| 1996.010.079 |
Doll |
Wood Kokeshi Doll (older, detailed style)
Round swivel head with a knob, painted black hair with a red and white dot hair decoration, two red patches on forehead beside bangs, painted black eyebrows, eyes, nose, red mouth; body is painted with red and gold kimono, white under collar, haori with design of red and green maple leaves and black collar, light blue obi with white chrysanthemum and red leaf, red obi jime and pink obi age, apron with red leaves and green and white triangular patch near bottom. On bottom is written black ink kanji: "Made by Akimoto Hachi"
KOKESHI DOLLS:
"Kokeshi are said to have originated in the Tohoku region in the hands of the lathe-craftsmen who lived a gypsy life in the mountains of that region, seeking good wood material for their craft. Eventually, about the middle of the Edo Period, these craftsmen settled down near the many spas that abounded in that region, and began to make...kokeshi...may be related to the household god." from p. 26, The Folk Toys of Japan by Misako Shishido
"They date from the late Edo period when both leisure time and affluence in farming communities became not just a sought-after dream. Essentially a doll, the kokeshi are believed to have their origins in the practice of spiritualist religion...
Sumptuary laws surely had a creativehand in the first kokeshi's form taking. Probably it was a roughly human form turned on a handpowered wood lathe...Each is made from a single piece? of finely turned and finished hardwood. Wood varies widely but the most generally used type is the native dogwood which is both fine-grained and light in tone...Probably the most well-known, Naruko-no-kokeshi come from a small community located in the northwest of the prefecture and is one of main entry points for Kurikoma National Park. An abundance of hot springs makes kokeshi turning all the more lucrative a winter pastime." p. 21, Mingei: Japan's Enduring Folk Arts by Amaury Saint-Gilles
"The old style dolls were first crafted more than 300 years ago, perhaps during the Tokugawa Shogunate period. They are all female, and never include arms, legs, hands or feet. They are considered a "cottage" industry during the long winter months of the Tohoku district of Japan: Yamagata, Aomori, Miyagi, Fukushima and Akita Prefectures in Norther part of Honshu Island. While her huspand held the knife to whittle the long slim body with a round head, the wife pulled the pulley on the turning lathe mechanism which produced a gutteral sound pronounced as "kokeshi". Sizes vary from 1/2 inch to 5 feet tall. Each doll maker with dyes and paint would imbue his dolls with certain facial expressions, hair style, and a design of kimono and obi. He placed his signature on the bottom of each day's output. The skills and designs were passed down from one generation to the next, so a collector can identify them by prefecture, district, village and maker. The Naruka Hot Springs area of Miyagi Prefecture has developed a thriving village industry since 1945. They use modern equipment for the carving and employ many people to paint. The new style competes with the old style in popularity there. The new style kokeshi dolls reflect the coeducation movement in modern Japan. Boy and girl dolls sold in pairs became popular and have been mass produced and exported all over the world. Characters out of folktales and literature are available...Almost all of the modern dolls have moveable heads. Only Yamagata old-style dolls have moveable heads. Old-style doll collectors in Japan have formed a national society organization which promotes the study of the art. Many of the members are well-to-do artists, scholars, and business people. They visit the more remote mountain villages, buying, exchanging and publish their findings and photos in scholarly journals. It was my privilege to become an honorary member during 1952-54." Georgia Sealoff (donor) |
| 1996.010.080 |
Doll |
Wood Kokeshi Doll
Round swivel head with painted black hair on top and sides with red dots, black eyebrows, eyes, nose, red mouth; taiko drum shaped body with painted set of 3 red stripes at top and bottom and black bamboo leaves alternating with green pine clusters. Hole in bottom and "Japan" stamped beside it. Representing a jizo sama (memorial for a child)
KOKESHI DOLLS:
"Kokeshi are said to have originated in the Tohoku region in the hands of the lathe-craftsmen who lived a gypsy life in the mountains of that region, seeking good wood material for their craft. Eventually, about the middle of the Edo Period, these craftsmen settled down near the many spas that abounded in that region, and began to make...kokeshi...may be related to the household god." from p. 26, The Folk Toys of Japan by Misako Shishido
"They date from the late Edo period when both leisure time and affluence in farming communities became not just a sought-after dream. Essentially a doll, the kokeshi are believed to have their origins in the practice of spiritualist religion...
