Catalog: Vintage Arts: Regional Art: Asian (87)

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.

Kokeshi, Naruko-kei, Miyagi Prefecture, by Takahashi Takeo. Birthdate=Taisho 5 (1916) July 26. H. 9.75” x Dia. 2.25” (24.75 x 5.75 cm.) Dentou, or "traditional," kokeshi hail from the northeastern part of Japan known as the Tohoku region. Tohoku is comprised of Aomori, Akita, Yamagata, Iwate, Miyagi, & Fukushima Prefectures...

Hamada Shoji saku (made by Shoji Hamada,) Ryuukyuu Kamado (Okinawa Kiln,) Aka-e Chawan (Red overglaze enamel Tea Bowl,) 1972. H. 3”(7.75cm) x Dia. 4.5”(11.5cm.) Footring diameter 2”(5cm.) Weight 13.5oz(384g.) Signed wooden box included. Okinawan motif and color palette (red, green, ochre on white background) on bowl with 9 facets around (see enlargement #2, bottom view.) Small areas of glaze loss around rim (see enlargement photos & comments below) measuring from 30mm to 2.5cm in length...

Kokeshi, wooden folk toy of NE Japan. Height: 8.5". This is an example of the "Naruko-kei" tradition of Miyagi Prefecture. The artisan, Akiyama Tadaichi, was born in Meiji 34 (1901) and passed away on May 19th, 1984 (Showa 59.) For a brief story on "dentou" (traditional) kokeshi, please see our weblog, which can be accessed through our Trocadero homepage.

Kokeshi, wooden folk toy of NE Japan. Height: 9.75". This is an example of the "Naruko-kei" tradition of Miyagi Prefecture. It was made by the artisan, Oonuma Hideo, who was born on February 17, 1930 (Showa 5.) It is dated September 15th, Showa 50 (1975,) but it is not clear if this was a production date signed by the maker, or a purchase date signed by the collector...

Ainu carved wooden doll of woman in traditional Ainu dress. H.12.25"(31cm) x W.4"(10cm.) Finely sculpted features show elements of Ainu traditional apparel & appearance; mouth tattoo, head band and kimono with traditional patterns, and large beaded necklace.

Kokeshi, Naruko-kei, Miyagi Prefecture, by Itou Shouichi. H.9.5” x Dia.1.875” ca. 1970-1980. Dentou, or "traditional," kokeshi hail from the northeastern part of Japan known as the Tohoku region. Tohoku is comprised of Aomori, Akita, Yamagata, Iwate, Miyagi, & Fukushima Prefectures...

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, wooden folk toy of NE Japan. Height: 8.25". This is an example of "Kijiyama-kei" tradition of Akita Prefecture. The artisan was Abe Heishirou. It is not dated, but was most likely made in the 1960's to 1970's. For a brief story on "dentou" (traditional) kokeshi, please see our website, which is accessible through our Trocadero homepage.

Four-panel kon (dark-blue) indigo-dyed cotton bed cover, red and white threads woven into warp and weft creating patterns of circles , squares, and checks. Top cover only, no backing or wadding, very good condition. Early 1900’s. L.69”(175cm) x W.55”(140cm.) Futonji, bed covers, were a common bridal trousseau item in feudal and early-modern Japan. They may have been made by the bride before marriage (in very rural areas,) or more likely commissioned by the bride’s family...

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.

Indigo-dyed heavy cotton shop Apron, Unknown business. Stencil-dyed on both sides with shop name and address: “Takara;” braided cotton waist tie. Top line: “Saikou Kyuu Hin” (Top grade Excellent Goods,) logo: “Takara” (Treasure) character with image of Daikoku’s (one of the 7 Lucky Gods) hammer, 3rd line: “Daibenkyo no Mise” (A Shop with great discounts/bargaining opportunities.) This apron could be used generically for any type of business. Very good condition. Late1900’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, Sakunami-kei, Miyagi Prefecture, by Hiraga Teruyuki. Showa 47 (1972) March 1. H.11.75” x Dia.1.5”(24 x 3.25 cm) Inscription: Nagoya Kokeshi-kai, nihyaku kai, Hesei 7-gatsu, 9-nichi. (Nagoya Kokeshi Club, 200th Meeting, July 9, 1995) Dentou, or "traditional," kokeshi hail from the northeastern part of Japan known as the Tohoku region. Tohoku is comprised of Aomori, Akita, Yamagata, Iwate, Miyagi, & Fukushima Prefectures...

Kokeshi, Yamagata Tendou-kei, Yamagata Prefecture, by Kamio Keisaburo...

Paper mache Daruma Dolls from Tamashima district of Kurashiki in Okayama Prefecture by Ono Ichi, ca. 1972. Pair or single, smaller (FI-8b): H. 4.875"(12.2cm) x W.3.5"(9cm.); larger (FI-8a): H.5.25"(13.25cm) x W.3.375"(8.5cm.) Painted paper mache. These dolls were made in 11 sizes ranging from 11 - 45cm. The small one here is the second smallest size made, known as "9-go", and the larger is an "8-go" size. Condition notes: The larger Daruma is intact but there are cracks in the paper and a number...

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.

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.)