Vintage Japanese Yajirou, Bodhidharma Kokeshi “Rattler” by Sato Tatsuo (1928-)

Dimensions: 12-0”h

In Japan, nature, religion, and society are deeply intertwined. Nowhere is this more evident than in the mind of the woodworkers and lathe-turners, whose philosophical and spiritual beliefs are at the heart of their craft. Japanese Folk Art has long been admired for its high craft, precision, and simplicity.  The Japanese believe in the Shinto philosophy, viewing trees as divine, and a means by which the gods descended to earth.  Later, Buddhism taught that Buddha attained enlightenment in the forest, beneath an ancient tree. Hence the basis for the making of a Buddha Kokeshi.

This VERY unusual Kokeshi entitled: Mezameta momo | The Awakened is made by a prize-winning woodworker who studied under Yajirou Kokeshi Master Sato, Imasaburo. The RARENESS of this doll and the most recognizable feature of this Kokeshi is that it is a “Rattler”. Its large head is hollow and filled with rice, (gara iri), which creates a gentle sound when shaken. As part of Shinto music, making rhythmic sounds such as rattles, are believed to purify the sacred space, and facilitate the presence of the divine during ceremonies and festivals, and is part of the indigenous religion of Japan.

The beautiful graphics on the face of the doll are intriguing and meant to symbolize radiance. Here the artist utilized the basic Yajirou face, showing one eyelid with an open eye, a pick-shaped nose, and an indication of Buddha’s simplified cheeks, with a simple small red dot, and expressive mouth. We see an abstract chrysanthemum on the top of the head and two Urna marks on the forehead with graphic swirls of hair above the eyebrows, symbolizing radiance. Additionally, there are side hair fringes, and most importantly, the inclusion of Buddha’s large earlobes, which are long but void of any ornamentation, because he was supposed to have given up such luxuries. This Yajirou utilizes Rokoru moyo-style horizontal line-work of a veritable rainbow of colors at the bottom portion of the doll, with the center portion left empty of decoration. The doll is lathe-turned from one piece of Dogwood. The piece has the acknowledgment on the base in beautiful script and is signed by the artist.

To read more about this Family of Kokeshi makers, go to:https://mingeiarts.com/collections/yajirou-kei-family, for there is limited biographical information on the artist.

Condition: Superb outstanding, excellent, impressive, and beautiful. There are no chips, cracks, breaks, missing pieces, or restoration, and retains its original details and finish. The piece meets all the standards of the vintage collectible Traditional Yajirou Kokeshi.