An antique Japanese mechanical doll (karakuri ningyo) featuring a male figure, possibly depicting the deity Shoki or a character from Takeda theatre. The figure is dressed in traditional layered textiles including a kimono with kinran gold brocade floral decoration and holds the remains of a hand fan. The head is constructed from a composition material with a darkened surface finish and applied hair. The figure is mounted on a mechanical system with a metal crank wheel. The rectangular wooden base is finished in black lacquer and decorated with maki-e style gold-tone depictions of pine trees.
Condition report:
The doll is in heavily worn and aged condition. The textiles are fragile with significant fading, staining, and fraying throughout. The head shows heavy darkening and surface loss to the original finish. The hair is dishevelled. The lacquered base has surface scratches, dust accumulation, and small chips to the edges. The mechanical movement is untested and shows oxidation to the metal components.
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