A sublime example of iki-ningyō (living doll) from Japan. This was a cultural phenomenon in the evolution of doll-making in Japan that began in1852 with an exhibition in Osaka by Ōe Chūbei, the Jeff Koons of his time. Eventually, life-sized, highly dramatic and super-realistic figures in scenes from mythology gave way to pieces that were created for the export market as souvenirs of Japanese culture. These pieces are highly collectible and increasingly hard to find in the art market. 

Please reference: Japanese Dolls: The Fascinating World of Ningyo by Alan Scott Pate, 2008, pp. 142-153.

This example of an iki-ningyō face measures 12.5” high by 11” wide. Some of the applied hair has been lost around the edges of the head but the hair on the chin, upper lip and eyebrows remains. His glass left eye is cracked. Paper-maché. Meiji Period 1868-1912. Ex Frank Galeno, San Francisco. #8056  SOLD