A Seated Boy Wearing a Court Hat (Gosho Doll) (Translation)
The Japanese Dolls: Gosho-Ningyo (Series Title)
川瀬巴水 人形集 御所人形 昭和十年 木版画 (Primary Title)
Hasui's Selection of Dolls (Hasui Ningo Gashu) (Former Title)
Kawase Hasui 川瀬巴水, Japanese, 1883 - 1957 (Artist)
Kato Junji 加藤潤二 (Publisher)
Meiji Shobo 明治書房 (Publisher)
The iconic gosho ningyo or “imperial palace dolls”— originally exchanged as gifts between imperial family members—became popular throughout Japan during the Meiji period (1868–1912). It was believed that these dolls—with their plump bodies, oversized heads, and bright faces—embodied spirits that protected and blessed the receiver. The gosho ningyo’s skin is painted with gofun, a shiny white lacquer made from oyster shells and rice paste.
Gosho ningyo: Imperial dolls
Showa period (1926-1989)
巴水 Hasui
巴水 Hasui
None
René and Carolyn Balcer Collection
"Japanese Dolls: Woodblock Prints by Kawase Hasui" April 12 - July 20, 2014, VMFA
©artist or artist’s estate
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