Unusual Japanese ‘Rattler’ Yajirou Kokeshi by Niiyama, Keimi (b.1925)
Dimensions: 12-1/4”h
This VERY unusual Kokeshi is rare because it it a ‘Rattler’ by a prize-winning woodworker who studied under Yajirou Kokeshi Master Sato, Meiji, who was associated with the Shirabu Spa/Onsen and Yamagata, Japan. Niiyama has won numerous recognitions and prizes for his accomplishments which begin in the mid-40s until the end of his life. There is no biographical information on this artist nor do we know the year he passed away.
The most recognizable feature of this “Rattler” Kokeshi, is its large head that is hollow and filled with rice, (gara iri), which creates a gentle sound when it is shaken. The top of the head shows red, purple rings with a red center spot on a black background that represents hair. The head has painted beret-like feature with side-hair fringes framing the face. The face is detailed with expressive one lid or double eyelids, cat nose and red lips. This Yajirou utilizes Rokoru moyo style horizontal lifework of veritable rainbow of colors, from the usual red and purple bands on the center portion of the body as well as circulating the neck and base of the body. The upper body indicates simple brush stokes in red simulating the kimono collar on the bodice. Finally there is a large abstract chrysanthemum on the bottom of the figure and abstract petals on the back of the doll. The doll is lathe-turned from one piece of Dogwood. The piece has the acknowledgement on the base in beautiful script and signed by the artist.
Condition: Excellent, original condition, with no fading or loss of color and consistent with age and standards retaining the original craft/workmanship showing a wonderfully-developed patina. The piece meets all the standards of Traditional Yajirou Kokeshi collectibles.
Japanese Traditional Kokeshi
Yajirou-Kei (Family)
Prefecture: Miyagi
Origin:
This strain of Kokeshi is said to have been an offshoot of the Tougatta strain and is far less refined. That eventually developed into a unique style that remains today. The creators of these dolls hail from the small farming village of Yajirou-machi near Kamasaki Onsen, in Miyagi Prefecture, once a farming village between two tall mountains. The Kiji-shi (woodworkers) divided their time between farming and woodcraft. Those who made kokeshi in their spare time sent their wives to the nearby Kamasaki Onsen to sell their work to tourist shops and onsens.
Collector's note – characteristics/painting style:
The majority of this style has distinct waists, or (kubire), where the body tapers inward, with a wider, flared base similar to a kimono, thus making them very stable. The upper body usually has a hand-painted collar with horizontal stripes encircling the body, as in the Rokoru-moyo style, and vertical stripes running below the waist to the base of the doll. However, Yajirou dolls can also be found with a series of chrysanthemum petals running down the front of the body, or a branch of plum blossoms, as the only decoration. Yajirou dolls are some of the most brightly painted of the traditional family group. Utilizing a veritable rainbow of colours, from the usual red and black to green, yellow, and even blue and purple, they are available in probably the widest range of shapes. Some also have a painted beret-like feature or a bun on their heads, similarly painted with a red center spot. Less common are Yajirou who have conical hats known as Suge-Gasa. Typically seen is one lid or double eyelids and a cat or pick-shaped nose. Yajirou kokeshi have been made from cherry wood, camellia, and maple, but the preferred wood is white dogwood, (Mizuki). And finally, both Yajirou and Tougutta dolls are sometimes created with loose rings circling the waists. Carved from the same wood as the body, which is a very meticulous method! This treatment is referred to as 'Yamiyo' style kokeshi.
Leading, Craftsmen:
Niiyama, Keimi, 1925, (Shirabu, Yamagata) - Master Niiyama, Keimi
Niiyama, Fukutaro, 1898-1965 - No additional published information
Niiyama Fukuo, 1922, (Yajiro Shironishi, Miyagi) - Master: Niiyama, Fukutaro
Niiyama, Hisaharu, 1942-2008 - No additional published information
Niiyama, Sanai (Master) - No additional published information
Oizumi, Kiyoni - No additional published information
Saito Masao, 1932, (Shiroishi, Miyagi) - Master: Sato, Tsugio
Sato Tatsuo, 1928-2009, (Yajiro Shiroishi , Miyagi) - Master: Sato, Imasaburo
Sato Yoshiaki, 1936, (Shiroishi Miyagi) - Master: Sato, Tatsuo
Sato, Koichi, 1936, (Shiroishi, Miyagi) - Master:Hamatsu, Heisaburo
Explore & Learn More about Yajirou-Kei (Family)