Sumptuary laws surely had a creativehand in the first kokeshi's form taking. Probably it was a roughly human form turned on a handpowered wood lathe...Each is made from a single piece? of finely turned and finished hardwood. Wood varies widely but the most generally used type is the native dogwood which is both fine-grained and light in tone...Probably the most well-known, Naruko-no-kokeshi come from a small community located in the northwest of the prefecture and is one of main entry points for Kurikoma National Park. An abundance of hot springs makes kokeshi turning all the more lucrative a winter pastime." p. 21, Mingei: Japan's Enduring Folk Arts by Amaury Saint-Gilles
"The old style dolls were first crafted more than 300 years ago, perhaps during the Tokugawa Shogunate period. They are all female, and never include arms, legs, hands or feet. They are considered a "cottage" industry during the long winter months of the Tohoku district of Japan: Yamagata, Aomori, Miyagi, Fukushima and Akita Prefectures in Norther part of Honshu Island. While her huspand held the knife to whittle the long slim body with a round head, the wife pulled the pulley on the turning lathe mechanism which produced a gutteral sound pronounced as "kokeshi". Sizes vary from 1/2 inch to 5 feet tall. Each doll maker with dyes and paint would imbue his dolls with certain facial expressions, hair style, and a design of kimono and obi. He placed his signature on the bottom of each day's output. The skills and designs were passed down from one generation to the next, so a collector can identify them by prefecture, district, village and maker. The Naruka Hot Springs area of Miyagi Prefecture has developed a thriving village industry since 1945. They use modern equipment for the carving and employ many people to paint. The new style competes with the old style in popularity there. The new style kokeshi dolls reflect the coeducation movement in modern Japan. Boy and girl dolls sold in pairs became popular and have been mass produced and exported all over the world. Characters out of folktales and literature are available...Almost all of the modern dolls have moveable heads. Only Yamagata old-style dolls have moveable heads. Old-style doll collectors in Japan have formed a national society organization which promotes the study of the art. Many of the members are well-to-do artists, scholars, and business people. They visit the more remote mountain villages, buying, exchanging and publish their findings and photos in scholarly journals. It was my privilege to become an honorary member during 1952-54." Georgia Sealoff (donor) |
| 1996.010.081 |
Doll |
Wood Kokeshi Doll
Immovable drum shaped head, painted red petal shapes on top of head and sides, black bangs and side pieces, black eyebrows, eyes, pointed black nose, red dot for mouth; body is bullet shaped with two red stripes around top and bottom and down front 3 pine tree motifs (faded). On bottom is black ink kanji which is difficult to read. |
| 1996.010.082 |
Doll |
Wood Kokeshi Doll
Immovable drum shaped head with painted red petal shapes on top and black hair pieces on back, sides and bangs, red ear? marks, black eyebrows, eyes, u-shaped nose, red dot for mouth; cylinder shaped body with painted red dot near top front and red peony underneath with black outline and yellow and black center. (Dent in back of body) Black kanji on bottom "Obayashi __ Taro" (not very readable).
KOKESHI DOLLS:
"Kokeshi are said to have originated in the Tohoku region in the hands of the lathe-craftsmen who lived a gypsy life in the mountains of that region, seeking good wood material for their craft. Eventually, about the middle of the Edo Period, these craftsmen settled down near the many spas that abounded in that region, and began to make...kokeshi...may be related to the household god." from p. 26, The Folk Toys of Japan by Misako Shishido
"They date from the late Edo period when both leisure time and affluence in farming communities became not just a sought-after dream. Essentially a doll, the kokeshi are believed to have their origins in the practice of spiritualist religion...
Sumptuary laws surely had a creativehand in the first kokeshi's form taking. Probably it was a roughly human form turned on a handpowered wood lathe...Each is made from a single piece? of finely turned and finished hardwood. Wood varies widely but the most generally used type is the native dogwood which is both fine-grained and light in tone...Probably the most well-known, Naruko-no-kokeshi come from a small community located in the northwest of the prefecture and is one of main entry points for Kurikoma National Park. An abundance of hot springs makes kokeshi turning all the more lucrative a winter pastime." p. 21, Mingei: Japan's Enduring Folk Arts by Amaury Saint-Gilles
"The old style dolls were first crafted more than 300 years ago, perhaps during the Tokugawa Shogunate period. They are all female, and never include arms, legs, hands or feet. They are considered a "cottage" industry during the long winter months of the Tohoku district of Japan: Yamagata, Aomori, Miyagi, Fukushima and Akita Prefectures in Norther part of Honshu Island. While her huspand held the knife to whittle the long slim body with a round head, the wife pulled the pulley on the turning lathe mechanism which produced a gutteral sound pronounced as "kokeshi". Sizes vary from 1/2 inch to 5 feet tall. Each doll maker with dyes and paint would imbue his dolls with certain facial expressions, hair style, and a design of kimono and obi. He placed his signature on the bottom of each day's output. The skills and designs were passed down from one generation to the next, so a collector can identify them by prefecture, district, village and maker. The Naruka Hot Springs area of Miyagi Prefecture has developed a thriving village industry since 1945. They use modern equipment for the carving and employ many people to paint. The new style competes with the old style in popularity there. The new style kokeshi dolls reflect the coeducation movement in modern Japan. Boy and girl dolls sold in pairs became popular and have been mass produced and exported all over the world. Characters out of folktales and literature are available...Almost all of the modern dolls have moveable heads. Only Yamagata old-style dolls have moveable heads. Old-style doll collectors in Japan have formed a national society organization which promotes the study of the art. Many of the members are well-to-do artists, scholars, and business people. They visit the more remote mountain villages, buying, exchanging and publish their findings and photos in scholarly journals. It was my privilege to become an honorary member during 1952-54." Georgia Sealoff (donor) |
| 1996.010.083 |
Doll |
Wood Kokeshi Doll
Swivel drum shaped head with painted red markings (faded) on side on head and along top, black bangs and side pieces, black eyebrows, eyes and short u-shaped nose, faint red mouth; cylinder shaped body with very faded red markings. Bottom has black kanji: "Shinji Terui" and a circled 111 written in pencil.
