Vintage Traditional Tougatta Ejiko Kokeshi by Sugawara Satoshi

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Dimensions: 4-0”h x 3-1/4” dia.

Offered is a Tougatta Ejiko that originated in the Tougatta Onsen in the Miyagi Prefecture, and was subsequently produced also at Aone Onsen, the cities of Sendai, and Izumi. The Ejiko’s origin is derived from a folk toy that is called an Izume.ko Doll, (Izume.Ko means “Isume baby” which dates from the early 1910s. The Ejiko is the only other doll form that transcends all ten+one different traditional types. While this form is not considered a separate member of the ten original families, it later was accepted by collectors as its own entity, and as a traditional doll in its own right.

As with this doll, Ejiko follows the same basic short, rotund style. This particularly older doll has bangs split in two with side fringes, thin narrow one stroke eyes, a cat-type nose, (Neko-Bana), and a red expressive mouth. Illustrated on the body are very stylized plums (Ume) blossom designs specifically associated with Aone Onsen. Its body is also decorated in a circular-style painting known as Rokoru Moyo, which is done as the doll is turned on the lathe. The piece is signed on the bottom by the artist.

For further information see, Ejiko | Izume.Ko | Nemariko in our Japanese Vintage Toy section.

Condition: Very Good condition having excellent care and handling affording each doll age-old elegance. Retains the original craft/workmanship showing a wonderfully-developed patina commensurate with age and unrestored. Each piece meets all the standards of Traditional Kokeshi Ejiko collectibles and is an exceptional piece for the collectors of Tougatta Family dolls.