Kokeshi, folk toy of NE Japan. Wood, Height 9.875". Tougatta-kei, Miyagi Prefecture. Although of the Tougatta classification, the maker, Umiya Yoshiemon (Umitani Kichiemon?) lived in Sendai City. He was born in the 38th year of the Meiji Era (1905) and passed away on April 20th, 1985 at the age of 79. This particular kokeshi probably dates from the 1970's or earlier. The "bun" haristyle is an interesting feature of this kokeshi, which also appears on some other Tougatta style dolls.

Kokeshi, folk toy of NE Japan. Wood, height 10". Made by Sugawara Toshi, born Showa 13 (1938) and passed away in December of 1992 at the age of 55. Akiu Onsen is a hot spring resort not far from the city of Sendai. It is thought to be one of the oldest kokeshi-making locales in the Tohoku region where all traditional (dentou) kokeshi originate.

Kokeshi, folk toy of NE Japan. Wood, height 9.5". Naruko-kei, Miyagi Prefecture. Made by Itou Shouichi (Matsuichi?), born on Feb. 13, Taisho 13 (1924). This kokeshi probably dates from the 1970's.

Kokeshi, folk toy of NE Japan. Wood, Height 8.25". Naruko-kei, Miyagi Prefecture. Made by Satou Minoru, born Dec. 27, 1932. This kokeshi probably dates from the 1970's.

Kokeshi, folk toy of NE Japan. Wood, height 9.75". Yajiro-kei, Miyagi Prefecture. Made by Niiyama Hisaki, born Feb. 7, 1942. This kokeshi probably dates the early 1980's.

Kokeshi, folk toy of NE Japan. Wood, height 9.625". This is a Yajiro-kei (Yajiro-classification) kokeshi, generally crafted in the vicinity of Shiroishi City in southern Miyagi Prefecture. However, this particular craftsman, Sato Seikou (?), lives in the next prefecture of Fukushima, on the coast in Iwaki City. He was born on February 22, Showa 22 (1947). This kokeshi probably dates from ca. 1980.

Kokeshi, folk toy of NE Japan. Wood, height 12". Tsuchiyu-kei of Tsuchiyu Onsen (Hot Spring) in Fukushima Prefecture. Made by Saito Hiromichi, born August 8, 1930. This kokeshi is probably from ca. 1980.

Kokeshi, folk toy of NE Japan. Wood, height 12". Yamagata-kei classification of Yamagata Prefecture. Made by Kobayashi Koutaro of Yamagata City, born March 13, 1936. This kokeshi probably dates from the late 1970's. The very thin body of this kokeshi is an unusual and interesting characteristic.

Kokeshi, folk toy of NE Japan. Wood, Height 10". Zao-kei (Zao Onsen [hot spring]) in Yamagata Prefecture. Made by Saitou Takeo, born on Nov. 29, 1929. Probably made in the late 1970's.

Kokeshi, folk toy of NE Japan. Wood, Height 9.625". Zao-kei (Zao Onsen [hot spirng]), Yamagata Prefecture. Made by Oumiya Yasumitsu, who was born in Showa 11 (1936) and passed away on July 19, 1995. Probably made in the mid-late 1970's.

Kokeshi, folk toy of NE Japan. Wood, Height 9.5". This is an example of the unique Nambu-kei kokeshi from Iwate Prefecture. Of the Tohoku (NorthEast) Region where all "dentou" (traditional) kokeshi originate, Iwate may have the fewest number of craftsmen and localized traditions. Unique among these is the unpainted Nambu-kei kokeshi shown here...

9.5 feet long hand-painted Japanese carp banner (Koi-nobori) for Boy's Day. Here on this banner, a mighty little boy named Kintaro, is hitching a ride on a carp. Kintaro may be a creation from a theater play (jyoruri and kabuki) of the Edo period – although he is said to be a childhood figure of the 10th century samurai, Sakata no Kinsuke - he is extremely strong and still a popular hero figure for Japanese boys...

Matsue Hariko Tawara Ushi, Paper Mache Ox Carrying Rice Bales from Matsue, Shimane Prefecture. Ca. early 1970's. Made by H. Kimura. L.3.375"(8.5cm) x H.2"(5cm) x W.2.375"(6cm.) Matsue paper mache dates back to the Edo Period (1600-1868) and has a robust charm. In this rural area, the Ox signifies a good harvest. Matsue is known in the West as the long-time Japanese home of writer Lafcadio Hearn (1850-1904.)

Matsue Hariko Koma, paper mache horse from Matsue, Shimane Prefecture. H.3.25"(8.5cm) x L.3"(7.5cm) x W.1"(2.5cm). Ca. early 1970's, made by H. Kimura. Painted paper, straw tail. Matsue paper mache dates back to the Edo Period (1600-1868) and has a wonderful robust charm. The horse, in this rural area, is a symbol of good harvest. Matsue is known in the West as the long-time Japanese home of writer Lafcadio Hearn (1850-1904.)

Tsuchi Ningyo, Clay Doll. Kintaro with Giant Carp. ca. early 1900's. H.4.25"(11cm) x W.3.375"(8.5cm.) Signed on bottom "Yano." Body is 100% intact and in good condition, but most of the paint has flaked off of the fish...

Hirosaki Hato Bue, Clay Pigeon Whistle from Hirosaki, Aomori Prefecture. Painted clay; L.6"(15cm) x H.4"(10cm) x 2.5"(6.5cm.)ca. 1970's...

Kubi Furi Tora; Bobbing Head Paper Mache Tiger from Nishi-Oodera, Okayama Prefecture. H.6.5"(16.5cm) x L.6.25"(16cm) x W.2"(5cm.) Painted paper mache, ca. early 1970's. Excellent condition WITH ORIGINAL BOX. Paper mache folk crafts were popular in Nishi-Oodera since the mid-late Edo Period (1600-1868.) This particular style of tiger with high hip, curled tail, heavy black stripes, and fierce countenace has been produced since about 1897...

Akebi Hato Guruma, Vine Pigeon on Wheels; Nozawa, Nagano Prefecture. L.4.75"(12cm) x W.2.375"(6cm) x H.2.5"(6.5cm.) ca. 1972, woven akebi vine. The region of Nozawa has long been known for vine weaving craftsmanship, producing utilitarian items like hats, baskets, and teapot trivets. Vines were sourced from nearby mountains and then bleached naturally in local hot springs...