144 - JAPAN - 19th century

JAPAN - 19th century A set consisting of three large antique samurai dolls (*musha ningyô*), accompanied by various props and accessories. The main figure, the largest of the three, depicts the legendary warrior Minamoto no Yoshitsune (1159–1189). Seated on a traditional folding stool (*shôgi*), he wears elaborate miniature armor (*yoroi*) over richly ornamented silk garments. The armor consists of gilded plates connected by red cords and embellished with finely crafted metal elements. A particularly striking detail is the large circular ornament on the front of the breastplate, decorated with a relief of a coiled dragon. His helmet (*kabuto*) features intricate gold and silver metal ornaments, as well as decorative elements on the sides. The face is carefully sculpted, covered with a smooth white layer of *gofun*—a traditional preparation made from powdered seashells—with delicately hand-painted features and inlaid glass eyes. Long black hair falls over his shoulders. Yoshitsune is accompanied by two attendants, each individually sculpted and dressed in elaborate period costumes. One wears armor with green cords and a *jingasa* (travel hat), while the other is clad in darker armor featuring broad shoulder guards and a tall *eboshi kabuto* (court-style helmet). The variety of their poses and costumes gives the ensemble a particularly lively and theatrical appearance. The set also includes a small lacquered drum (*taiko*), along with its wooden stand and drumsticks. The dolls are preserved in their original wooden storage boxes (*tomobako*), both of which bear dated inscriptions. Yoshitsune’s box is dated to the 10th year of the Bunka era (*Bunka 10*), the Year of the Water Rooster, which corresponds to 1813. The box containing the attendants is dated to the 4th year of the Bunsei era (*Bunsei 4*), or 1821. Dimensions: Minamoto no Yoshitsune: height 54 cm, width 41.5 cm, depth 44.5 cm. Vassal 1: height 37 cm, width 31 cm, depth 19 cm. Vassal 2: height 24 cm, width 30 cm, depth 33 cm.