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Kokeshi, Japanese Folk Toy, Tsugaru -kei browse these categories for related items... All Items: Artisan and Design:Folk Art: Pre 2000: item # 414379 Please refer to our stock # PNK-23 when inquiring.
WaSabiDou Antiques and Folk Crafts Seattle, WA showroom viewing by appointment 206.660.4189 Guest Book SOLD |
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| Kokeshi, wooden folk toy of NE Japan. Height: 9.5". This is an example of kokeshi from Aomori Prefecture, the northernmost prefecture on the main island of Honshu. It is classified as "Tsugaru-kei", Tsugaru being the old name for this region, with a lesser classification of "Nuruyu," the hot spring area where many Aomori kokeshi artisans are located. It was made by Satou Yoshiki, who was born on September 26th, 1959 (Showa 24.) It is signed by the artisan, which the additional notation "Sensei (Teacher) Satou Zenji." Satou Zenji was Yoshiki's father, and a well-known kokeshi craftsman in a lineage of father-to-son kokeshi makers. He was born in 1925, and passed away on June 30th, Showa 60 (1985.) The shape of Aomori kokeshi is unique among the various styles, with the hourglass-shaped figure. The dotted banding around the shoulders are reminiscent of the tatoo designs of the Ainu people, who once populated this region, but have long since been relegated further north to the island of Hokkaido. For a brief story on "dentou" (traditional) kokeshi, please see our weblog, which can be accessed through our Trocadero homepage. | ||
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