Vintage Japanese Traditional Nemariko / Narugo Kokeshi, entitled: Emotions by Sato, Minoru (1932-)

Sale price$165.00
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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.