Ittabori Carvings
Japanese Ittabori Carving Pair of the Historic Takasago Couple
Age:20th Century
Descriptive qualities& condition:
Dimensions: Male- 10-0"h x 3-1/2"w x 4-1/2"d; Female- 8-1/2"h x 3-1/2" w x 4-0"d
Shown are examples of the legend of the contented couple. It is one of Japan's oldest folktales, that continues to be performed in the Noh Theater by the same name, Takasago. These wood and enameled hand carvings are referred to as Ichii woodcarvings (called Ichii itto bori in Japanese) and are made from the wood of ichii (Japanese yew). Ittabori (one blade carved) is very expressive and beautifully executed. They are characteristically adorned in traditional garments, focusing attention on the representation of the stylistic materials, and have retained their deep, rich patina over the years.
These beautifully painted Sosaku Kokeshi is one of the original ‘Transitional’, wood and enameled hand carvings that are very expressive and beautifully executed in order to bring out the natural beauty of the wood. The wood has red-toned heartwood in the center and white-toned sapwood on the outer rings. Chisel marks are left in which every single cut greatly affects the finished work as seen in these two figures and is a test of the artisan's abilities. As seen the color of the wood on the faces changes and a sheen develops which is another appeal of this craft.
They are characteristically unadorned in traditional garments, he wearing his blue Hanten and green patterned Hakama, and she wearing a traditional purple Kimono, all focusing attention on the representation of the stylistic materials and are delicately hand-painted with a traditional head and features, and showing their embodiment in full color representing their spirit and have retained their deep, rich patina over the years.
Both represent one of Japan's oldest folktales, which continues to be performed in the Noh Theater by the same name, Takasago. The elderly man is called Jou and the elderly woman Uba, and as a couple, they are called Jotomba. This basic concept behind the beautiful doll is depicted as an ancient couple with expressive faces, as the old woman sweeps away all the bad that was left behind, and the old man gathers in with his rake all that is good and desirable. He is additionally shown smoking his hand-rolled cigarette with his tobacco pouch in one hand. Deeply devoted to life, the old couple passed away within moments of each other, and their spirits were transformed into pine trees: Jou a black pine, and Uba a red pine, (the image included is that of a woodblock print showing their embodiment in the black and red pine representing their spirits.) Collectors of painterly folk craft seek after this type of example of a symbol of longevity and felicity. In 1975, Ichii woodcarving was designated as a National Traditional Craft. As a specialty of the Hida region, the craft is still being passed down through the generations. Both figures are mounted on a plinth base of cedar (sugi) wood similar found on the decks of Japanese cottages.
Antique Condition: Exceptional. “As is”, and retains the original craft/workmanship. Little discoloration, no chipping/cracking, and no surface wear or structural damage noted. Slight loss of hair detail/coloration on each figure. Each is finished in a melted white wax is applied and polished with a dry cloth. The wax prevents the wood from cracking or getting dirty and effectively draws out the oiliness of the wood. These figures are exceptionally rare and sought after by collectors of this form of folk craft.
