Vintage Traditional Nakanosowa Takobozu Kokeshi by Master Fumio, Kakizaki (1947-)

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Dimensions: 15-1/4” h

This is an exceptionally large and rare doll by this artist and represents a sub-strain of the Nakanosowa, a member of the Tsuchiyu family. However, it is so obviously different from the rest of this family that it warrants its "own" classification as a transitional doll (a doll that has aspects of the traditional Tsuchiyu doll and creative motifs incorporated into the body. Fumio, now 75 years of age studied under Masters, Takeo Takahashi, and Yoshizo Iwamoto. The doll is affectionately nicknamed “Take boze”, (which translates octopus) with a characteristically shaved and painted head. This stream of Kokeshi is inspired by a street dancer named Iwamoto Kenichi who performed a fast-tempo foot dance called a "Kappore" and conducted dancing lessons for local geisha girls.

The face was so distinctive that it was given its own identity. The face is the distinguishing feature that always incorporates the Bikkuri-me, (surprised eyes), with blushes around the eyes, and the Shishi-Bana, (lion’s nose), and a unique mouth. The elongated thin body incorporates the Rokuru Moyo horizontal lines framing realistic and abstract flowers on all sides of the doll. The dominant color is red, with some accents of green. It shows black concentric circles on the top of the head called Jano-me, together with a draped red bow loop on the sides of the temporal head (Kase). Even though this specific doll is based on a male street performed, one of the most unique features of this doll that the use of what is referred to as Yorisiro in which Buddhist women gathered their hair into a tuft, and wrapped it to drape down of the head. It was used as a Shinto “purity” symbol and meant to avoid the use of hair ornamentation ornamenting which was believed to encourage disrespect and a self-indulgent lifestyle. The doll is signed by the artist.

Condition: Excellent, outstandingly large, impressive, and beautiful. No chips, cracks, breaks, missing pieces, or restoration, and retains its original details with slight marks of aging. While considered a sub-strain of the Tsuchiyu Kokeshi, these beguiling dolls have a special attraction to collectors because of their history. The piece meets all the standards of the collectible Nakanosowa Traditional Dolls.