the dollmasters T heriaul T ’ s s pecial T y M arquis D oll a uc T ion e ven T PO Box 151 • Annapolis, Maryland 21404 Tel: 410-224-3655 • Fax: 410-224-2515 Follow @theriaultsdolls • theriaults.com Your attendance at the auction event is Livewelcomed!internet, telephone, and absentee bidding are available. Saturday, October 15, 2022 A SPECIALTY MARQUIS AUCTION OF RARE ANTIQUE NINGYŌ AT MARYLANDINNEWTHERIAULT’SGALLERYANNAPOLIS,
Saturday, October 1 5 , 2 022 At Theriault’s Gallery, in Annapolis, Maryland Preview at 10AM Eastern x Auction Begins at 11AM Eastern “GOLDEN AGE OF NINGYŌ” A CATALOGED SPECIALTY MARQUIS AUCTION OF RARE JAPANESE DOLLS 2 x For more information visit Theriaults.com or call 410-224-3655 x
For all his years on “the scene” Michael Ayervais had not encountered such a work of art. He went home, empty-handed but intrigued and wrestled with them all night, trying to place them in what he knew and loved about art. The next day he raced back to the fair intent on purchasing them. Whatever they were, he decided, they had to be his. But he was too late, sold the night before after he had left so entranced. So, again, he left the fair emptyhanded, but with a new art-focus in his heart and soul. Ningyō.
The collection began with the one that got away. New York has long been considered the epicenter of many aspects of the art world. Great museums, great galleries, and great art fairs pepper the city not only geographically, but also in terms of the annual calendar of must-see events. Michael Ayervais had been a habitué of that world, accustomed to attending the gallery openings, blockbuster museum shows and jaw-dropping art fairs. So, it was a singular moment back in 1986 when he entered the famed Park Avenue Armory Fair and encountered his first Japanese ningyō. It was a dairi-bina imperial couple for the Girl’s Day display. Clad in rich silk brocades, with haunting white faces, delicate hands and elaborate headgear, they were conceptually stunning and visually arresting. But more importantly, what were they?
And, thus, it has been for the last 36 years, a collecting journey of the soul. With virtually no written words to guide him, no lavish exhibition catalogues to peruse, no known authorities in his orbit to advise, and, initially, no Google search (!), it was through artistic instinct and dedicated passion that he began to amass what would become the greatest ningyō collection outside of Japan. By 1996 his collection had attracted the attention of the Japan Society in New York which staged an ambitious firstever exhibition of Japanese dolls, inviting acclaimed ningyō specialists from Japan to select and catalogue this truly ground-breaking exhibition. And the book published in conjunction with the exhibition: Ningyō: The Art of the Human Figure, long remained
the go-to source for those interested in ningyō history and culture.
Over the succeeding years elements of the collection have been exhibited at the Metropolitan Museum of Art, the Mingei International Museum, the Morikami Museum, and many others. Selections of the Ayervais Collection have formed an important touchstone for a number of publications that have since emerged to help the collector and art enthusiast navigate and explore this fascinating world of ningyō. And through it all Michael Ayervais has never lost the passion and intensity of the feeling that he first felt on encountering his first ningyō those many years ago. And that is the true essence of any great collection: passion, vision, dedication, and a soul-searching approach to what makes that piece, or that doll, a must have, worthy of being included in what is now and will forever remain a benchmark and storied collection: The Ayervais Collection. Part I of the Ayervais Collection comes to auction on October 15 in Annapolis Maryland at Theriault’s just-opened new Gallery. Or if you prefer the collection is available for private viewing by appointment from September 23-October 13. x 3x For more information visit Theriaults.com or call 410-224-3655 x
Over the years, as the Ayervais Collection grew, it attracted even greater interest from Japan, with visits from members of the imperial family, diplomats, heads of Japanese corporations, researchers, and even TV documentarians who were struck not only by the breadth and depth of the collection, but by the fact that it was NOT in Japan, but in New York City, and NOT in a museum, but in the private home of one passionate collector.