KOKESHI DOLLS:
"Kokeshi are said to have originated in the Tohoku region in the hands of the lathe-craftsmen who lived a gypsy life in the mountains of that region, seeking good wood material for their craft. Eventually, about the middle of the Edo Period, these craftsmen settled down near the many spas that abounded in that region, and began to make...kokeshi...may be related to the household god." from p. 26, The Folk Toys of Japan by Misako Shishido
"They date from the late Edo period when both leisure time and affluence in farming communities became not just a sought-after dream. Essentially a doll, the kokeshi are believed to have their origins in the practice of spiritualist religion...
Sumptuary laws surely had a creativehand in the first kokeshi's form taking. Probably it was a roughly human form turned on a handpowered wood lathe...Each is made from a single piece? of finely turned and finished hardwood. Wood varies widely but the most generally used type is the native dogwood which is both fine-grained and light in tone...Probably the most well-known, Naruko-no-kokeshi come from a small community located in the northwest of the prefecture and is one of main entry points for Kurikoma National Park. An abundance of hot springs makes kokeshi turning all the more lucrative a winter pastime." p. 21, Mingei: Japan's Enduring Folk Arts by Amaury Saint-Gilles
"The old style dolls were first crafted more than 300 years ago, perhaps during the Tokugawa Shogunate period. They are all female, and never include arms, legs, hands or feet. They are considered a "cottage" industry during the long winter months of the Tohoku district of Japan: Yamagata, Aomori, Miyagi, Fukushima and Akita Prefectures in Norther part of Honshu Island. While her huspand held the knife to whittle the long slim body with a round head, the wife pulled the pulley on the turning lathe mechanism which produced a gutteral sound pronounced as "kokeshi". Sizes vary from 1/2 inch to 5 feet tall. Each doll maker with dyes and paint would imbue his dolls with certain facial expressions, hair style, and a design of kimono and obi. He placed his signature on the bottom of each day's output. The skills and designs were passed down from one generation to the next, so a collector can identify them by prefecture, district, village and maker. The Naruka Hot Springs area of Miyagi Prefecture has developed a thriving village industry since 1945. They use modern equipment for the carving and employ many people to paint. The new style competes with the old style in popularity there. The new style kokeshi dolls reflect the coeducation movement in modern Japan. Boy and girl dolls sold in pairs became popular and have been mass produced and exported all over the world. Characters out of folktales and literature are available...Almost all of the modern dolls have moveable heads. Only Yamagata old-style dolls have moveable heads. Old-style doll collectors in Japan have formed a national society organization which promotes the study of the art. Many of the members are well-to-do artists, scholars, and business people. They visit the more remote mountain villages, buying, exchanging and publish their findings and photos in scholarly journals. It was my privilege to become an honorary member during 1952-54." Georgia Sealoff (donor) |
| 1996.010.084 |
Doll |
Wood Kokeshi Doll
Round swivel head with painted red petal designs on top and sides of head, black bangs and side pieces, black eyebrows, eyes with upper lids, short u-shaped nose, small red lipped mouth; cylinder shaped body tapered in middle and dome-shaped top with 2 painted green stripes (1 thin and 1 thick) on top, 2 red stripes below, followed by 2 green stripes (1 thick and 1 thin), 2 faded red chrysanthemums and 3 sets of green leaves down center front, 2 green stripes followed by 3 faded red stripes at bottom.
KOKESHI DOLLS:
"Kokeshi are said to have originated in the Tohoku region in the hands of the lathe-craftsmen who lived a gypsy life in the mountains of that region, seeking good wood material for their craft. Eventually, about the middle of the Edo Period, these craftsmen settled down near the many spas that abounded in that region, and began to make...kokeshi...may be related to the household god." from p. 26, The Folk Toys of Japan by Misako Shishido
"They date from the late Edo period when both leisure time and affluence in farming communities became not just a sought-after dream. Essentially a doll, the kokeshi are believed to have their origins in the practice of spiritualist religion...
