Vintage Japanese Daruma Gambling Game by Tsuta Family (1944-)
Dimensions: 6-0"h x 2-0-3/4"dia.
In Japan, Koma Asobi (top spinning) gets its name from the Buddhist Holy man, (Daruma) whose character decorates the container of this simple game, which has been enjoyed by children and adults. It is especially popular during the New Year holidays in Japan. A spinning top is a toy that can be spun on an axis, balancing on a point. As with this Daruma game, the top is a miniature figure of Daruma with a spinning top balanced on this head and has historically been used for gambling and prophecy.
The body of the piece has a full representation of Daruma including the use of his characteristic meditative eyes and eyebrows, large nose, and expressive mouth/lips. On the top of the main Daruma figure are dice-shaped graphics to facilitate the same. A good luck graphic is seen on the front of the figure. Some role-playing gamers still use tops to augment dice in generating randomized results related to one's future; it is, in this case, referred to as a spinner. Japanese tops are considered some of the very best in the world. The piece is signed on the bottom, Tsuta, but we cannot translate the remaining portion of the signature, except because of the subject we think it is Mamoru, (1928-2009), the father of Fumio who is still producing.
Condition: Excellent condition with minimal effects for use and aging. Retains original handprinted color and design with all associated parts intact. The top is well-balanced and spins perfectly. There are no missing elements, no scratches or imperfections related to daily use with all detailed elements intact.
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Japanese Traditional Kokeshi | Yajirou-Kei (Family)
Prefecture: Miyagi
Origin:
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 wood-craft. Those who made kokeshi in their spare time sent their wives to the nearby Kamasaki Onsen to sell their work to tourist shops and through onsens.
Collector's note – characteristics/painting style:
The majority of this style has distinct waists and wider bases, making them very stable. Yajirou dolls are some of the most brightly painted of the traditional family set. 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. 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. 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 that have conical hats known as Suge-Gasa. Typically seen is one lid or double eyelids, cat or pick shaped nose. Yajirou kokeshi have been made from cherry wood, camellia, and maple, but the preferred wood is white dogwood, (mazuki).
NOTE: Both Yajirou ad Togutta dolls are sometimes created with loose rings circling the waists. Literally carved from the same wood as the body, a very meticulous method! This treatment is referred to as 'Yamiyo' style kokeshi. It is also seen on Tsuchiyu dolls, though very rarely.
Notable artists:
Satou Denki, b. 1909Satou Dennai, Master
Ishikawa Tokujiro, b. 1915
Niiyama Fukutaro, Master
Sato Tatsuro, b. 1928
Sato Imasaburo, Master
Hamatsu Heizaburo, b. 1933
Niiyama Sanai, MasterYajirou
Niiyama Yoshinori, b. 1960
Niiyama Yoshitaro, Grand Master