Vintage Japanese Traditional Tougatta Kokeshi of Otafuku by Sato, Teruo (1919-)

Dimensions: 3-1/4” h

This is an extremely RARE, fun, and expressive Tougatta doll representing Otafuku, also known as Okame, who is considered to be the “goddess of mirth and sexuality”. She’s always there, waiting, with a smile and warmth in her heart, and is considered a mystic figure having roots in Japan’s distant past. Otafuku and Okame are different names for the same female figure. 

This particular Tougatta doll has black hair which is sculpted, and frames her face, flowing under her chin. There is a long tuft of hair on the back of the head cascading down her back. This long tuft of hair has the purpose of being a perch for gods. This is based on what was known as the YORISIRO phenomenon and it is a very important Shinto concept for Buddhist women. It has long had social, religious, erotic, and psychological significance.

Otafuku has very expressive eyes, voluptuous lips, and a soft smile symbolizing peace and long life.  She has red pudgy cheeks, a flat nose, and a warm smile with a red welcoming mouth. The lower portion of her face has three wrinkles in her chin, indicating a worldly woman. She has two Urna marks on her forehead. On her Kimono is a hand fan with a simplified version of the red Japanese “rising sun”, (Asahi), that was used as a samurai’s crest called a “Hisshimon”. The doll is titled and signed in script by Sato, Teruo.

To read more about this Family of Kokeshi makers go to: https://mingeiarts.com/collections/tougatta-kei-family

Condition: Excellent meaning that the piece retains its original craft/workmanship showing a wonderful- developed patina commensurate with age and suggests a degree of ware that corresponds to its age. It is void of damage, cracks, breakage, or repairs. This doll meets all the standards of the collectible Traditional Tougatta-kei Kokeshi.