Japanese Traditional Ichimatsu Standing Doll

Object Type: Traditional Japanese Ichimatsu Doll (boy figure, standing form)
Origin: Japan
Height: Approximately 15 inches (38 cm)
Attributed Artist / Workshop: Tōyūsai Studio – Shūgetsu (東優斎 秀月 作)
Translation: “Made by Shūgetsu of the Tōyūsai studio”

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Overview

This object is a traditional Japanese Ichimatsu doll (市松人形, Ichimatsu ningyō) representing a young boy in formal kimono attire. Ichimatsu dolls are display dolls traditionally constructed with a rigid head and limbs attached to a soft cloth body and finished with gofun, a white pigment made from crushed oyster shell.

The example described here is a standing male figure, approximately 15 inches tall, mounted on a wooden display base. The doll retains its original wooden authentication plaque with calligraphy and red seal, identifying the maker as Shūgetsu of the Tōyūsai studio. The doll no longer has its original display case.

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Maker / Workshop

The attached wooden plaque reads:

市松人形 — Ichimatsu Ningyō (“Ichimatsu doll”)
東優斎 秀月 作 — Tōyūsai Shūgetsu saku (“Made by Shūgetsu of the Tōyūsai studio”)

The inscription includes a red seal mark, consistent with Japanese artisan workshop signatures. The use of the character 作 (saku) indicates authorship or production by the named artisan or studio rather than a generic factory mark.

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Materials and Construction

The doll follows traditional Ichimatsu construction methods:

Head, hands, and feet:
Likely gofun-coated composition, consisting of a carved or molded base material finished with layers of gofun pigment to create the smooth porcelain-like surface typical of traditional Japanese dolls.

Eyes:
Inset eyes, appearing glass or glass-like, with painted lashes and brows.

Hair:
Black wig styled in a traditional straight cut with a small top tie.

Body:
Soft cloth-stuffed torso, a standard feature of Ichimatsu dolls allowing the limbs and head to be attached while maintaining a flexible interior body.

Clothing:
The doll wears layered traditional garments including:
• Outer kimono with decorative patterning
• Inner garment layers
• Obi sash
• Coordinating textile components

The garments appear to be silk or silk-blend textiles, consistent with mid- to higher-quality display dolls.

Accessories:
• Paper folding fan (sensu)
• Wooden artisan plaque
• Wooden display base

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Physical Description

The doll represents a young boy figure with:
• Pale gofun complexion
• Hand-painted facial features
• Small red lips
• Delicately painted eyebrows
• Calm, neutral expression

The hairstyle is a straight, shoulder-length cut with blunt bangs and a small top tie secured with cord.

The kimono ensemble features dark outer garments with patterned textile panels, including decorative motifs in gold, yellow, and multicolor elements. The obi is tied at the waist with a white cord detail.

The doll stands upright on a polished wooden display base, allowing it to be exhibited without a case.

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Condition

Overall condition appears very good vintage condition.

Observed characteristics include:
• Face intact with no visible cracking to the gofun finish
• Hair full and intact
• Clothing complete and clean
• Wooden tag present and legible
• Original paper fan accessory present

Minor condition note:
• Light yellowing/discoloration visible on the hands, likely due to natural aging of the gofun surface. This is a common occurrence in vintage Japanese dolls and does not appear structurally significant.

The original display case is not present.

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Comparable Market Examples

Comparable Ichimatsu dolls currently observed in the collector market include:

• Seated male Ichimatsu doll with the same clothing design
Estimated market range: $665 – $850

• Standing male Ichimatsu doll in a different outfit
Observed market range: $1,000 – $1,500

These comparables suggest that standing male examples often command stronger prices, particularly when well-preserved and accompanied by identifying maker tags.

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Market Context

Ichimatsu dolls are collectible decorative figures traditionally displayed in Japanese homes and during cultural celebrations. Their value is influenced by:
• Size
• Condition
• Maker or studio attribution
• Quality of clothing and materials
• Presence of original accessories or case

Standing male dolls are somewhat less common than seated or female examples, which can contribute to increased collector interest.

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Summary

Object: Ichimatsu doll (boy figure, standing)
Origin: Japan
Maker: Tōyūsai studio, Shūgetsu
Height: ~15 inches
Construction: Gofun-coated head and limbs, cloth body, glass inset eyes
Accessories: Wooden artisan tag, paper fan, wooden display base
Condition: Very good vintage condition with minor age-related discoloration to hands
Case: Not present

Comparable examples indicate a current market range roughly between $665 and $1,500 depending on form and outfit, with standing male dolls typically achieving higher values.