A mid 18th Century antique Japanese samurai warrior doll. The Shogun here is serious and martial, which typifies the Edo aesthetic. Edo samurai dolls were designed to convey the ideals that were central to the samurai culture, namely courage, strength and dedication. This doll has rich silken brocade kimono (kinran) and white 'gofun' face and hands. This is the defining feature of Japanese dolls and determines their quality and has no other equivalent in any other culture. Gofun is a white composite paste made from crushed oyster shells and glue mixed with water. When applied to hard surfaces and burnished it creates a lacquer-like surface, very smooth with a lustrous sheen. This doll has a Ho imperial hat, sword, spear and other weaponry. Condition: The doll is in very good condition according to age.