Japanese Traditional Zao Ejiko Kokeshi with Five Miniature “mame-omocha” Kokeshi by Mito, Hiroshi
Dimensions: 2-3/4”h x 2-1/2” dia
Mito Hiroshi (水戸 寛) was a renowned Japanese Kokeshi artist known for his Zao-Kei (山形) style dolls, particularly miniature versions in Ejiko containers. Mito-san was born in 1933 and passed away in 2019. He studied under Master Kokeshi artist Tendo Mamagata.
Offered is a beautifully lathe-formed Zao Ejiko with miniature versions of five (5) differing Zao family motifs on each “Mame Zao miniatures”, which were often referred to as "bean toys”, (mame-omocha), held in the container. His wonderful creations carry all the facial detailing of the Zao Kokeshi that are meticulously painted, handcrafted and incorporating a variety of traditional Kokeshi styling. These dolls including the Ejiko show true characteristics of the Yamagata strain, which are not always easy to identify. The head and neck of the doll is made to be a lid that is removable exposing the interior of the container. Facial features incorporate oversized heads and large, expressive eyes, and in this case a small dot nose and black hairstyle that show a small red dot on top of the head, with bangs and side hair fringes framing the face. As with this Ejiko it has colored banding at the neck and Chrysanthemum flowers and green leaves on the body along with “Rokoru mono”style graduated horizontal lifework of variable rainbow colors. The doll is lathe-turned from one piece of Cherry wood, (Sakura). The piece was purchased in Mito’s studio in 1989, (see image) and was granted several of his original ,earlier pieces because we were interviewing him for inclusion in our first book on Kokeshi in 2005. The piece has the acknowledgment on the base in beautiful script identification and signature by the artist.
Condition: Mint, original condition naturally aged and absent of any flaws or natural age cracks.
Japanese Traditional Kokeshi
Zao-Kei (Family)
Prefecture: Miyagi-Yamagata border
Origin:
Zao (Zao-Takayu) was a prosperous resort at the end of the 19th century, with four souvenir shops. However, no one was producing kokeshi for the shops, so craftsmen were hired who began competing with each other. They thus helped develop a distinctive Zao strain at the Atsumi Onsen, at the foot of Mt. Zao, on the Miyagi-Yamagata border. Eijiro Okazaki was the leader of this group, and the Onsen became the home of this traditional Kokeshi family.
Collector's note – characteristics/painting style:
These dolls, originating from, and having characteristics of, the Yamagata strain, are not always easy to identify. Facial features incorporate oversized heads and large, expressive eyes, with the Atsumi version having a long nose (naga-bana), much like the Hijiori and Tsuchiyu dolls, and hairstyles that show heavy use of ribbons on top of the head, with half-moon bangs and side tufts hanging into the face. Their thick waists are brightly painted in a variety of colorful motifs. The floral designs on Zao bodies include the more standard stacked, (or layered), chrysanthemum petals; bold, stylized cherry blossoms, peonies, and scattered sprays of small flowers. Most will also have colored banding at the neck and around the bases of the bodies.
Leading Craftsmen:
Abe, Shinya, 1937, (Atsumi, Yamagata) - Master: Abe, Tsunekichi. No additional published information
Abe, Tsunekichi, Master, 1904-1991, (Atsumi). No additional published information
Akiyama, Kazuo, 1935-1991 - No additional published information
Ariji, Shizuo, 1930, (Yamagata) - Master: Ishiyama, Sanshiro. No additional published information
Endo, Kozo, 1911-1991, (Yamagata) - Masters: Wagatsuma, Katsunosuke and Yoshida, Jin-ichiro. No additional published information
Eijiro Okazaki - No additional published information
Ishiyama, Kazuo, 1929-2017 - No additional published information
Ishiyama, Sanshiro, 1909-1996, (Yamagata) - Master: Shinano, Ichiro and Sato, Masao. No additional published information
Ishizawa, Kazio, 1929-2017, (Yamadera Yamagata) - Master: Ishiyama, Sanshiro. No additional published information
Okazaki, Ikuo, 1925, (Zao) - Master: Okazaki, Naoshi Omiya, Yasumitsu - No additional published information
Saito, Akira, 1927, (Zao) - Master: Saito, Matsusuke (1902-1976). No additional published information
Saito, Takeo - No additional published information
Umeki, Shuichi, 1929 - No additional published information
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