Hōreki era (1751–1764) Donated by Saitō Shōji
Both the doll’s face and costume are exquisitely made. Japanese painter and doll researcher Nishizawa Tekiho believes that this was originally a ‘karakuri’ doll, with the ability to move its head, arms and legs.
The word karakuri, which can also mean “subtle trickery,” is derived from the verb karakuru, meaning to “pull, stretch, and move a thread.” Such dolls were usually handcrafted from wood, and operated by clockwork or puppeteers depending on their size. A karakuri automaton is usually a dual feat of art and engineering.