Sumptuary laws surely had a creativehand in the first kokeshi's form taking. Probably it was a roughly human form turned on a handpowered wood lathe...Each is made from a single piece? of finely turned and finished hardwood. Wood varies widely but the most generally used type is the native dogwood which is both fine-grained and light in tone...Probably the most well-known, Naruko-no-kokeshi come from a small community located in the northwest of the prefecture and is one of main entry points for Kurikoma National Park. An abundance of hot springs makes kokeshi turning all the more lucrative a winter pastime." p. 21, Mingei: Japan's Enduring Folk Arts by Amaury Saint-Gilles
"The old style dolls were first crafted more than 300 years ago, perhaps during the Tokugawa Shogunate period. They are all female, and never include arms, legs, hands or feet. They are considered a "cottage" industry during the long winter months of the Tohoku district of Japan: Yamagata, Aomori, Miyagi, Fukushima and Akita Prefectures in Norther part of Honshu Island. While her huspand held the knife to whittle the long slim body with a round head, the wife pulled the pulley on the turning lathe mechanism which produced a gutteral sound pronounced as "kokeshi". Sizes vary from 1/2 inch to 5 feet tall. Each doll maker with dyes and paint would imbue his dolls with certain facial expressions, hair style, and a design of kimono and obi. He placed his signature on the bottom of each day's output. The skills and designs were passed down from one generation to the next, so a collector can identify them by prefecture, district, village and maker. The Naruka Hot Springs area of Miyagi Prefecture has developed a thriving village industry since 1945. They use modern equipment for the carving and employ many people to paint. The new style competes with the old style in popularity there. The new style kokeshi dolls reflect the coeducation movement in modern Japan. Boy and girl dolls sold in pairs became popular and have been mass produced and exported all over the world. Characters out of folktales and literature are available...Almost all of the modern dolls have moveable heads. Only Yamagata old-style dolls have moveable heads. Old-style doll collectors in Japan have formed a national society organization which promotes the study of the art. Many of the members are well-to-do artists, scholars, and business people. They visit the more remote mountain villages, buying, exchanging and publish their findings and photos in scholarly journals. It was my privilege to become an honorary member during 1952-54." Georgia Sealoff (donor) |
| 1996.010.085 |
Doll |
Wood Kokeshi Doll
Large immobile round head with 2 painted red circles on top, 2 faded green circles outside red ones, red petal shapes along hairline with black center fringe and side pieces, black eyebrows, eyes with upper lids, u-shaped nose, red mouth; turned cylindrical body with narrower center and two raised rings, painted red collar shape down front over 3 red stripes above rings (once painted green, now faded), 3 red stripes below rings and 3 red vertical lines at center bottom. On bottom are 4 rectangular holes where clamp would have held wood block in place, also black ink kanji: "Made by Hisaji (or Hisashi) Niiyama" and the number 231, 203 crossed out, "Japan" and "Made in Japan" stamped in English. From Miyagi prefecture, Yajiro region, (more well off than farmer artisan's) (photo #37, p. 94 shows this artist's kokeshi dolls). Characteristics are: neck is screwed into the body, rounded shoulders, defined waist, only upper lid of eyes are painted, squared U-shape nose, V-shaped neck. Valuable piece
KOKESHI DOLLS:
"Kokeshi are said to have originated in the Tohoku region in the hands of the lathe-craftsmen who lived a gypsy life in the mountains of that region, seeking good wood material for their craft. Eventually, about the middle of the Edo Period, these craftsmen settled down near the many spas that abounded in that region, and began to make...kokeshi...may be related to the household god." from p. 26, The Folk Toys of Japan by Misako Shishido
"They date from the late Edo period when both leisure time and affluence in farming communities became not just a sought-after dream. Essentially a doll, the kokeshi are believed to have their origins in the practice of spiritualist religion...
