This is a local toy, a mechanical Kenbu Ningyo (sword dance doll), that was commonly made in Toyama Prefecture from the Taisho era to the Showa era. ✳︎ Toyama Prefecture Local Toy Mechanical Kenbu Ningyo ✳︎ Size: Width (approx.) 15.5cm x Height approx. 12cm ✳︎ Manufacturer: Unknown ✳︎ Accessories: Original box included, no pamphlet ※ Please purchase with the understanding that this is a used item. When the bamboo sword is raised, it reaches a height of about 14cm. The swordsmen's costumes are made of washi paper, and their faces are made of ginkgo nuts. The swordsmen face each other and are connected by a square rod. A thin piece of wood runs near the swordsmen's feet, and threads are tied to each swordsman's arm. The swordsmen's arms are made by connecting two thin pieces of bamboo, with a thread running through them. When the thin wood at the feet is moved up and down simultaneously, the bamboo arms of the swordsmen extend and bend, and each time, the bamboo swords move in various directions, making it look like they are in a match. Unfortunately, production seems to have ceased and been discontinued at present. ◎ ⤵︎ Search terms Tonabayashi Toys Osaka Sumiyoshi Ginkgo Dolls Yoshitaka Sasaki Crude toys Osaka Paper Mache Mechanical toys String puppets Kachi-Kachi Mountain Nagoya Toshogu Shrine Ushiwaka and Benkei Benkei and Yoshitsune Gekiken Ningyo (Fencing Dolls) #MechanicalToys MUJI GINZA Atelier MUJI Ginza ATELIER MUJI GINZA ATELIER MUJI Gallery ATELIER MUJI