Vintage Japanese Traditional Narugo Nemariko by Okazaki Yasuo
Dimensions: 4-0”h
This beautiful miniature doll represents a sub-strain of the Narugo family. It is a popular style referred to as a “squeaking or crying child”, and made of two pieces, with the head being attached to the body via a snap-in projection, allowing it to be turned, thus making a squeak. Naru is "sound or "cry," and ko is "child." Thus, Naruko is "crying child," which is no surprise, then, that like the tall, full size Naruko Kokeshi sisters that also makes a "crying” sound when her head is turned.
This doll has a wide body with beveled shoulders and a narrow waist. If you look closely you will see very think and delicate and meticulous line work known as ‘Rokoru Moyo’ to further defining the form of the doll. It has bangs and side hair fringes which is a definitive feature of the head with a single eyelid, and a cat nose. It has a red Chrysanthemums blossoms and leaves as the main motif on the front of the figure. It is made of made of one piece of solid and beautifully colored Enju wood, (this wood has been handed down as a tree auspicious to ward off the devil, and good fortune). The motif has incorporated a lighter accent spot in the center of the body and finished with clear lacquer. The piece is signed in script on the bottom of the doll.
Condition: Excellent, original condition, with no fading or loss of color and consistent with age and standards of collectable Folk Art. She has a great touch and a fits nicely in one hand. All details perfect and as crafted.
Japanese Traditional Kokeshi
Narugo-Kei (Family)
Prefecture: Miyaka
Origin:
This strain of Kokeshi is the oldest family of Narugo from Miyagi Prefecture, founded by Onuma Matagoro in the late Edo period. Naruko Kokeshi is known for its unique body and head shape. 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, Narugo is "crying child”. It's no surprise, then, that the Naruko Kokeshi makes a crying sound when her head is turned. They originally came from Narugo Onsen in Miyagi Prefecture and originated sometime in the Edo period when approximately 120 craftsmen were producing this style. The Naruko kokeshi has been labeled the most distinctive and sophisticated. That said, the kanji for Naruko is still commonly seen with the kojin’s signature.
Collector's note – characteristics / painting style:
Narugo dolls are defined by their very cylindrical, thick, and straight-shaped bodies, narrowing slightly at the waist with a shoulder-beveled dome called a mori agari bubun. Its head is large and very round with narrow (Hitofude), one-stroke eyelids, plus an iris (Hitoe mabuta) and a slightly arched eyebrow. The nose is known as a cat’s nose, which is small and slightly curved. Its mouth consists of two small curved red lines or a small single red lip. Bangs are set wide apart and are the definitive feature of the head, with bangs over the forehead, side hair fringes, and a red ‘tegara ’- style ribbon. They also are very balanced and typically have paintings of chrysanthemums (Kiku), iris (Ayame), or peonies (Botan), and are occasionally painted black. Though these plain dolls are not as decorative as others of the Traditional school, their unique, flowing forms are stronger visually because of their inherent elegance.
Leading Craftsmen:
Akiyama, Chuichi, 1913-1984 - No additional published information
Hayashaka, Takashi, 1925-2010 - No additional published information
Izu Sadao, Master (no information published)
Kakizawa, Koretaka, 1940, (Narugo, Miyagi) - Master:Takahashi, Morio
Kishi, Mason, 1931-2010 - No additional published information
Matsuda, Mitsuo, 1929-2010 - No additional published information
Omiya, Masataka, 1939-1990 - No additional published information
Onuma, Matagoro,1924 - Grand Master Izu Mamoru, 1925, (Master: Izu, Sadao (Obanazawa, Yamagata)
Onuma, Kengo, 1937 - (Master :Onuma, Kenzaburo)
Samurai, Shoji, 1927-2011 - No additional published information
Sato, Yoshihiro, 1936-2015 - No additional published information
Sugi, Kunio, 1942 - (Master: Takakashi, Takeo)
Takahashi Morio, Master 1917 - (Master: Takahashi, Sakari)
Takahashi, Matsuko, 1920-2005 - No additional published information
Takahashi, Takeo, 1916-2005 - (Master: Takashi Takezo)
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