Vintage Japanese Traditional Nemariko / Narugo Kokeshi, entitled: Emotions by Sato, Minoru (1932-)
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Dimensions: 8-1/4”h
This is a very unusual and rare Kokeshi Nemariko doll because it represents a Kabuki actor, emphasizing strength through facial expression. Mie in the dynamic “aragoto”, (exaggerated), at an appropriate time in a performance, crosses his eyes and glares at the audience complimented by his body movements. The actor’s eyes will open as wide as possible to convey the drama of the pose; if they’re supposed to be angry, both eyes will be crossed.
Sato, Minoru made this Kokeshi which has a short, rotund style. It differs from the Ejiko dolls by being taller than they are wide. It has an exaggerated, bold hairstyle with bangs set wide apart, framing the face. The doll's head is mounted on wonderfully proportioned shoulders and includes the collar of the undergarment in black and red. The face has side hair fringes, a single eyelid with crossed eyes, and a cat nose. In this case, the artist emphasized the beautiful Chrysanthemums blossom that fills the lower front portion of the body. It is made of one solid piece of dogwood,(mizuki), and not hollowed out as Ejiko dolls are for storing miniature toys. On the base of the doll, we see ‘Rokoru Moyo’ horizontal stripe carving encircling the figure, which has a natural colored candle wax, (Rosoku no ro, to seal the wood from daily wear. The doll’s identification is signed in script by the artist and has his Hanko on the bottom.
Condition: Excellent, meaning that the piece retains its original craft/workmanship, and shows a wonderful-developed patina commensurate with its age. It is void of damage, cracks, breakage, or repairs, and meets all the collectible Traditional Nemriko/Naguro Kokeshi standards.
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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