Gosho Dolls at Monzeki Nunneries
Kyoto: Shinshindo Publishing Co., 1973. First Edition. Large square 4to. 89 color plates; [72] pp text; black & white illustrations. Although not indicated, this book is from the library of Ms. Huguette Clark's advisor in building historically accurate miniature Japanese houses and temples; with a SIGNED gift note from Ms. Clark (the note has been torn and taped). Huguette Marcelle Clark (1906 – 2011) was an American painter, heiress, philanthropist, and the youngest daughter of Montana senator and industrialist William A. Clark, who became well known again late in life as a recluse in New York. Ms. Clark collected dolls by the hundreds and had a vast collection of artifacts. She commissioned miniature models of Japanese temples, castles, teahouses, cake shops, and other buildings; determined to have the most authentic dollhouses possible, the Japanese miniatures were designed and built by artists in Japan. The book is bound in tan silk with gilt lettering to spine and housed in red silk covered slipcase with gilt lettering on cover; both are laid in publisher's cardboard mailing boxed (unmarked). A fine copy of a scarce work on Gosho Ningyo. Item #16567
"More than 500 traditional dolls, known as 'Gosho Ningyo' (palace dolls), dating back to the Edo period are preserved at 11 Monzeki convents in Kyoto, Nara and Shiga prefectures. The dolls have never been allowed outside the convents in the past 300 years and this is the first time they have been introduced to the outside world." - newspaper article.
Price: $750.00