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Japanese Dolls

The creation of human-like dolls, or ningyo, in Japan, is one that can be traced back to Neolithic times. Ancient Japanese artisans created doll-like objects for funerary ceremonies, sacrificial practices, and eventually for play and religious reasons. Early records of humanoid figures being used for ceremonial practices are evidenced in archeological findings dating back to 8000 to 200 B.C.

By the 11th century, dolls were popular objects of play by small girls and women as visible through the classic literature, "Tales of Genji." By the 17th century Edo period, dolls were becoming increasingly popular and were purchased as gifts and decoration for the wealthy of Japan. These dolls took the shape of geisha, samurai, emperors, empresses, and everyday people. They were often made of wood, gofun, a variety of textiles, and human or silk hair. Over time, Japanese dolls became more and more elaborate and are still widely collected today for display.


Quick Facts

  • Every year the Japanese throw a doll festival on March 3 called “hinamatsuri." This is also called “Girl’s Day." This developed from the belief that these dolls captured bad spirits, so in order to protect their children, the Japanese would later send dolls out to sea and then bring the dolls back to a temple to be burned
  • Some Japanese dolls are created in life size. Iki-ningko in particular are famous for being hyper-realistic to the point of shocking viewers
  • Japanese dolls were and are still usually created with very minimalistic facial features. This aesthetic goes far back in history, and is believed to be so that one might preserve some anonymity to the dolls and anyone might identify with the doll

Recommended Items at Auction

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OOAK Silkstone Japanese American Girl Sidepart by Lolaxs of France
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OOAK Silkstone Japanese American Girl Sidepart by Lolaxs of France
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Est: $0- $0
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Nov 12, 10:00 AM EST
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COLLECTION OF NINE JAPANESE GEISHA DOLLS AND FOUR CHINESE PAPER DOLLS, AND OTHERS
Nov 14, 9:00 AM AEST
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A samurai doll, Japan, Meiji period (1868-1912), ca. 1900
Nov 12, 7:00 PM CET
A samurai doll, Japan, Meiji period (1868-1912), ca. 1900
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A sumurai doll, Japan, Meiji period (1868-1912), ca. 1900
Nov 12, 7:00 PM CET
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Nov 23, 10:00 AM CET
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Rare Japanese Doll, Musha Ningyo of Minamoto no Yoshitsune
Nov 22, 12:00 PM EST
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Japanese Ichimatsu Gofun Ceramic Doll
Dec 10, 11:00 AM EST
Japanese Ichimatsu Gofun Ceramic Doll
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Antique Japanese Kimekomi Doll of a Man
Nov 23, 11:00 AM EST
Antique Japanese Kimekomi Doll of a Man
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Japanese Samurai Monk Figure Musha of Benkei
Nov 23, 11:00 AM EST
Japanese Samurai Monk Figure Musha of Benkei
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Japanese Musha Ningyo Doll, Samurai Warrior
Nov 23, 11:00 AM EST
Japanese Musha Ningyo Doll, Samurai Warrior
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Japanese Kimono Doll Playing the Koto
Dec 01, 6:00 PM EST
Japanese Kimono Doll Playing the Koto
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Est: $0- $0
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ICHIMATSU JAPANESE DOLL -4571-PORCELIAN SIGNED
Nov 22, 6:00 PM EST
ICHIMATSU JAPANESE DOLL -4571-PORCELIAN SIGNED
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Est: $30- $35
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Sellers Who Sell Japanese Dolls


Kavanagh Auctions

Kavanagh Auctions

Vendu Rotterdam

Vendu Rotterdam

Weschler's

Weschler's

Apple Tree Auction Center

Apple Tree Auction Center