Vintage Traditional Yajirou Kokeshi by Tokujiro Ishikama
Dimensions: 5-0”h; 3-3/4”h
The creator of this pair of small dolls by Master Kokeshi carver, Tokujiro Ishikama, (1915-) hails from the small farming village of Yajirou-machi near Kamasaki Onsen in Miyagi Prefecture, once a farming village between two, tall mountains. The kiji-shi (woodworkers), during this period, used their spare time making Kokeshi souvenirs which their wives use to deliver to the nearby Kamasaki Onsen to sell their work to Japanese travelers staying at Onsens, (hot springs) in the area.
Both of these dolls were made in 1945 and have distinct waists and wider bases affording these dolls stability for the undulating upper bodies. As opposed to the typical Yajirou Kokeshi colorations, which are brightly painted, these two unusual pair have only black traditional detailing and decoration based on this family style of the motif. The upper body usually has a hand-painted collar with horizontal stripes encircling the body, as in the ‘Rokoru moyo’ style, with a vertical Kimono detailing running below the waist to the base of the doll. The taller of the pair has a bun treatment of hairstyle on her head, and the smaller doll has a circular treatment painted with a black center spot. Each has bangs and side hair fringes. Typically seen are one lid or double eyelids, a cat, (Neko-Bana), and a pick-shaped nose. Both dolls are made from maple. Both pieces are signed by the artist in script on the bottom.
For further information see, Japanese Traditional Kokeshi | Yajirou-Kei (Family) in our Browse and Learn section.
Condition: Excellent and beautiful examples and conditions affording each doll age-old elegance. Retains the original craft/workmanship showing a wonderfully-developed patina commensurate with age and unrestored. Each piece meets all the standards of Traditional Kokeshi collectibles and is an exceptional piece for the collectors of Yajirou Family dolls.
Japanese Traditional Kokeshi
Yajirou-Kei (Family)
Prefecture: Miyagi
Origin:
This strain of Kokeshi is said to have been an offshoot of the Tougatta strain and is far less refined. That eventually developed into a unique style that remains today. The creators of these dolls hail from the small farming village of Yajirou-machi near Kamasaki Onsen, in Miyagi Prefecture, once a farming village between two tall mountains. The Kiji-shi (woodworkers) divided their time between farming and woodcraft. Those who made kokeshi in their spare time sent their wives to the nearby Kamasaki Onsen to sell their work to tourist shops and onsens.
Collector's note – characteristics/painting style:
The majority of this style has distinct waists, or (kubire), where the body tapers inward, with a wider, flared base similar to a kimono, thus making them very stable. The upper body usually has a hand-painted collar with horizontal stripes encircling the body, as in the Rokoru-moyo style, and vertical stripes running below the waist to the base of the doll. However, Yajirou dolls can also be found with a series of chrysanthemum petals running down the front of the body, or a branch of plum blossoms, as the only decoration. Yajirou dolls are some of the most brightly painted of the traditional family group. Utilizing a veritable rainbow of colours, from the usual red and black to green, yellow, and even blue and purple, they are available in probably the widest range of shapes. Some also have a painted beret-like feature or a bun on their heads, similarly painted with a red center spot. Less common are Yajirou who have conical hats known as Suge-Gasa. Typically seen is one lid or double eyelids and a cat or pick-shaped nose. Yajirou kokeshi have been made from cherry wood, camellia, and maple, but the preferred wood is white dogwood, (Mizuki). And finally, both Yajirou and Tougutta dolls are sometimes created with loose rings circling the waists. Carved from the same wood as the body, which is a very meticulous method! This treatment is referred to as 'Yamiyo' style kokeshi.
Leading, Craftsmen:
Niiyama, Keimi, 1925, (Shirabu, Yamagata) - Master Niiyama, Keimi. No additional published information
Niiyama, Fukutaro, 1898-1965 - No additional published information
Niiyama Fukuo, 1922, (Yajiro Shironishi, Miyagi) - Master: Niiyama, Fukutaro. No additional published information
Niiyama, Hisaharu, 1942-2008 - No additional published information
Niiyama, Sanai (Master) - No additional published information
Oizumi, Kiyoni - No additional published information
Saito Masao, 1932, (Shiroishi, Miyagi) - Master: Sato, Tsugio. No additional published information
Sato Tatsuo, 1928-2009, (Yajiro Shiroishi , Miyagi) - Master: Sato, Imasaburo. No additional published information
Sato Yoshiaki, 1936, (Shiroishi Miyagi) - Master: Sato, Tatsuo. No additional published information
Sato, Koichi, 1936, (Shiroishi, Miyagi) - Master:Hamatsu, Heisaburo. No additional published information
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