Traditional Vintage ‘Takobozu’ Nakanosawa Kokeshi by Saito, Tokuju, Tsuchiyu Family

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Dimensions: 7-1/4”h

This is traditional Nakanosawa Kokeshi of the Tsuchiyu-kei family by Fukuchi Yoshio, (1927-1985). His masters were Iawamoto Yoshizou and Aba Ichio. This style of Kokeshi was originally created by Iwamoto Zenkichi of the Nakanosawa Onsen, and after his death, his son Yoshizou, along with other prominent craftsmen like Fukuchi, Yoshio keeping the Nakanosawa doll’s tradition alive. 

The specific type of Kokeshi is referred to as Takobozu (an octopus face with a shaven head reminiscent of that worn by monks with Janome black and green Rokoru rings painted on its head with side hair fringes). The facial expression show humor that is representative of Iwamoto Kenichi, a street dancer, (Sutorītodansā) in the 1920s who used a cushion that had a face with large eyes painted it. His audience was soon so taken with his dance with the pillow that they asked for a doll to be made with these special features.  This Kokeshi has a characteristically large over-sized head and unique large expressive Bikkuri-me eyes, (surprised eyes) and expressive Shishi-bata Lion’s nose with flared nostrils. Many have a reddish to pink blush around the eyes, that was painted on the pillow and open mouth with red tongue. The painted body of the doll displays abstract red peony flowers with green grasses inspired by the tattoos that the Geisha sported. with Rokoru varying width bands below the neck and lower body. The doll is signed by the artist on the bottom of the doll.

Condition: Excellent vintage condition and as originally made. All of the represented colors show no fading or discoloration with “refined and crisp” drawing/coloration on a fine wood base. Beautiful polished patina developed from age. These beguiling dolls have a special attraction to collectors because of their history.

NOTE: Under our Browse and Learn section, please refer to Browse by Family, Nakanosowa Family for full details on the history and development of this style doll.