Vintage Traditional Tsuchiyu Kokeshi by Watanabe, Tetsuo

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Dimensions: 9-1/2” h

This unusual and very rare variation of the Traditional Tsuchiyu Kokeshi by Watanabe-san, (born 1937-), is from the Fukushima prefecture. There are several very unique features of this doll, beginning with a complicated bulbous body form incorporating “chattering’ on the top of the jacket and base of the figure. Additionally, the carver has incorporated a meticulous treatment of three loose wood rings carved from the same wood as the body and circles the lower portion of the waist. This treatment is referred to as “Yamiyo”, which adds a toy-like element to the form. The second most unique element is a large conical hat known as Sugegasa, an accessory almost forgotten in history. Only on traditional occasions, people are still wearing this Japanese traditional hat. As seen in this Kokeshi, the hat represents a very wide-brimmed style, having concentric circles in red, purple, and green on the top, called Janome, which mimicked lacquered umbrellas, (Kasa). The center of the hat exemplifies the use of “chattering that has a red top knot to finish off this element. The face is framed with black bangs and side hair fringe with red bows and has eyes called Fatae-Mabuta (double lid), a nose called Tare-Bata (long nose), and a simple indication of a mouth with red lips. The piece has its name and is signed by the artist on the bottom of the figure.

For further information see our section entitled “Browse by Family”, Japanese Traditional Kokeshi | Tsuchiyu-Kei (Family).

Condition: Excellent and beautiful condition affording the doll age-old elegance. Retains the original craft/workmanship showing a wonderfully-developed patina commensurate with age and unrestored. The piece meets all the standards of Traditional Kokeshi collectibles and is an exceptional piece for collectors of Tsuchiyu Family dolls.