Artisan | Woodworker: Tsujita, Tatsuya

Origin: No Biography

Historically, the Japanese have been a very modest people. Japanese artists, in particular, felt their work spoke for them, and so for centuries, creative efforts by many artists, with the exception of woodblock prints, were unsigned, yet were easily recognized by the public through a specific style and the artists’ unique personalities. As collectors we felt it was most important to represent all Traditional and Sosaku Kokeshi, whether or not the artist has been identified, their seal, or artistic signature translated, or a written account of this artist’s life. Each show the diversity of this cultural specialization and the creative work produced by this artist.

Collector's note – descriptive qualities, standard characteristics & ornamentation styles:

Very little information can be found on this artist, but it is possible that he is a son or relative of Ryozo. These are abstract representations of young girls moon watching, with pigtails flying, and wonderful Tonbo depicted on their clothing. They illustrate the contemporary nature surrounding Kokeshi making. These unique lathe-turned, hand-painted dolls show a technical competence by the artist. Tonbo is a symbol of the Samurai that represents “never giving up”, as the dragonfly doesn’t move backwards. The dragonfly is perhaps the oldest symbol in Japan, and is represented in the many forms of art throughout the ages. The Nihon Shoki, the second oldest book of classical Japanese history, refers to Dragonflies as ‘Akitsu’. Very often, the Samurai wore clothes, or ornaments that showcased the Tonbo design, as a reminder to never give up, but instead look towards the future. And finally, September is time for moon viewing, (Taukimi), which these figures are positioned to enjoy.

Artist's signature: