Vintage Japanese Sosaku Kokeshi entitled: Abundant Good Fortune” by Shibuya, Shinraku

Sale price$175.00

Dimensions: 5-1/2” h x 4-1/4” dia.

This is an extremely unusual Kokeshi representing Otafuku also known as Okame, (1392-1569). She is considered the “Joy of Japan”. In Shrines, Temples, and homes throughout Japan, you are likely to encounter the plump, smiling image of Otakfku, (Okame). She’s always there, waiting, with a smile and warmth in her heart. She is considered a mystic figure, having roots in Japan’s distant past. Otafuku remains present in every village through Rakugo and Hanashika plays, and in the hearts of the Japanese people. 

On the front of this figure is a portrait of Otafuku presented in full profile—a somewhat uncommon rendering, though precedents exist in surviving works in both wood and work on paper attributed to Shibuya, Shinraku. Shibuya-san is a prolific artist of religious figures. His work dates from the 1960s until his death.

Otafuku has very expressive ‘Kujira-me’ (whale’s eye), voluptuous lips, and a soft smile symbolizing peace and long life. Her delineated face has three wrinkles in her chin, indicating a worldly woman. From under her hair, she has red pudgy cheeks and always shows two red circular dots called Urna, (religious mark), on her forehead. Her hair has long had a social, religious, erotic, and psychological significance and is usually seen as a tuft of hair, on the back of the head cascading down the back. Although not shown, in other forms, she would have had a long tuft of hair, which has the purpose of being a perch for gods. This is based on what was known as the YORISIRO phenomenon, and it is a very important Shinto concept. 

Additionally, Shinraku’s interpretation of this figure with its quirky-yet captivating look and her association with the Samurai, is seen through the addition of the bullseye, (Zuboshi), and arrow feathers, (Kyudo), sumi-e’ style painted details in black and red ink. The negative space gives form and volume to the doll. It is most interesting that Shibuya continues to use both traditional and creative elements to express his feelings about Japanese life and values. The doll is signed on the back with his name and full details about this creation.

The piece was published in the 2022 publication of Sosaku Kokeshi: Celebrating the Major Artists of the Creative Movement. For more information on this artist go to the following links: https://mingeiarts.com/blogs/celebration-of-mingei-journey-through-japan/rakugo-story-teller-figurines-hakuin-otafuku and https://mingeiarts.com/collections/artisan-woodworker-shibuya-shinraku.

Condition: Excellent for its age, with very good detailing; no fading or chipping; and is commensurate with its age and meets all the standards of vintage collectible Sosaku Kokeshi.