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For auction information or to order you catalog call 410-224-3655 or visit Theriaults.com. 5x For more information visit Theriaults.com or call 410-224-3655 x
Plan to attend the auction in person on October 15. Please call to reserve a seat. 6 x For more information visit Theriaults.com or call 410-224-3655 x
Live internet, telephone, and absentee bidding are also available. 7x For more information visit Theriaults.com or call 410-224-3655 x
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Face2Live is Theriault’s new service that allows you to view on live video feed closeups of a few dolls you are most interested in. Call 410-224-3655 or email info@theriaults.com to schedule an appointment. Then simply go to theriaults.com and click the handy button on the side of the main page. From there you will be connected to one of our staff on video chat (you do not have to be on video yourself). A great way to get a close up look of features and face in a live private video session. Available Monday through Friday 9AM-4PM Eastern. For more information visit Theriaults.com or call 410-224-3655
Get Close-Up and Personal with Your Favorite Dolls from Theriault’s 9x
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10 x For more information visit Theriaults.com or call 410-224-3655 x
Live internet, telephone, and absentee bidding are available if you cannot attend the auction. For more information call 410-224-3655 or visit Theriaults.com. 11x For more information visit Theriaults.com or call 410-224-3655 x
In English, we call them dolls. In Germany they are puppen, in France poupées. And in Japan, they are ningyō. It’s really simple, and yet today’s American collectors continue to shy away from Japanese ningyōs, suggesting they are too strange or too hard to understand, and even though they find the dolls charming or dramatic or artistic, they don’t know where or how to begin a collection. So here is a summary of five main types of Japanese dolls, and examples of each.
Originating as gift dolls within the imperial court in the 18th century, gosho-ningyō occupy a special and storied position in the world of Japanese dolls. Cherubic, fat even, gosho-ningyō present us with happy children bearing delightful expressions, animated postures and proffering cherished objects. Crafted generally of wood and covered overall in a fine white gofun (shell white),
their shocks of black hair and rich costuming are a treat for the eye, while their winning countenances and auspicious wishes are a treat for the heart and soul. Gosho-ningyō were classically depicted seated or kneeling and holding an object conveying wishes for health, longevity, good fortune, etc. Their rapid rise in popularity across all sectors of society led to tremendous creativity and innovation with dolls being depicted crawling, standing, and dancing; imitating classic drama with props and accessories; articulated and poseable; matched pairs of noble children gifted for weddings; and even mechanical versions with masks that transform their identities or rattles and fans that add to the general merriment. They range from palm-sized to child-sized.
ExplainedCategories information visit Theriaults.com or call 410-224-3655
Sekku-ningyō (Festival Dolls)
Japan is a land of festivals, many dating back over 1,000 years. Two of these festivals traditionally centered on the elaborate display of luxuriously crafted dolls: the Hina Matsuri (Girl’s Day) and the Tangu-no-sekku (Boy’s Day) festivals.
By Alan Scott Page
Gosho-ningyō (Palace Dolls)
Ningyō
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Girl’s Day, will be familiar to many. Held on the 3rd day of the 3rd month, this ancient rite featured the display of dolls (hina-ningyō) representing a stylized imperial court headed by the dairi-bina (imperial lord and lady), often mistakenly called the emperor and empress. Dolls depicting ladies-in-waiting, musicians, ministers and footmen were gradually added over time, visually augmenting the display and intended to keep the primary pair happy and content, purifying and conferring blessings on the household.
Evolving gradually from the 10th century, the Girl’s Day display took on renewed importance during the Edo Period with both the imperial and samurai nobility along with the newly affluent merchant class embracing with gusto this annual display of dolls. Artisans were empowered to create ever more stunning and lavish figures for the festival. The result was an exceptional array of dolls not only creatively interpreting the imperial lord and lady, but all of their attendants as well.
• Takeda-ningyō are kabuki-themed dolls depicted in dynamic poses on black lacquered stands with dramatic expressions. Though predominantly male, holding accessories or placed in settings that make them easily identifiable, some of the more compelling takeda-ningyō are actually female, drawn from kabuki’s layered dance performances.
• Mitsuore-ningyō (triple-jointed dolls) are essentially play dolls designed for adults. Their carved wood bodies with jointed hips, knees, and ankles allowed 13x For more information visit Theriaults.com or call 410-224-3655 x
The central focus of the 5th month, 5th day Boy’s Day festival are the fearsome and powerful mushaningyō (warrior dolls) depicting figures drawn from Japanese history and lore. Some of these impressive dolls are taken from legend, like the great 3rd century Empress Jingû who led a naval armada to invade Korea (while pregnant!) accompanied by her faithful minister Takenouchi. Some are well-documented figures from military history such as Minamoto Yoshitsune, the 12th century samurai and general noted for his brilliant exploits and valiant acts of daring do! And some are from fairy tales like the ogresubduing Momotarō the Peach boy and his notable companions: the monkey, the dog and the pheasant.
