Vintage, RARE Traditional Nemariko Narugo Kokeshi by Okazaki, Yasuo
Dimensions: 12-0”h
This Kokeshi was made by Okazaki, Yasuo, (b. 1954-), and has a short, rotund style, and differs from the Ejiko dolls by being taller than they are wide, with bangs set wide apart being its definitive feature. The head has side fringes, a single eyelid, and a cat nose. In this case, two elongated black and gray Chrysanthemums blossoms fill the lower front portion of the body. We also see ‘Rokoru Moyo’ circular treatment incorporated to create an impression of the collar, and frames the decorative portion of the Kimono. It is made of one solid piece of wood, the head will turn and squeak, supposedly like a baby crying, just as their larger sister models do. This piece is not hollowed out to contain toys as some others were for storage of miniature toys. This particular doll is made of dogwood, (mizuki), which was the preferred wood at the time, so as to emphasize the beautiful detailed floral motif, and is finished with a natural colored candle wax, (Rosoku no ro). The piece is signed by the artist on the bottom.
Condition: Excellent, original condition, with no fading or loss of color and consistent with age. The piece meets all the standards of collectible Folk Art.
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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