Sumptuary laws surely had a creativehand in the first kokeshi's form taking. Probably it was a roughly human form turned on a handpowered wood lathe...Each is made from a single piece? of finely turned and finished hardwood. Wood varies widely but the most generally used type is the native dogwood which is both fine-grained and light in tone...Probably the most well-known, Naruko-no-kokeshi come from a small community located in the northwest of the prefecture and is one of main entry points for Kurikoma National Park. An abundance of hot springs makes kokeshi turning all the more lucrative a winter pastime." p. 21, Mingei: Japan's Enduring Folk Arts by Amaury Saint-Gilles
"The old style dolls were first crafted more than 300 years ago, perhaps during the Tokugawa Shogunate period. They are all female, and never include arms, legs, hands or feet. They are considered a "cottage" industry during the long winter months of the Tohoku district of Japan: Yamagata, Aomori, Miyagi, Fukushima and Akita Prefectures in Norther part of Honshu Island. While her huspand held the knife to whittle the long slim body with a round head, the wife pulled the pulley on the turning lathe mechanism which produced a gutteral sound pronounced as "kokeshi". Sizes vary from 1/2 inch to 5 feet tall. Each doll maker with dyes and paint would imbue his dolls with certain facial expressions, hair style, and a design of kimono and obi. He placed his signature on the bottom of each day's output. The skills and designs were passed down from one generation to the next, so a collector can identify them by prefecture, district, village and maker. The Naruka Hot Springs area of Miyagi Prefecture has developed a thriving village industry since 1945. They use modern equipment for the carving and employ many people to paint. The new style competes with the old style in popularity there. The new style kokeshi dolls reflect the coeducation movement in modern Japan. Boy and girl dolls sold in pairs became popular and have been mass produced and exported all over the world. Characters out of folktales and literature are available...Almost all of the modern dolls have moveable heads. Only Yamagata old-style dolls have moveable heads. Old-style doll collectors in Japan have formed a national society organization which promotes the study of the art. Many of the members are well-to-do artists, scholars, and business people. They visit the more remote mountain villages, buying, exchanging and publish their findings and photos in scholarly journals. It was my privilege to become an honorary member during 1952-54." Georgia Sealoff (donor) |
| 1996.010.086 |
Doll |
Wood Kokeshi Doll
One piece with immobile round head with 2 faint red circles on top, faded red petal shapes on each side and on forehead, black hair pieces only on sides, black eyebrows, eyes with upper lids, nose, red mouth with black outline; oval/cyclider shaped body with tapered top and 2 faded red stripes around top and two faint red flower shapes down center front with a red smudge in the middle, 2 thin red stripes near bottom and wavy red pattern at bottom. Remains of pasted white paper on bottom.
KOKESHI DOLLS:
"Kokeshi are said to have originated in the Tohoku region in the hands of the lathe-craftsmen who lived a gypsy life in the mountains of that region, seeking good wood material for their craft. Eventually, about the middle of the Edo Period, these craftsmen settled down near the many spas that abounded in that region, and began to make...kokeshi...may be related to the household god." from p. 26, The Folk Toys of Japan by Misako Shishido
"They date from the late Edo period when both leisure time and affluence in farming communities became not just a sought-after dream. Essentially a doll, the kokeshi are believed to have their origins in the practice of spiritualist religion...
Sumptuary laws surely had a creativehand in the first kokeshi's form taking. Probably it was a roughly human form turned on a handpowered wood lathe...Each is made from a single piece? of finely turned and finished hardwood. Wood varies widely but the most generally used type is the native dogwood which is both fine-grained and light in tone...Probably the most well-known, Naruko-no-kokeshi come from a small community located in the northwest of the prefecture and is one of main entry points for Kurikoma National Park. An abundance of hot springs makes kokeshi turning all the more lucrative a winter pastime." p. 21, Mingei: Japan's Enduring Folk Arts by Amaury Saint-Gilles
"The old style dolls were first crafted more than 300 years ago, perhaps during the Tokugawa Shogunate period. They are all female, and never include arms, legs, hands or feet. They are considered a "cottage" industry during the long winter months of the Tohoku district of Japan: Yamagata, Aomori, Miyagi, Fukushima and Akita Prefectures in Norther part of Honshu Island. While her huspand held the knife to whittle the long slim body with a round head, the wife pulled the pulley on the turning lathe mechanism which produced a gutteral sound pronounced as "kokeshi". Sizes vary from 1/2 inch to 5 feet tall. Each doll maker with dyes and paint would imbue his dolls with certain facial expressions, hair style, and a design of kimono and obi. He placed his signature on the bottom of each day's output. The skills and designs were passed down from one generation to the next, so a collector can identify them by prefecture, district, village and maker. The Naruka Hot Springs area of Miyagi Prefecture has developed a thriving village industry since 1945. They use modern equipment for the carving and employ many people to paint. The new style competes with the old style in popularity there. The new style kokeshi dolls reflect the coeducation movement in modern Japan. Boy and girl dolls sold in pairs became popular and have been mass produced and exported all over the world. Characters out of folktales and literature are available...Almost all of the modern dolls have moveable heads. Only Yamagata old-style dolls have moveable heads. Old-style doll collectors in Japan have formed a national society organization which promotes the study of the art. Many of the members are well-to-do artists, scholars, and business people. They visit the more remote mountain villages, buying, exchanging and publish their findings and photos in scholarly journals. It was my privilege to become an honorary member during 1952-54." Georgia Sealoff (donor) |
| 1996.010.087 |
Doll |
Wood Kokeshi Doll
One piece with immobile head that is flatter on top, tapering at bottom, painted red bow on top of head, black bangs and side hair, black straight eyebrows, eyes with upper and lower lids, u-shaped nose, mouth with one black line and one red dot; cylindrical body tapered at top with red under collar (eri) and black outline for kimono front, sleeves, obi, faded red vertical stripes on bodice, red horizontal stripe indicating an obi jime, faded red floral designs consisting of one large and two small lotus shapes at center bottom and four-dot motifs on sleeves and front. On back left side is black ink kanji: "Kijiyama, Akita Prefecture, Made by Hisataro Koyo (?)"
