Boys’ Festival Small Sitting Gosho Doll
This adorable doll is made in the image of a gosho doll which was a type of doll favored by the court nobles of ancient Kyoto. These dolls are characterized by their large, rounded heads, and chubby little bodies which reflect the aesthetic valued during the Edo period (1603 CE–1868 CE).
The sitting doll is posing with short legs stretched out and his arms cutely reaching out for his helmet. His translucent white skin is beautifully created with unglazed porcelain lending an air of realism.
The green warrior helmet worn by the doll is decorated with plum blossoms and seigaiha “wave” patterns, symbolizing good fortune. The serene and innocent expression and other decorations are all hand-painted by skilled craftsmen at Hataman Touen’s studio. His red apron and neatly tied ribbon add to the loveliness of this small doll.
Originally, on Tango-no-Sekku (also known as Boys’ Day), one of the five seasonal festivals from ancient China, it was customary to display decorations and offerings to drive away evil spirits and wish for good health. And following this custom, dolls with warrior helmets or just the helmets are now displayed in homes to wish for the healthy growth of children.
