Vintage Japanese Chirimen Rabbit (Usagi) Doll with Tamari Ball

Dimensions: 6-1/4”h x7-0”w x 5-0”d

Offered is an extremely large and wonderful treasure, that being a "Chirimen (crepe)" Rabbit from remnant fabrics that are dyed in traditional Japanese colors and motifs. Offered is an extremely large and wonderful treasure, that being a "Chirimen (crepe)" Rabbit from remnant fabrics that are dyed in traditional Japanese colors and motifs.

Chirimen is a traditional handicraft with a history dating back to the Edo period. Dolls, decorations, and accessories are formed from cloth with a textured surface woven with twisted fibers known as yori. This unique Usagi was created by a 90-year-old Japanese woman whose parents were Kimono makers. She focused on making doll clothing, miniature kimonos, and silk brooches, all handmade and hand-stitched from small-scaled patterned silks that she collected as a child to compliment her designs (see images for other Chirimen decorative pins that she made that have sold both here and under Japanese Kimono and accessories).

The uneven surface of the vest, known as "Shibo," allows the fabric to glide smoothly along the fingertips when wrapped around an item, creating an elegant luster. The beautiful colored orange silk kimono fabric is perfectly scaled to the rabbit's body covering. He has very long red ears and eyes, with a white face and extremities including his white tail. A vintage treasure not found on the general market for many were custom orders. The Tamari ball is hand-made of red, white, and green yarns with a long red tassel. Note the detailing of the child’s toy on the back of the silk fabric vest.

Condition: Excellent, gently used condition with no fading, fabric damage, and wonderful sewing technique. Wonderful to hold for it is stuffed with recycled fabrics giving it a semi-firm body.