An Iki ningyo of a jinrikisha (carriage) driver


Meiji era (1868-1912), late 19th centuryThe figure carved of wood covered in gesso and pigment and finished with inset hair, glass eyes and teeth of inlaid bone, modeled as a carraige driver in mid-stride, his shoulders and forearms straining under the weight of the carriage, dressed in a fundoshi (loincloth) and zori (straw sandals), the carriage constructed of wood with leather padded seat cushions, the suspension springs of steel and the large spoked wheels applied with brass hoops, the handles wrapped with bamboo plaiting 18 1/2in (47cm) high, the figure; 16 3/4 x 27 1/2 x 12 1/4 in (42.5 x 69.8 x 31.1cm), carriage