Vintage Japanese Tougatta-kei Daruma Kokeshi by Hoshi Hiroaki | Religious Kokeshi

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Dimensions: 4-1/2”h x 3-3/4” dia.

Tougatta dolls are thought to be the oldest family members of the Traditional school. They originated in the Tougatta Onsen in the Miyagi Prefecture, and were subsequently being produced also at Aone Onsen, and the cities of Sendai, and Izumi.

This Daruma, (Bodhidharma) was a monk who began the Zen School of Buddhism. The original hand painting design has been fully retained and beautifully detailed. He has exceptionally expressive face showing Daruma’s intense drive and determination with opened eyes and black pupils and a pronounced wrinkled nose, with a very detailed and heavy beard. His eyebrows are heavy black and shaped like cranes (which are said to live 10,000 years”), and which is common for this characteristic style of doll. The doll is lathe-turning from beech (Buna-zai) wood, and was finished with a type of natural candle wax, (Roseau no ro). The artists signature is on the bottom of the doll. The top of the doll has additional script writings pertaining to protection against evil spirits as well on the back of the doll indicating that he studied studied under Master: Honda Kametoshi. On the lower portion of the front of his robe has one of several symbols of good luck.

Condition:  Excellent vintage condition, commensurate with use and age and retaining the original craft/workmanship and natural features of the wood from which it is made—an Exceptional representation of this notable religious founder of the Zen sect of Buddhism. The piece meets all the standards of Zen Buddhist art from this period.