Boy's Day Doll
Twentieth Century
22.5 cm high x 24 cm wide
Cat. 271679
Gift of Nathanial Grey
© The Field Museum

This kimekomi doll is an example of a popular trend in Boy's Day dolls, that of depicting young boys as samurai warriors. Rather than one of the common depictions of famous historical figures, this doll is a young boy dressed as a samurai with armor and his sword. He is of the kimekomi style of dolls, which were carved into the shape of the finished doll complete with clothing draping and folding and then covered with pieces of fabric. This doll, rather than being carved of wood, made of the later toso molding technique with face and hands possibly of gesso, a very modern material for dolls.

This doll can also be found in the kimekomi category.

(Commentary by Helena Stenberg)

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