Vintage Japanese Traditional Nakanosawa Kokeshi “Takobozu” by Fumio, Kakizaki (1947-)

Sale price$175.00

Dimensions: 12-0”h

This is a traditional Nakanosawa Kokeshi and is unusual because of its size. It is by one of the family's Grand carvers. He apprenticed under Takeo, Takahashi, and Yoshizo, Iwamoto, one of the original craftsmen who helped establish this style in the 1920s. This family of dolls was previously considered a sub-strain of the Tsuchiyu style. 

The specific type of Kokeshi is often described as male rather than female, by Kokeshi enthusiasts even though it was not specifically designed to be a male. It is referred to as "Tako bozu", (bald boys), with an octopus face and shaven head reminiscent of the hairstyle worn by monks. The facial expression shows 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 on 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 over-sized head, with a long tuft of hair on the head, cascading down the back. This is based on what was known as the YORISIRO phenomenon, and it is a very important Shinto concept for Buddhists and has long had a social, religious, erotic, and psychological significance. The doll additionally has side hair fringes which was typical of practitioners of the Zen Buddhist faith. The doll shows large expressive Bikkuri-me, surprised eyes, and the expressive ’Shishi-bata’,Lion’s nose with flared nostrils. He exhibits a faint reddish-to-pink blush around the eyes, and an open mouth with a red tongue, which were painted originally on the dancer's pillow. Seen are ‘Janome’ black rings painted on the top of its head with abstract peony petals on the side with bangs. ‘Rokoru moyo’, red bands are incorporated below the neck and lower body on the thin and tapering body. The painted body incorporates two large open red and black peony flowers inspired by the tattoos that the Geisha sported.  The doll is signed by the artist on the bottom of the doll by Fumio-san. 

See additional writings on our website related to this subject: Under our Browse and Learn section, please refer to https://mingeiarts.com/collections/nakanosowa-family for full details on the history and development of this style doll.

Condition: Excellent, meaning that the piece retains its original craft/workmanship, showing a wonderful- developed patina commensurate with its vintage. It is void of damage, cracks, breakage, or repairs, and meets all the standards of the collectible Traditional Nakanosawa Kokeshi, recording the historical significance related to the establishment of this family of dolls and its uniqueness.