RARE Vintage Japanese Yajirou Wheeled Pull Toy ‘Tending Brother’ by Tsuta, Mamoru
Dimensions: 7-3/4”h x5-0”w x 6-0l
Offered is an unusual, old, and rare Kijigangu by the elder Brother within the Tsuta Family of toy makers. Mamoru’s father created the first Kokeshi toy of this type which was carried on throughout the family's making business. Japanese toy makers changed the stagnant fixed toy with their amazing interactive and mechanical toys representing three-dimensional images of all aspects of everyday life.
Seen is a pull toy that depicts an older boy pushing his younger crying brother in a cart. Lathe-turned wooden toys produced by the Tsuta family was inspired by Kokeshi craftsmen throughout Northern Japan. The most fascinating aspect is the head and face of the older boy with very expressive with wide, engaging eyes, funny eyelashes, large ears, a expressive smile, and red cheeks and mouth. The specific face type was a signature of Mamoru-san. Additionally, his arms move freely and are attached with dowels and the entire figure is attached to a wheel giving toy the ability to be freely pulled. His body is colorful utilizing red and deep blue horizontal strips to give it life. The second part of the toy is the wheeled cart in which his younger brother sits and uniquely the entire figure moves back and forth as the wheels turn. The boy has fixed arms partially covering his crying eyes. His face too is very expressive with the characteristic Mamoru face and details. The boys clothing is painted in green with a small checkered pattern. The round push car is also decorated with horizontal red, blue and yellow strips as well as the wheels of the push car. The piece was signed by the artist and was done so because these pieces were sold as a souvenirs to bring home to their children. During this time frame, craftsmen began to sign both Kokeshi dolls and Toys because many of them began to be exported.
For further reading about Yajirou-key family go to: https://mingeiarts.com/collections/yajirou-kei-family and https://mingeiarts.com/collections/artisan-interactive-toymaker-tsuta-family-sakuzuo-mamoru-fumio-1892-1944
NOTE: The pigments used in this doll's creation are not colorfast, so colors may fade if brought into contact with water. The entire figure should be handled carefully at all times as it has been by the previous owner who treasured the works of the Tsuta family.
Condition: Pristine meaning that the piece retains its original craft/workmanship and functions as intended, showing a wonderful-developed patina and is void of damage, cracks, breakage, or repairs and meets all the standards of the collectible Vintage Traditional Yajirou Kokeshi 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 toy making from generation to generation and have been producing for over 100 years. Son, Fumio, continues to produce and sell their creations at the Onogawa Onsen, Yamagata Prefecture, since the beginning of this family enterprise. 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.