Hello, I am seeking an appraisal for a traditional Japanese Ichimatsu doll (市松人形, Ichimatsu ningyō) that I recently acquired. I would appreciate any information regarding its age, maker, and current market value. Object Details • Type: Ichimatsu doll (boy figure, seated-style construction but mounted standing in display case) • Origin: Japan • Artist / Workshop (per tag): • 東優斎 秀月 作 (Tōyūsai Shūgetsu saku) • Translates to: “Made by Shūgetsu of the Tōyūsai studio” • Estimated Date: Likely mid-to-late Shōwa period (c. 1950s–1980s) This dating is based on: • Use of a plastic cylindrical display case (common in post-war export and decorative dolls) • Construction style consistent with 20th-century workshop-produced Ichimatsu dolls • Known continued production of Ichimatsu dolls by studios such as Shūgetsu, which remain active in traditional doll-making Dimensions • Height: 30.0 cm (11.8 inches) • Width: 30.0 cm (11.8 inches) • Depth: 35.0 cm (13.8 inches) Materials & Construction • Head, hands, feet: Likely gofun-coated composition (crushed shell pigment over base material) • Body: Cloth-stuffed torso (traditional Ichimatsu construction) • Hair: Black wig (likely human hair or high-quality synthetic) • Clothing: Layered kimono (silk or silk-blend) with obi • Base: Wooden stand • Case: Original cylindrical plastic display case Ichimatsu dolls are traditionally made with rigid heads and limbs attached to a soft cloth body, often coated in gofun, a white pigment made from crushed shell . Description The doll represents a young boy in formal kimono attire, with a hand-painted face, pale gofun finish, and detailed facial features. Although constructed as a seated (poseable) Ichimatsu doll, this example is mounted in a standing display format, which is typical of decorative/export pieces from the Shōwa period when these dolls were increasingly produced for display rather than play . The doll retains: • Original wooden tag with calligraphy and red seal • Original display case • Original paper fan accessory Markings / Signature The attached wooden tag reads: • 市松人形 (Ichimatsu ningyō) — “Ichimatsu doll” • 東優斎 秀月 作 — “Made by Shūgetsu of the Tōyūsai studio” • Red seal (likely artisan or workshop seal) I have not yet located definitive records on this exact artist, but I understand that “Shūgetsu” is associated with traditional Japanese doll-making studios still producing Ichimatsu dolls today, suggesting this may be a workshop-produced piece rather than a one-off artisan sculpture. Condition • Overall: Very good vintage condition • Face: No visible cracks or major damage • Hair: Full and intact • Clothing: Clean and complete • Case: Present with minor age-related wear • Notable issue: Yellowing/discoloration on the hands Market Context / Comparable Sales From my research: • General Ichimatsu dolls: ~$400–$600 average range • Mid-range decorative examples: ~$500–$700 retail • Named or higher-quality examples: $800–$1,000+ (observed in auction and resale listings) I have seen similar dolls listed in the $600–$800 range, with some examples attributed to similar/same workshops exceeding $1,000. Additional Notes • The doll was thrifted for $75 • I have not found another example with the exact same tag/artist combination, so I am particularly interested in confirming: • Whether Tōyūsai Shūgetsu is a documented workshop or lineage • Whether this is a mass-produced studio piece or a named artisan work • A more precise production date Request Could you please help determine: 1. The authenticity and origin of the doll 2. The historical background of the artist/workshop (Tōyūsai Shūgetsu) 3. A refined date estimate 4. A current fair market value and auction estimate Thank you very much for your time and expertise.

• Height: 30.0 cm (11.8 inches) • Width: 30.0 cm (11.8 inches) • Depth: 35.0 cm (13.8 inches)