Sub-Categories:
Ishō-ningyō is generally translated as “fashion dolls.” And while it is true that their costuming and accessories were an early focus, a better translation might be “dolls of popular culture.” A bit of a mouthful, but very accurate, for these dolls, emerging in the early 18th century, evolved into a stunning form, replicating, documenting and celebrating many aspects of Japanese popular culture. Drawing on theatrical themes, celebrated courtesans from the pleasure quarters, historical personages, and even foreigners, ishō-ningyō offer a breath-taking array of subject and styles all swathed in superb silk brocade textiles and finely rendered gofun faces. A few of the important sub-groups that can be included within this.
The canvas is rich, with spectacular silk brocades, real metal armor, menacing faces, bristling arrow quivers, and mighty personalities.
(DollsIshō-ningyōofPopular Culture)
Some very rare examples are created by known artists such as Maruhei Ohkiheizo in Kyoto, supplier to the imperial family, as well as the celebrated doll artisan and netsuke craftsman Hara Shûgetsu III (1826-1899).
• Ichimatsu-ningyō are Japan’s greatest doll ambassadors, recognized the world over. Evolving in the late 19th, but coming into their own in the opening decades of the 20th century, they depict young boys or girls dressed in their finest, with bright gofun faces and inset glass eyes. Though many inexpensive dolls were made for play, ichimatsu-ningyō also evolved into a very sophisticated and coveted doll form in their own right with important ningyō artisans making this their specialty.
practicedshinelettinglefthandsTheirdelightfullifesceneswood,fashionedTraditionallyofwillowtheydepictfromeverydayrenderedinminiature.facesandareunusuallydevoidofgofun,thewooditselfthroughwithcarvingand
• Kamo-ningyō are the smallest of the group: small but mighty. fine painted details. Their silk brocade and crepe textiles are applied through the kimekomi technique with grooves cut into the wood and the textiles deftly inserted then glued to the overall surface, creating surprisingly subtle and evocative characters, ranging from Noh themes to courtesans to street urchins to court nobility. x For more information visit Theriaults.com or call 410-224-3655 x
• Iki-ningyō (living dolls) are hyper-realistic figures depicting many of the same subjects found in classic ishō-ningyō, detailandsuchrenderedexample,peddlers,samuraiwomen,beautifulandforbutinexquisiteaccuratethey appear almost alive. Though originating as lifesized exhibition pieces in the mid 19th century, they evolved into a very successful souvenir item for wealthy Westerners doing the Grand Tour in Asia at the end of the 19th century, with the majority of extant examples being only found outside of Japan.
for the subtle positioning of these dolls into a number of becoming poses, enhancing the viewer’s enjoyment as they tried on various kimono or an array of wigs.
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Enchanting! Bunraku-ningyō (Puppets) Bunraku-ningyō is the term generally used to describe the puppets used in Japanese traditional theater. More than dolls, these large-scale figures are considered an important part of Japanese cultural patrimony, with many of the finest works in Japanese literature being written for the puppet stage. The Bunraku-za puppet theater in Osaka has been in operation since the 18th century, its dominant position giving these puppets the name bunraku-ningyō. However, regional variations such as Awaji and Sado Island, make the term “bunraku” a bit misleading. Full-scale puppets require three people to operate them: the lead controlling the head and the right arm, an attendant operates the left arm, while a second attendant is responsible for moving the feet on a male or the kimono hem for a female. It is a complicated ballet as these three maneuver their individual puppet on stage, sometimes amidst a dozen or so other puppets, engaging in battles, court intrigue, tragic lover suicides, temple burnings and even sky-bound funiculars! As part of a dynamic and frequently highly physical theatrical form, few puppets can survive the ravages of time and the demands of the stage, so extant examples are rare and highly desirable. x
(MechanicalKarakuri-ningyōDolls)
Japan has long embraced dolls as a form of entertainment, according them a role in the performing arts rarely seen elsewhere. In the early 18th century an entire theatrical empire emerged based on the display of karakuri-ningyō mechanical dolls. Enormous festival floats drawn through various cities across Japan were frequently crowned with karakuri-ningyō performing complex feats and wowing the crowds with their antics. Some of the dolls still operational today date from the late 18th and early 19th century. Historically, karakuri-ningyō were water powered, spring driven, or marionette types with complicated string manipulation by dozens of operators. The larger-scale karakuri-ningyō provided amusement for the masses.Morewereat-homeprivate,versionsalsocreated for the affluent. Called zashiki karakuri-ningyō or parlor mechanical dolls, miniaturizedthese figures presented to their viewer a more limited array of smallmechanisms,boxgildedMountedmovements.onalacqueredhousingtheacrankon the side would bring the doll to life, beating a drum, turning its head, pivoting on the base, while carp ascended waterfalls or acrobats spun over head.
