Japanese Takeda Ningyo doll, Sojobo, c1840
13.25"H x 9.5"W x 6.75"D

This Japanese Takeda Ningyo depicts an older actor on the stage in the role of Sojobo-- the leader of the tengu on Mt. Kurama who taught Yoshitsune martial skills dramatized in the Heiji Monogatari, standing here with the left leg outstretched costumed in layered kimono of kinran paper cloth brocades with sleeves tossed back on two layers, revealing the tatewaku design couched and satin stitch embroidered on chirimen sleeves. The left hand holds the distinctive yuzuriha feather fan and in the right hand a smokers set composed of wooden basket, fire pot and pipe cylinder. The head is carved of wood grooved to depict age lines, covered in layers of burnished gofun with painted features and inset white hair and brows. The figures holds this dynamic pose on a traditional black lacquered stage base with characteristic inset embroidered panel.

Sojobo is a specific type of tengu called daitengu and has the appearance of a yamabushi, a Japanese mountain hermit. Daitengu have a primarily human form with some bird-like features such as wings and claws. The other distinctive physical characteristics of Sojobo include his long, white hair and unnaturally long nose.

Good condition overall