Naruko-kei Kokeshi by Tsugawara Wahei, born Sept. 13, 1945. Wood, Height 7". Although this is a typical Naruko stle kokeshi, the words "Kaizen Damashii" (Group Spirit) have been written over the normal decorative patterns. Also written is "Mogami Denki Kabushiki Kaisha" (Mogami Electric Company, Inc.) This was probably commissioned and given out to company employees at a corporate solidarity event or campaign. Probably dates from the 1980's.

Kokeshi, folk toy of NE Japan. Wood, height 9.75". Kijiyama-kei, Akita Prefecture. Made by Abe Youko; born April 3, 1932. This kokeshi probably dates from the 1970's. Women kokeshi makers, such as Ms. Abe, are in the minority in Japan in this craft that is usually handed down from father to son. Also, unique & interesting about Kijiyama style kokeshi is the depiction of the apron ("maekake" or "maedare") on the body.

Chinese jadeite bangle bracelet, beautiful medium green jadeite with areas of very light orange color and a high luster, 14 karat gold fittings with incised details and chain, small light green jade cabochon detail on clasp, mark "14K 585". Outside size: 3" diameter Inside size: 2 1/4" diameter

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.

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...

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, wooden folk toy of NE Japan. Height: 3.75". This is an example of the "Naruko-kei" tradition of Miyagi Prefecture. This particular shape was called an "ezuko" (basket child) in the local Miyagi vernacular. The artisan was Sakurai Shouji, who was born on January 1st, 1927 (Showa 2.) It is not dated, but was most likely made during the 1960's or 1970's. For a brief story on "dentou" (traditional) kokeshi, plase see our weblog, which can be accessed through our Trocadero homepage.

Kokeshi, wooden folk toy of NE Japan. Height: 8.5". This is an example of the "Yamagata-kei" tradition of Yamagata Prefecture. This kokeshi was made in the town of Toune by the artisan Yamaguchi Shuuichi, who was born on June 21, 1924 (Taisho 13.) It is not dated, but was most likely made during the 1970's or early 1980's. For a brief story on "dentou" (traditional) kokeshi, please see our weblog, which is accessible through our Trocadero homepage.

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...

Beautiful jade pendant of Quanyin carved of mottled bright green and light green jade, mounted in 18 karat gold with lotus base inset with four diamond and gold halo inset with 10 diamonds, 18K mark, gorgeous details. Size: 1 3/4" high x 1/2" wide

Kokeshi, wooden folk toy of NE Japan. Heights: 1.1875", 1.75", 2.375". This are examples of the "Naruko-kei" tradition of Miyagi Prefecture. These miniature kokeshi are generally referred to as "issun kokeshi" (one 'soon' [inch] kokeshi). For a brief story on "dentou" (traditional) kokeshi, please see our weblog, which is accessible through our Trocadero homepage.

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...

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.

A pair of goldfish lantern made of washi (handmade paper) and bamboo strips which is the origin of Nepta (or Nebuta) used at Nepta festival in Hirosaki city in Aomori prefecture. The goldfish lantern made of paper and bamboo strips were used till around 1980s, but now it is replaced to one made of vinyl and wire. In good condition except for some brownish spots in the white parts. Large one: H:35cm W:34cm, Small one: H24cm W20cm

Kokeshi, wooden folk doll of NE Japan. H. 6.25". This is an example of Zao-kei (Zao Onsen [Hot Spring]) of Yamagata Prefecture. The artisan is Kobayashi Chuujiro, who made this piece in his 60's, ca. 1990. For more information on "dentou" (traditional) kokeshi, please visit our weblog, which is accessible via our Trocadero homepage.

Kokeshi, folk toy of NE Japan. Wood, Height 9.75". Kijiyama-kei of Akita Prefecture. Made by Satou Shuuichi, born Aug. 7, 1927. This kokeshi probably daes fromt he 1970's-1980's. One of the unique & interesting characteristics of Kijiyama style kokeshi is the depiction of the apron ("maekake" or "maedare") on the body of the doll.

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.)

A bag for backpack made of Miyama Kansuge, "hiroro" by dialect which is a group of carex. It is made in Aizu region in Fukushima prefecture. It has purple and dark indigo cotton cloth interknitted in the cord. 20th century. In excellent condition. 40cm x 39cm.