Vintage Yajirou Traditional Kokeshi by Seishi, Takahashi
All our items ship free in the US
Dimensions: 11-1/4” h
One characteristic feature of the Yajiro kokeshi is the head with a multi-colored cap-like Rokoru Moyo pattern painted on a lathe to create perfectly rendered lines. This kokeshi is a “rattle". Its most recognizable feature is the large head that is hollow and filled with rice, (gara iri), which creates a sharp sound when it is shaken. It has a thick, undulating body with a broad base, giving the impression of being more stable. The waist shows a three-dimensional carving in the middle to accentuate the simulated obi. Flowers from the cherry tree have been incorporated into the body. The neck and bottom of the doll further simulate a kimono. Her head is oversized, which is characteristic of this family of dolls, with eyes are called Hitoe-Mabuta, (single-lid), a simple eye is drawn with a single curved line with an eyeball underneath. The nose is called Bachi-Bana, (drum-stick nose).
Vintage Condition: The piece is in excellent condition, (“as is”), and retains the original craft/workmanship, and is commensurate with age. Any discoloration, chipping/cracking, surface wear, or structural damage is noted.
Return Policy
Our antique/vintage pieces are identified/described and professionally photographed, and considered, “as is”, therefore all sales are final. Read our full refund and return policy.
Japanese Traditional Kokeshi | Yajirou-Kei (Family)
Prefecture: Miyagi
Origin:
The creators of these dolls hail from the small farming village of Yajirou-machi near Kamasaki Onsen in Miyagi Prefecture, once a farming village between two, tall mountains. The kiji-shi (woodworkers), divided their time between farming and wood-craft. Those who made kokeshi in their spare time sent their wives to the nearby Kamasaki Onsen to sell their work to tourist shops and through onsens.
Collector's note – characteristics/painting style:
The majority of this style has distinct waists and wider bases, making them very stable. Yajirou dolls are some of the most brightly painted of the traditional family set. Utilizing a veritable rainbow of colours, from the usual red and black to green, yellow, and even blue and purple, they are available in probably the widest range of shapes. The upper body usually has a hand-painted collar with horizontal stripes encircling the body, as in the Rokoru moyo style, and vertical stripes running below the waist to the base of the doll. However, Yajirou dolls can also be found with a series of chrysanthemum petals running down the front of the body, or a branch of plum blossoms as the only decoration. Some, also have a painted beret-like feature or a bun on their heads, similarly painted with a red center spot. Less common are Yajirou that have conical hats known as Suge-Gasa. Typically seen is one lid or double eyelids, cat or pick shaped nose. Yajirou kokeshi have been made from cherry wood, camellia, and maple, but the preferred wood is white dogwood, (mazuki).
NOTE: Both Yajirou ad Togutta dolls are sometimes created with loose rings circling the waists. Literally carved from the same wood as the body, a very meticulous method! This treatment is referred to as 'Yamiyo' style kokeshi. It is also seen on Tsuchiyu dolls, though very rarely.
Notable artists:
Satou Denki, b. 1909Satou Dennai, Master
Ishikawa Tokujiro, b. 1915
Niiyama Fukutaro, Master
Sato Tatsuro, b. 1928
Sato Imasaburo, Master
Hamatsu Heizaburo, b. 1933
Niiyama Sanai, MasterYajirou
Niiyama Yoshinori, b. 1960
Niiyama Yoshitaro, Grand Master