Posted 12 years ago
undreal
(35 items)
Definitely one of my prized possessions...I inherited this from my Grandma two years ago. She purchased this in Yokohama, Japan in the mid-90's visiting my relatives who lived there. There are no artist/company marks or logos, which leads me to me believe it was hand made. I particularly love the glass case it came with, really adds to the look of the doll. Would anyone know the value of it or what it is made out of? I am pretty ignorant with these dolls. Any info. would be greatly appreciated!
These dolls were given out to American soldiers to send home as gifts to their families. WWII. Their clothing looks like it is very old and fragile..If it has just the 2 part foot it comes from that era. Looks like its an original case and also looks like it was only used for display purposes. They run around 800 dollars.
I have to depart from what collectort said so you decide . These Dolls were made in Japan for American market and tourists . They did make them during WWII and are still making them today . They are beautiful novelty dolls dressed in fine clothes and fabrics . However I don't believe yours to be from the WWII era I would say much newer . They are not rare to find as many were sold and still being sold . Please watch this auction close it is like your doll and you need to look at what price it sells for under completed auctions at it's end
They did and do come in these Black Laquer display cases must of the time . The one I am showing you does not have a case but that does not impact price by much . I have never seen one sell for 200 dollars .not even close to that . Anyway you can be the judge by watching a real live sale of one :-) Very pretty and thank you for sharing her .
Here is link to ebay to look at
http://www.ebay.com/itm/TALL-GEISHA-DOLL-WITH-WATER-BUCKETS-DRESSED-IN-SILK-/200774941561?pt=Asian_Antiques&hash=item2ebf1e7b79
Thanks for all of the help! The only main difference between mine and the one listed in that ebay auction is that mine has no "made in Japan," or any markings related. Im gonna ask my Aunt where my Grandma might have gotten it from.
They were made in Japan . She may have just been stamped and it didn't show up when they did it or it may be on side of stand also or on top by her feet ? All items had to be marked when imported out of Japan ot any foriegn county since 1890 -Japan had to mark the Name Japan . They tried to get around the law by marking items Nippon but have had to mark any item coming into USA since 1920 Japan not Nippon .
What a nice old doll you have! I'm writing to you from Japan, where I have lived for nearly 35 years. As Manikin notes, dolls such as this one are being made and sold today. Each doll is handmade by labor intensive methods and prices can vary significantly, even between similar looking dolls. Your grandmother may have very well purchased it new. As this doll doesn't have the little wooden placket in the case any longer, it is impossible to know who made it even if you could decipher that. I have several dolls of this nature and have never even thought to look for a "Made in Japan" marking! However, here the country name is actaully Nippon and a doll of this nature would probably have that written out in kanji characters, if it is there. Enjoy your doll, it is in a lovely lacquer case.
The doll's character is based on Shiokumi. Just like my doll, your variant doesn't wear her father's eboshi hat.
Thank you for the additional info! I found out that it was purchased new, but I don't know what store or market it came from. I believe my Aunt said around $350 for it, plus extra to ship it to Illinois. I look at it every day (its in my living room), and is by far my favorite 'thing' I own.
It seems that Chicago, in addition to other areas of the state of Illinois, is the ultimate destination for these well made beauties. I myself live in the metro area. Just one look at them, and I'm reminded of the inter-connectedness of man/woman and nature. Nothing like them to brighten up a white wall in the living room!
I see the ebay doll didn't get any bids. I too inherited a doll similar to yours(mine has buckets over shoulders). Bought by my sister in hong Kong/Singarpore in 1965/6. She has split toes for shoes and a wooden plinth. Bonhams Auction tell me it might be worth £10.00. Trouble is I want it to go to a good home but I would also like a fair price. At present I am in limbo until I can find her a good home.
Was given this doll. Same story about soldiers bringing these home. This one was given to wife from house boy that cleaned for them while there as a gift. Pretty cool.