Vintage Traditional Tsugaru Daruma Set by Zenji Sato (1925-1985)

Dimensions: Large: 2-1/2”h x 3-1/4” dia. Small: 1-3/4” h x 1-3/4” dia.

This pair of Vintage Traditional Tsugaru Daruma Kokeshi dolls are by Zenji, Sato (1925), a Tsugaru Kokeshi master who learned Kokeshi making from master Hidetaro Mori. This Daruma is a rendition of a Buddhist monk Bodhidharma believed to have founded Zen Buddhism and Japanese tea. The doll focuses specifically on Daruma’s face which is extremely expressive and distorted in its expression with large eyes, wide nose, and downturned mouth. And, finally, “red” on all Daruma dolls as with this figure is focused on his hooded robe, and said to ward off misfortune and guarantee family security.

Zenji became famous for Kokeshi he created with Daruma faces on the body of the figure called “Kobei”. As illustrated on his dolls Daruma has deep roots and meaning and therefore Daruma dolls, made by Kokeshi craftsmen, fetch higher prices than kokeshi dolls because there are not many Daruma dolls made by Kokeshi craftsmen, although many do exist in many forms and materials including the “okiagari-koboshi” (roll-poly doll). Daruma Kokeshi are constant reminders of what the Japanese call the “ganbaru” spirit, (the ability to persevere). 

Zenji was famous for drawing feet on the bottom of his Kokeshi dolls along with his name. One rarely sees this type of treatment, because it was considered rebellious by a traditional family of Kokeshi craftsmen. This piece is one of several sizes, without feet signed by Zenji, and fully titled. 

Condition: Both are outstanding excellent, impressive, and beautiful. These are RARE pieces for the collector of traditional Kokeshi to complete one’s collection. There is no fading, no chips, cracks, breaks, missing pieces, or restoration, and retains its original details and finish with an exceptional ‘hand’ (touch).

Additional Information: Tsugaru dolls, which originated in the Aomori Prefecture in the region of the same name, are sometimes also known as Nuruyu dolls, originally fabricated by Hidetaro Mori and which made their appearance at Nuruyu ("lukewarm") Onsen, in the city of Kuroishi. There are numerous dolls made by Zenji’s son Yoshiki, that are not as valuable as the original, who was born in 1949 and died in 2007. For more information go to: https://mingeiarts.com/collections/tsugaru-kei-family