On bottom is written in pencil "350".
KOKESHI DOLLS:
"Kokeshi are said to have originated in the Tohoku region in the hands of the lathe-craftsmen who lived a gypsy life in the mountains of that region, seeking good wood material for their craft. Eventually, about the middle of the Edo Period, these craftsmen settled down near the many spas that abounded in that region, and began to make...kokeshi...may be related to the household god." from p. 26, The Folk Toys of Japan by Misako Shishido
"They date from the late Edo period when both leisure time and affluence in farming communities became not just a sought-after dream. Essentially a doll, the kokeshi are believed to have their origins in the practice of spiritualist religion...
Sumptuary laws surely had a creativehand in the first kokeshi's form taking. Probably it was a roughly human form turned on a handpowered wood lathe...Each is made from a single piece? of finely turned and finished hardwood. Wood varies widely but the most generally used type is the native dogwood which is both fine-grained and light in tone...Probably the most well-known, Naruko-no-kokeshi come from a small community located in the northwest of the prefecture and is one of main entry points for Kurikoma National Park. An abundance of hot springs makes kokeshi turning all the more lucrative a winter pastime." p. 21, Mingei: Japan's Enduring Folk Arts by Amaury Saint-Gilles
"The old style dolls were first crafted more than 300 years ago, perhaps during the Tokugawa Shogunate period. They are all female, and never include arms, legs, hands or feet. They are considered a "cottage" industry during the long winter months of the Tohoku district of Japan: Yamagata, Aomori, Miyagi, Fukushima and Akita Prefectures in Norther part of Honshu Island. While her huspand held the knife to whittle the long slim body with a round head, the wife pulled the pulley on the turning lathe mechanism which produced a gutteral sound pronounced as "kokeshi". Sizes vary from 1/2 inch to 5 feet tall. Each doll maker with dyes and paint would imbue his dolls with certain facial expressions, hair style, and a design of kimono and obi. He placed his signature on the bottom of each day's output. The skills and designs were passed down from one generation to the next, so a collector can identify them by prefecture, district, village and maker. The Naruka Hot Springs area of Miyagi Prefecture has developed a thriving village industry since 1945. They use modern equipment for the carving and employ many people to paint. The new style competes with the old style in popularity there. The new style kokeshi dolls reflect the coeducation movement in modern Japan. Boy and girl dolls sold in pairs became popular and have been mass produced and exported all over the world. Characters out of folktales and literature are available...Almost all of the modern dolls have moveable heads. Only Yamagata old-style dolls have moveable heads. Old-style doll collectors in Japan have formed a national society organization which promotes the study of the art. Many of the members are well-to-do artists, scholars, and business people. They visit the more remote mountain villages, buying, exchanging and publish their findings and photos in scholarly journals. It was my privilege to become an honorary member during 1952-54." Georgia Sealoff (donor) |
| 1996.010.088 |
Doll |
Wood Kokeshi Doll
Immobile head, cut separately, round with large red dot on top of head, black streaks around dot surrounded by black circle of hair, 2 red stripes and 2 red half circles on forehead, red marks and black hair pieces on either side, black eyebrows, round eyes with upper lids, teardrop nose, red cheek dots, red mouth dot with black outline; body is cylindrical shape with tapered top and narrower waist, painted red stripes at top, center and bottom, 2 faded black stripes interspersed with red ones at waist, faded red floral patterns made up of four dots and leaf shapes extending down each side on the chest and lower body. On bottom black ink kanji: "Made by Kamedera (or Kamekichiro) Honda, from Kohara"
KOKESHI DOLLS:
"Kokeshi are said to have originated in the Tohoku region in the hands of the lathe-craftsmen who lived a gypsy life in the mountains of that region, seeking good wood material for their craft. Eventually, about the middle of the Edo Period, these craftsmen settled down near the many spas that abounded in that region, and began to make...kokeshi...may be related to the household god." from p. 26, The Folk Toys of Japan by Misako Shishido
"They date from the late Edo period when both leisure time and affluence in farming communities became not just a sought-after dream. Essentially a doll, the kokeshi are believed to have their origins in the practice of spiritualist religion...
