Gosho ningyo as a whole are considered gift dolls, whether from the Imperial Household or as a gift for an auspicious occasion, such as the celebration of a new born baby. The gosho doll is one of noble descent, and the name means “palace doll,” a reference to the Imperial Palace in Kyoto during the Edo period where they originated. In most examples, the clothing is limited to a strict minimum, and it is either painted or pasted on. Gosho ningyo are a uniquely Japanese form, and by tradition, they represent chubby, almost naked little boys with large heads, round bodies and brilliant white skin. They generally show an originality and character which places them in a special category of Japanese dolls. In Japan these dolls are considered to be a classic art form and are appreciated as such.

Crawling dolls (called “haihai”) served a special purpose to ward off evil and are the gosho equivalent of the earliest type of Japanese doll known as “Amagatsu” or “Hoko.” These early dolls dating back to the Heian (794-1185) period were human forms created to carry the burden of illness. The gosho variety were not created to be set adrift in a river as the earlier dolls were but were instead meant to be kept near a child so that evil or illness would enter the doll instead of the child. The haihai gosho doll was modeled after a baby crawling on his stomach with front arms outstretched, legs extended and head looking up, often depicted in the simplest of ways. (See “Gosho-Ningyo: Palace Dolls from the Ayervais Collection” by Timothy Mertel in ARTS OF ASIA, July/August 1996.) This unusual haihai gosho ningyo would make a wonderful addition to any Japanese doll collection.

CONDITION is excellent. DIMENSIONS: Doll is 6” (15.3 cm) long, 3” (7.6 cm) wide, 4” (10.2 cm) high. Red silk cushion is 5 ½” (14 cm) x 3” (7.6 cm) x ½” (1.3 cm).