Vintage Collectible Oiran Doll Kimono Rare. Here is an elaborately dressed courtesan representing the pre-geisha world of the early Edo Period. These courtesans – known as Oiran – were entertainers for the upper class of society. Trained in the art of “fine entertainment, ” their services were reserved for the nobility at a very high price. Oiran have become legendary figures in the cultural history of Japan. Their numbers decreased sharply as the prosperous merchant class of the time grew. Because their services were expensive and exclusive, Oiran were not available to the merchant class who instead sought out the company of the geisha. Oiran came to be seen as old fashioned in their costuming, manners and performances, while the geisha were thoroughly modern for the time. Oiran are part of a distant past, while the geisha culture lives on. This doll stands at 27″ tall on a 12″ x 13 base. She is in flawless condition, having been kept in a glass display case which no longer exists. This type of doll is unique for their hand painted silk cloth faces. Her heavy multi-layered kimono is made of embroidered simulated silk, extravagantly colored and patterned. The large flat “cutting board” obi worn at the front is unique to the Oiran, as are the tall black lacquered “geta” clogs which elevate her presence. Her hair is filled with many different “kanzashi” ornaments and she carries a paper & wood fan + tassel. This doll is a rare creature, and makes a real showpiece in any room. This item is in the category “Collectibles\Cultures & Ethnicities\Asian\1900-Now\Japanese\Dolls”. The seller is “dxre-59″ and is located in this country: US. This item can be shipped to United States.

• Provenance: Ownership History Not Available
• Country/Region of Manufacture: Japan
• Culture: Japanese
• Handmade: Yes