Collectible Japanese Ningyo Dolls Offered to Benefit Women’s Charities

Hunt and Peck Estate Services, Inc. will present Judy Lynn Prince’s lifelong collection of Japanese ningyo dolls in an upcoming sale. These antique dolls have long enjoyed a place in Japanese society. According to specialist Alan Scott Pate, different varieties of ningyo dolls have been used as “powerful talismans to ward against evil, as the focus of annual festivals, as the main characters in elaborate theatrical productions, as fanciful parlor amusements […] as well as play dolls.” Among the leading lots in the sale is a gosho-ningyo representing Ebisu. A palace doll designed for display, this piece may have been admired by the imperial family and those lucky enough to receive the emperor’s favor and gifts. Ebisu is a Japanese god of luck. He is especially associated with fishermen, business, and wealth. The available Ebisu gosho-ningyo holds a fishing rod while dressed in elaborate, colorful garb. 

Other varieties of Japanese dolls appear in the listings, including a triple-jointed Mituore doll by Eitokusai II. The doll wears an elaborate Indonesian batik garment, indicating that the represented person is deceased. An isho-ningyo or fashion doll is also notable. This emperor-styled wood doll features paper tissue, cotton, silk embroidery, and wire mesh details. Other dolls show kabuki actors, Minamoto clan members, and samurai warriors. The net proceeds of this event will support various women’s charities. Visit Bidsquare to find more information about this and other online auctions.