Mid-20th century geisha doll depicts a kabuki onnagata actor performing the “Seven Hats Dance” (furidashi-gasa no odori) from the kabuki play Musume Dōjōji.
The drama recounts the tale of a young woman who falls in love with a priest of the Dōjō-ji temple. When he rejects her advances and seeks refuge beneath the temple bell, she transforms into a vengeful serpent-demon whose fiery breath melts the bell and destroys him. Years later, after a new bell is installed at the temple, a young dancer is granted permission to perform in its honor. As she dances with seven hats, they gradually reveal her true form—the same serpent-demon, returned in disguise.

Made from real hand painted silk, human hair, glass, metal and brocade silk by Nishi Doll Company in the 1960s.
Mounted on a lacquer stand.