Alan Scott Pate is the leading authority on antique Japanese dolls outside of Japan, having authored four important books on the subject including “Ichimatsu: Japanese Play Dolls”. He can be followed at antiquejapanesedolls/.www.facebook.com/ 15x For more information visit Theriaults.com or call 410-224-3655 x
For some collectors the entry into the world of ningyō is through a love of textiles. It is the same passion that drives them in the pursuit of antique Western dolls – the rich silks and brocades of early English wood, the paisleys and cashmeres of early German dolls, the luxe elegance of French poupées. With that in mind, here is a visual panorama of some of the textiles in the Ayervais Collection – the fabrics, the patterns, the embroideries, the details of assembly. By Florence Theriault For the Love of Textiles 9. Detail 25. Detail 99. Detail 27. Detail 46. Detail 36. Detail 45. Detail 37. Detail 46. Detail 95. Detail 112. Detail 32. Detail 46. Detail 111. Detail 101. Detail 38. Detail 16 x For more information visit Theriaults.com or call 410-224-3655 x
Dollmastery Vignette Series Watch Alan Scott Pate’s educational videos about Japanese Dolls — available for viewing on YouTube. Simply visit YouTube.com/TheriaultsDolls Online Now! Watch the videos featuring rare Japanese dolls from the October 15, 2022 auction to be sold at the Marquis Auction Event at Theriault’s Gallery in Annapolis, MD. 17x For more information visit Theriaults.com or call 410-224-3655 x
Bid on theChooseTelephoneyourdolls, and then call our office to make a reservation for telephone bidding. We call you when your dolls of choice come up for bidding, and you bid just as though you were there. Bid AbsenteePlaceyour bids right up to the time of auction by mail, fax, email or phone. Advise us of the lots and your top bid. We will bid for you fairly and competitively. x For more information visit Theriaults.com or call 410-224-3655
Plan to spend the day at the auction in the comfort of your home. Watch and listen to the auction live, and get ready to bid live when the dolls of your choice come up for auction.
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BID LIVE AT THE AUCTION! Every Theriault’s auction brims with new discoveries for your collection. So why not join in on the bidding fun? It’s easy. Choose your favorite way to bid and prioritize your choices. Bidding Is Easy At Theriault’s Call Theriault’s at 410-224-3655 or email info@theriaults.com and we’ll review all the details and help you choose the option that’s best for you. We also now offer scheduled private video previews.
Bid Live on the Internet
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Stuart Holbrook and Florence Theriault at a Live Event
If you really just can’t come in person, here’s the closest thing. You can watch and listen (and bid, if you wish) to the entire live streamed auction via Proxibid. Visit www.theriaults.com and click on “Bid online” for easy details and access. x For more information visit Theriaults.com or call 410-224-3655
The Fun of Attending a AuctionMarquisTheriault’sDoll
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So many reasons to come to the auction!
Start with the more than 500 wonderful dolls for auction — a veritable museum, indeed. And then consider these: The visual joy of beautiful dolls in fine displays — dolls as they should be shown. The good time laughter and bidding with auctioneers Stuart Holbrook and Luke Theriault. The early morning walkthrough preview with Florence Theriault. The delight at greeting old friends and meeting new ones. And don’t forget the hot fudge sundaes! Beautiful dolls in a fun and laughterfilled weekend. What could possibly ever be better than this?
