through Kyoto, I always keep my eyes open and camera (or camera-mobile) in readiness… there are so many small things worthy of attention!
Take this antique doll, which I saw in a small antique shop in central Kyoto, south of Shijo (near Rokuhara). I never saw this type of doll before - fat little boys are usually “Gosho ningyo”, but this one wears a classical hat (eboshi), which is rare… and above all, the doll carries that very realistic Noh mask, that looks at us with mysterious eyes…
Unfortunately, the shop was closed, so I could not inquire about the doll - I am not even sure whether it was for sale, as no price was attached.
Does anybody know this type of doll?
P.S. I later found this webpage where I saw a picture of a Gosho ningyo with just such a hat - it was Ebisu, the god of good luck. But that still leaves the Noh mask unexplained…
Ad, this Gosho Ningyo doll is really beautiful, and you must be right, it is certainly quite rare.
From the page you linked to, and others, it is said that Gosho Ningyo can be associated with all sorts of accessories, so why not a Noh mask ? Probably as a symbol of a refined pleasure for the aristocratic court of these days, as well as music, hunting or playing games (go or shōgi, see http://www.lasieexotique.com/gosho/NG84006-Gosho-Go.jpg), identifying perfumes, incenses, poems, etc.
I hope you’ll get more details from the antiques dealer. Tell us!
Thanks, what you say about Gosho Ningyo being associated with all kinds of accessories makes much sense and explains also the Noh mask as a suggestion of another, aristocratic pastime. I will try to find the shop again!