Fairy Tale: Tongue Cut Sparrow

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Antique Japanese fairy tale doll depicting the story of "The Tongue Cut Sparrow" from Taisho period (1912-1926). A great website, "Japanese Fairy Tales" by Yei Theodora Ozaki, has this story as well as other fairy tales. The old man measures 5-3/4", carries a walking stick and has his gift box on his back. The sparrow measures 4-3/4". They stand on a black lacquered base measuring 10" x 3-3/4". The overall height is about 6-1/2". There is also a wooden fence and gate in the background as well as two bamboo trees. In great condition. Nicely detailed. The old man has his mouth open and you can see his teeth. The faces are made of gofun (oyster shell in early periods, probably egg shell on this set). The hands and feet are carved wood. Very nice doll set.

This product was added to our catalog on Sunday 24 September, 2006.