Vintage Japanese Kimekomi Ningyo Doll w/ Ballon Sakura Kimono 7" Netsuke This symbolism of the Shi-Shi

This symbolism of the Shi-Shi with a ball represents protection of the world or guarding the outside gate

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including a bird much like the Japanese bush warbler (uguisu) and maple leaves (momiji)

It has its original copper liner in which ash was once filled to half way on which coals were set to warm the tea water

Vintage Japanese Kimekomi Ningyo Doll w/ Ballon Sakura Kimono 7" Netsuke This symbolism of the Shi-ShiVintage Japanese Kimekomi Ningyo Doll w Ballon Sakura Kimono 7" The Kimekomi doll has a long tradition in Japan. Established in the middle of 18th century at Kamigamo Shrine in Kyoto. The legend said that the carving artist of Kamigamo Shrine, Takahashi Tadashige, made a doll with the Kimono fabrics. He made many dolls from mill ends from his works at the shrine. Later Kimekomi dolls were imported to Edo, current Tokyo, and improved with Edo Culture,