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Saturday & Sunday, November 12-13, 2022
Marquis Auction of Antique Dolls FEATURING THE AUSTRALIAN COLLECTIONS, AS WELL AS IMPORTANT DOLLS FROM AMERICAN AND EUROPEAN COLLECTIONS
Auction in Annapolis, Maryland at Theriault’s Gallery F eaturing the Important 50-Year collection of Lila Rait of Victoria, Australia, author of the 1989 book Through the Nursery Window (Oxford University Press, 1989). In her foreword to that book, Constance Eileen King notes that Lila writes “of a country and pattern of childhood that was completely divorced from that of Europe, a pattern that forced the Australian child into a greater perception of the wonder of a single toy…[yet] Lila Rait tells too of the boom years in the 19th century when, glutted with vast wealth, parents travelled widely and purchased very expensive dolls in the capital of Europe”. It is this collection, notable not only for the wonderful dolls, but also for the provenance which accompanies many of the dolls, which make this two-day auction an event of delight. A superb full color catalog is available for $69. To pre-order call 410-224-3655 or visit www.theriaults.com. x 20 x For more information visit Theriaults.com or call 410-224-3655 x
The Beautiful Cissy Doll AND ALL HER FRIENDS COLLECTION Saturday, November 19, 2022 Auction in Annapolis, Maryland at Theriault’s Gallery An exceptional auction of the favorite fashion icon of the mid-1950s, Cissy by Alexander, with superb examples from the private collection of Kathryn DeFillipo, Merle Glickman, and others. Along with other rare 1950s and early 1960s dolls by Madame Alexander. Plan to attend the auction in person at Theriault’s Annapolis gallery or watch and bid at the auction on live video streaming via Proxibid. A full color catalog is available for $49. For more information or to order a catalog, visit www.theriaults.com, email info@theriaults.com or call 410-224-3655. x Both November Auctions will take place at Theriault’s new renovated Studio Gallery in Annapolis, Maryland. For information on attendance please call 410-224-3655 or email info@theriaults.com to make reservations for your seat! 21x For more information visit Theriaults.com or call 410-224-3655 x
Overwhelmed? Moving to a smaller home? Faced with handling a family estate? Or just deciding to downsize your collection. Collectors tell us the word that most describes their feeling is “overwhelmed”. Not to worry. For more than 50 years, Theriault’s has been the “little engine that could” in helping collectors and taskaccomplishfamiliesthateffortlessly. We listen to you. We evaluate your dolls and lay out a plan to accomplish your goals. And then, if you agree, we do all the work. Our full-time professional staff travels to your home, inventories your property, carefully packs and transports in our own secure vehicles, prepares and markets your dolls for auction, and willingtheistrustworldwidethempresentstocollectorswhoseinTheriault’sborneoutbypricestheyaretobid. You just sit back and breathe a sigh of relief. Stuart Theriault’s,PresidentHolbrook,of is throughouttraveling the country now, visiting with collectors by appointment. If you have questions or would like to schedule a noobligation complimentary appointment, call Theriault’s at 410-224-3655 or email info@theriaults.com. Call 410-224-3655 to schedule a no-obligation appointment. 22 x For more information visit Theriaults.com or call 410-224-3655 x
23 CityAddressName State Zip Daytime Phone ❒ Check (payable to Theriault's) ❒ Mastercard ❒ Visa ❒ Discover ❒ AMEX Card Number Exp. Signature x Visit Theriaults.com x Featuring educational videos about antique dolls, up-to-date doll news, and great resources. Theriaults.com always has something new, with great information and highlights in a clean and simple place to discover them. Explore our upcoming auctions, stunning doll photography, and invaluable resources for collectors. All in one easy-to-navigate website. Go to theriaults.com to complete your doll research or just to see what’s new! Order Form for Doll Auction Catalogs ❒ “Golden Age of Ningō, The Ayervais Collection” Auction Catalog — At Theriault’s Gallery, Annapolis, MD - October 15, 2022. $75. ❒ Marquis Catalogued Auction Featuring the Australian Collections — At Theriault’s Gallery, Annapolis, MD - November 12-13, 2022. $69. ❒ “The Beautiful Cissy Doll” Marquis Auction Catalog — At Theriault’s Gallery, Annapolis, MD - November 19, 2022. $49. ...Or Start A New Subscription Today! ❒ Ten-Issue Subscription Receive the next ten doll auction catalogs at a 60% reduction of single-issue price. US: $329. Canada: $459. International: $499 ❒ 2023 Calendar of Dolls (16 months thru Feb 2024): $22. *Maryland residents add 6% sales tax. Subscribe Now to Theriault’s Award Winning Catalogs for fabulous savings and the assurance that the catalog you want will never be “sold out”. On a ten issue subscription, the individual catalogs are only $29.90 – that’s a whopping 60% savings! 2023 Calendar of Dolls Featuring beautiful antique dolls. Sixteen full-color photographs featuring gorgeous antique dolls. 24” x 12”. $22. 23x For more information visit Theriaults.com or call 410-224-3655 x
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October 15, 2022
SATURDAY
Auction Information
The auction will take place at Theriault’s NEW Gallery in Annapolis, Maryland. For auction information call Theriault’s at 410-224-3655 M-F 9AM-5PM EST or go to Theriaults.com. Email queries to info@theriaults.com anytime. Please call to reserve seating or for more auction information call 410-224-3655 or www.theriaults.com.visit
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We welcome absentee bidding, live telephone bidding, and live bidding on the internet. Too, you can “tunein” to the online auction and watch and listen to the entire event. Questions? Give us a call and we’ll help you choose the bidding option that is best for you.
Join the Auction In Person or in a Live Video Presentation . Call Theriault’s at 410-224-3655 for More Details. x
10:00 AM Eastern. “Golden Age of Ningyō”. Marquis Auction Preview. 11:00 AM Eastern. “Golden Age of Ningyō”. Marquis Auction Begins. Absentee, Telephone and Live Internet Bidding