Sumptuary laws surely had a creativehand in the first kokeshi's form taking. Probably it was a roughly human form turned on a handpowered wood lathe...Each is made from a single piece? of finely turned and finished hardwood. Wood varies widely but the most generally used type is the native dogwood which is both fine-grained and light in tone...Probably the most well-known, Naruko-no-kokeshi come from a small community located in the northwest of the prefecture and is one of main entry points for Kurikoma National Park. An abundance of hot springs makes kokeshi turning all the more lucrative a winter pastime." p. 21, Mingei: Japan's Enduring Folk Arts by Amaury Saint-Gilles
"The old style dolls were first crafted more than 300 years ago, perhaps during the Tokugawa Shogunate period. They are all female, and never include arms, legs, hands or feet. They are considered a "cottage" industry during the long winter months of the Tohoku district of Japan: Yamagata, Aomori, Miyagi, Fukushima and Akita Prefectures in Norther part of Honshu Island. While her huspand held the knife to whittle the long slim body with a round head, the wife pulled the pulley on the turning lathe mechanism which produced a gutteral sound pronounced as "kokeshi". Sizes vary from 1/2 inch to 5 feet tall. Each doll maker with dyes and paint would imbue his dolls with certain facial expressions, hair style, and a design of kimono and obi. He placed his signature on the bottom of each day's output. The skills and designs were passed down from one generation to the next, so a collector can identify them by prefecture, district, village and maker. The Naruka Hot Springs area of Miyagi Prefecture has developed a thriving village industry since 1945. They use modern equipment for the carving and employ many people to paint. The new style competes with the old style in popularity there. The new style kokeshi dolls reflect the coeducation movement in modern Japan. Boy and girl dolls sold in pairs became popular and have been mass produced and exported all over the world. Characters out of folktales and literature are available...Almost all of the modern dolls have moveable heads. Only Yamagata old-style dolls have moveable heads. Old-style doll collectors in Japan have formed a national society organization which promotes the study of the art. Many of the members are well-to-do artists, scholars, and business people. They visit the more remote mountain villages, buying, exchanging and publish their findings and photos in scholarly journals. It was my privilege to become an honorary member during 1952-54." Georgia Sealoff (donor) |
| 1996.010.089 |
Doll |
Wood Kokeshi Doll
One piece, immobile oval shaped head with faded red bow on top, painted black bangs and side hair pieces, black half moon shaped eyes, u-shaped nose, smiling black mouth with faded red dot; cylindrical body with rounded top, 2 faded red stripes at top, black outline of kimono front and black and faded red vertical stripes on bodice, black outline of apron with 3 faded red flowers with yellow centers, green leaves and black stems. On bottom in pencil is "Akita"
KOKESHI DOLLS:
"Kokeshi are said to have originated in the Tohoku region in the hands of the lathe-craftsmen who lived a gypsy life in the mountains of that region, seeking good wood material for their craft. Eventually, about the middle of the Edo Period, these craftsmen settled down near the many spas that abounded in that region, and began to make...kokeshi...may be related to the household god." from p. 26, The Folk Toys of Japan by Misako Shishido
"They date from the late Edo period when both leisure time and affluence in farming communities became not just a sought-after dream. Essentially a doll, the kokeshi are believed to have their origins in the practice of spiritualist religion...
Sumptuary laws surely had a creativehand in the first kokeshi's form taking. Probably it was a roughly human form turned on a handpowered wood lathe...Each is made from a single piece? of finely turned and finished hardwood. Wood varies widely but the most generally used type is the native dogwood which is both fine-grained and light in tone...Probably the most well-known, Naruko-no-kokeshi come from a small community located in the northwest of the prefecture and is one of main entry points for Kurikoma National Park. An abundance of hot springs makes kokeshi turning all the more lucrative a winter pastime." p. 21, Mingei: Japan's Enduring Folk Arts by Amaury Saint-Gilles
"The old style dolls were first crafted more than 300 years ago, perhaps during the Tokugawa Shogunate period. They are all female, and never include arms, legs, hands or feet. They are considered a "cottage" industry during the long winter months of the Tohoku district of Japan: Yamagata, Aomori, Miyagi, Fukushima and Akita Prefectures in Norther part of Honshu Island. While her huspand held the knife to whittle the long slim body with a round head, the wife pulled the pulley on the turning lathe mechanism which produced a gutteral sound pronounced as "kokeshi". Sizes vary from 1/2 inch to 5 feet tall. Each doll maker with dyes and paint would imbue his dolls with certain facial expressions, hair style, and a design of kimono and obi. He placed his signature on the bottom of each day's output. The skills and designs were passed down from one generation to the next, so a collector can identify them by prefecture, district, village and maker. The Naruka Hot Springs area of Miyagi Prefecture has developed a thriving village industry since 1945. They use modern equipment for the carving and employ many people to paint. The new style competes with the old style in popularity there. The new style kokeshi dolls reflect the coeducation movement in modern Japan. Boy and girl dolls sold in pairs became popular and have been mass produced and exported all over the world. Characters out of folktales and literature are available...Almost all of the modern dolls have moveable heads. Only Yamagata old-style dolls have moveable heads. Old-style doll collectors in Japan have formed a national society organization which promotes the study of the art. Many of the members are well-to-do artists, scholars, and business people. They visit the more remote mountain villages, buying, exchanging and publish their findings and photos in scholarly journals. It was my privilege to become an honorary member during 1952-54." Georgia Sealoff (donor) |
| 1996.010.090 |
Doll |
Wood Kokeshi Doll
Swivel drum shaped head with faded red flower petals on top and painted black split topknot, bangs, side hair pieces, with red dots above, black eyebrows, eyes with upper lids, u-shaped nose, faded red mouth; cylindrical body tapered in middle and dome shaped at top with faded red stripes on top and bottom, two faded red chysanthemums on center front, top one is half flower and whole bottom one. Ring shaped groove on bottom and black ink kanji: "From Narukomachi (town), Made by Takahashi", Number 170 in pencil.
