Vintage Japanese Toy
Vintage Japanese Traditional Narugo-Ejiko with Koma (spinning tops) by Shougo Takahashi
Age:Late 1950s
Descriptive qualities& condition:
Dimensions: 7-0”h x 5-1/2” dia
This is an exceptionally large Japanese Ejiko which follows the same basic short, rotund style of this style of container containing six original lacquered and multi-colored spinning tops. The piece is hollowed out, with a separate, upper part of the body with a head in the Narugo Family style that serves as the cover, (Obunko). The cover incorporates delicate chattering on the collar of the piece that establishes the base for the traditional detailing of the head/face, with a body that is beautifully painted in bright yellow with autumn leaves of red and black scattered around the form. As in this case, the interior of these pieces was always filled with miniature toys such as spinning tops, (Koma) which afforded entertainment for children while the parents were working in the fields making a living. The container retains the artist’s interpretation of design as applied to the standard traditional Ejiko that were made by multiple Families made at the time.
As with this Ejiko the facial features, in particular, is the same as the regular-shaped dolls, and in this case the Narugo Family of Kokeshi as will the hair and any other decorations on the head. The Ejiko is the only other doll form that transcends all ten+one different traditional types. While this form is not considered a separate member of the ten original families, it later was accepted by collectors as its own entity, and as a traditional doll in its own right.
Condition: Excellent, original condition, with no fading or loss of color and consistent with age and standards of collectible Folk Art. All details are perfect and as crafted.
Japanese Traditional Kokeshi | Narugo-Kei (Family)
Prefecture: Miyaka
Origin:
These are the popular “squeaking or crying child” dolls and are made of two pieces, with the head being attached to the body via a snap-in projection, allowing it to be turned, thus making the squeak. Naru is "sound or "cry," and ko is "child." Thus, naruko is "crying child," It's no surprise, then, that the Naruko kokeshi "cries" when her head is turned. They originally came from Narugo Onsen in Miyagi Prefecture and originated sometime in the Edo period when there were approximately 125 craftsmen producing this style. The Narugo kokeshi has been labeled the most sophisticated.
Collector's note – characteristics / painting style:
Narugo dolls are one of the most well-known families of Kokeshi and are defined by their straight-shaped body, narrowing slightly at the waist with beveled shoulders. Bangs set wide apart are the definitive feature of the head with side fringes, a single eyelid, and a cat nose. They also are very balanced, and typically have paintings of chrysanthemum, (Kiku), Iris (Ayame), or peony (Botan). Though these basically plain dolls are not as decorative as others of the Traditional school, their unique, flowing forms are stronger visually because of their inherent elegance.
Notable artists:
Oonuma, Jun, b. 1924
Oonuma Sinbei, Master
Izu Mamoru, b.1925
Izu Sadao, Master
Kakizawa Koretaka, b. 1930
Takahashi Morio, Master
