Ancient Dolls of Japan: Mechanical Dolls

       MECHANICAL DOLLS ( KARAKURI NINGYO): Acrobatic or musical. Sometimes called Takeda karakuri ningyo, after a famous singer of Japanese musical drama, Takeda Idzumonojo, of Osaka, who made use of musical dulls in his playing.  

       An Archer, and Target (About 1800) A black-haired, smiling archer, in purple crepe and brocade, with bamboo bow and four arrows, is seated on a nashiji lacquer stand. He bends the bow, selects the arrow, takes careful and deliberate aim, and hits the target placed about four feet distant. Height, 24 inches; of target, 17 inches.

The boy archer in action!

More About Mechanical Dolls of Japan:

• A Must-Have Product in the Edo Period
• The traditional art of Mechanical dolls in Japan
• Mechanical dolls from kahunful
• Karakuri puppet from TokyoStreetView
• Japanology Plus - Mechanical Dolls in English

Ancient Dolls of Japan: Palace Dolls, Costume Dolls, Warrior Dolls, Festival Dolls, Clay and Wooden Dolls, and Mechanical Dolls