Vintage Japanese Sarubobo | Chirimen Faceless Doll

Dimensions: 5-0”h x 4-1/2”w x 3-0”d

This cultural doll has historical significance to the people of Japan and is primarily found in a small village called Takayama in the Gifu prefecture. This doll is red by character and resembles a monkey found in the Northern parts of Japan. ‘Saru’ means prevention, and ‘bobo’ means baby doll. This beautiful silk chirimen/crepe fabric doll is handmade and dressed in a traditional vest and a Heian period ‘scythian’ style pointed hat that indicated high rank, and used during samurai’s ceremonies, and meant to be a type of symbol to bring good luck.  The reason for it being faceless is that whomever you give it to could gain the benefits of this sweet character, luck in marriage, fertility, and childbirth.

NOTE: This unique Sarubobo was created by a 90-year-old Japanese woman whose parents were Kimono makers. She focused on making doll clothing, miniature kimonos, and dolls, all handmade and hand-stitched from small-scaled patterned silks that she collected as a child to compliment her designs.

Chirimen is a traditional Japanese fabric. The Chirimen weaving technique, developed in the late 16th century, keeps the weft thread tighter than the warp thread during the weaving process. That gives the fabric unique fine wrinkles on the surface and therewith a smooth and pleasant texture. Chirimen has been cherished as a material for traditional Japanese kimonos and dolls and is still popular for hand-sewn Furoshiki ornaments such as brooches. The fabric's thickness and weight give a feeling of quality. 

Condition: Excellent and vintage meaning it has been previously owned and cherished. Notice the detailed hand stitching on the edge of the hat and vest.