Vintage Sosaku Kokeshi entitled: “Nichibotsu-ji no dorogonfurai | Dragonfly at Sunset” by Tsujita, Tatsuya
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Dimensions: 6-1/4”h
This abstract representation of a young girl moon-watching with pigtails flying has wonderful Tonbo depicted on her garment. This doll illustrates the contemporary nature surrounding Kokeshi making and is unique, and hand-painted, showing the technical competence of the artist.
Tonbo is a symbol of the Samurai that represents the saying ‘never giving up’, as the dragonfly doesn’t move backward. The dragonfly is perhaps the oldest symbol in Japan and is represented in 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.
This figure is positioned with the head tilted upwards in fascination. In September the Japanese pastime is viewing the moon in all its glory, (Taukimi), and watching Tonbo flying in the night's sky. Incorporated are three wonderful, shallow hand-carved Tonbo,(dragonflies) depicted on top of the variegated, coloration of the red, green, orange, and blue rainbow effect of the garment. There is an inscription identifying the artist.
Condition: Excellent, pristine original condition, archival quality because of the uniqueness of the doll.
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Artisan | Woodworker: Tsujita, Tatsuya
[no-bio]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:
