Japanese Rare Vintage Kijigangu Wooden Drummer Folk Pull Toy by Tusta Fumio
Dimensions: 5-7/8”h x 4-3/4”l
Here is a wonderful Kijigangu (wooden toy) by Fumio Tsuta one of the articulated toys the family became famous for making which depicts a member of the military band playing the drum. Historically drums have deep roots in Japanese culture, serving as a key instrument to motivate troops, set marching pace, and signal commands on the battlefield throughout feudal Japan and used at festivals and religious ceremonies. The tradition of Fife and Drum Corps in Japan (Katekitai) began in the pre-Meiji era and survives today and is celebrated through beautifully formed pull toys.
These toys are made from recycled wood and painted in a veritable rainbow of colors from the usual red and black to green, yellow, and even blue and purple as seen in this toy, and all made to attract younger children in the 1950s. When the string is pulled, the musician starts playing raising, and lowering the drum, and at the same time, his head rotates 360 degrees. The figure is also detailed in the Rokoru mono horizontal stripes running around its body. Its head like all the Yajirou Kokeshi has the typical double eyelids and cat-shaped nose with side hair fringes. This toy possesses the warm-heartedness of being a true treasure of a particular time in history. The figure is made of white dogwood, (Mazuki),k with each component individually designed and assembled to function as it is intended to do. This toy won the Minister of Education Award at the 28th All Japan Kokeshi Contest in 1986.
Additional Information:
Tsuta family (Sakuzuo (1892-1957), Mamoru (1928-2009), and son Fumio) have been producing wooden toys and tops using the potter's wheel technique for over 100 years, achieving numerous awards and being the most recognized in this specialization. Fumio continued to produce and sell its creations at the Onogawa Onsen, Yamagata Prefecture until May 11, 2020, when the company was closed After COVID.
Condition: Mint meaning the piece is perfect with only slight aging shown from playing. Works perfectly and as intended. A perfect example for the collector of Tusta Japanese wooden toys.
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Artisan | Interactive Toymaker: Tsuta Family – Sakuzuo, Mamoru, Fumio | 1892-1944
Origin:
Grandfather Sakuzuo (1892-1957), Father Mamoru (1928-2009), and son Fumio (1944-), handed down toys and spinning top making from generation to generation and have been producing for over 100 years. They were members of the Japan Top Spinning Association throughout their operation. The family holds several awards for their creations and Mamour's son Fumio, carried on the business producing and sell their creations at the Onogawa Onsen, Yamagata Prefecture, since the beginning of this family enterprise. They went out of business in 2020 after COVID interrupted their operation. Today we look at these folk and ethnic toys from the past with nostalgia and marvel at the engineering ability of early Japanese toy makers.
Collector's note – descriptive qualities, standard characteristics & ornamentation styles:
Japanese toy makers changed the stagnant fixed toy with their amazing interactive and mechanical toys respresenting three-dimensional images of animals and children playing. The majority of the toys are pull and action figures. Early Japanese toys borrowed heavily from German techniques. However, Japanese toys, Kendama, tops, Oyako Daruma, and Battledore were usually made from recycled wood and painted in primary colors. They are derived from the lives of common people that embody the beliefs, religion, the zodiac system, folktales, festivals, aesthetics, and sense of happiness found in one’s native land. Born on Japanese soil, these handmade toys possess the warm-heartedness of being raised by the common people. Hence for the Japanophile, these unique pieces are true treasures.