KOKESHI DOLLS:
"Kokeshi are said to have originated in the Tohoku region in the hands of the lathe-craftsmen who lived a gypsy life in the mountains of that region, seeking good wood material for their craft. Eventually, about the middle of the Edo Period, these craftsmen settled down near the many spas that abounded in that region, and began to make...kokeshi...may be related to the household god." from p. 26, The Folk Toys of Japan by Misako Shishido
"They date from the late Edo period when both leisure time and affluence in farming communities became not just a sought-after dream. Essentially a doll, the kokeshi are believed to have their origins in the practice of spiritualist religion...
Sumptuary laws surely had a creativehand in the first kokeshi's form taking. Probably it was a roughly human form turned on a handpowered wood lathe...Each is made from a single piece? of finely turned and finished hardwood. Wood varies widely but the most generally used type is the native dogwood which is both fine-grained and light in tone...Probably the most well-known, Naruko-no-kokeshi come from a small community located in the northwest of the prefecture and is one of main entry points for Kurikoma National Park. An abundance of hot springs makes kokeshi turning all the more lucrative a winter pastime." p. 21, Mingei: Japan's Enduring Folk Arts by Amaury Saint-Gilles
"The old style dolls were first crafted more than 300 years ago, perhaps during the Tokugawa Shogunate period. They are all female, and never include arms, legs, hands or feet. They are considered a "cottage" industry during the long winter months of the Tohoku district of Japan: Yamagata, Aomori, Miyagi, Fukushima and Akita Prefectures in Norther part of Honshu Island. While her huspand held the knife to whittle the long slim body with a round head, the wife pulled the pulley on the turning lathe mechanism which produced a gutteral sound pronounced as "kokeshi". Sizes vary from 1/2 inch to 5 feet tall. Each doll maker with dyes and paint would imbue his dolls with certain facial expressions, hair style, and a design of kimono and obi. He placed his signature on the bottom of each day's output. The skills and designs were passed down from one generation to the next, so a collector can identify them by prefecture, district, village and maker. The Naruka Hot Springs area of Miyagi Prefecture has developed a thriving village industry since 1945. They use modern equipment for the carving and employ many people to paint. The new style competes with the old style in popularity there. The new style kokeshi dolls reflect the coeducation movement in modern Japan. Boy and girl dolls sold in pairs became popular and have been mass produced and exported all over the world. Characters out of folktales and literature are available...Almost all of the modern dolls have moveable heads. Only Yamagata old-style dolls have moveable heads. Old-style doll collectors in Japan have formed a national society organization which promotes the study of the art. Many of the members are well-to-do artists, scholars, and business people. They visit the more remote mountain villages, buying, exchanging and publish their findings and photos in scholarly journals. It was my privilege to become an honorary member during 1952-54." Georgia Sealoff (donor) |
| 1996.010.091 |
Doll |
Wood Kokeshi Doll
Immobile round head with painted black ring on top with hair fringe below and side hair pieces, faded red markings on forehead and side of face, black eyebrows, eyes with upper lids, nose, two red dots for mouth; cylindrical body with wider bottom and rounded top, red collar (eri) shapes at neck, 3 red stripes around middle and 2 vertical red stripes at lower front indicating open kimono. On bottom is black ink kanji: "Made by Takeuchi"
KOKESHI DOLLS:
"Kokeshi are said to have originated in the Tohoku region in the hands of the lathe-craftsmen who lived a gypsy life in the mountains of that region, seeking good wood material for their craft. Eventually, about the middle of the Edo Period, these craftsmen settled down near the many spas that abounded in that region, and began to make...kokeshi...may be related to the household god." from p. 26, The Folk Toys of Japan by Misako Shishido
"They date from the late Edo period when both leisure time and affluence in farming communities became not just a sought-after dream. Essentially a doll, the kokeshi are believed to have their origins in the practice of spiritualist religion...
Sumptuary laws surely had a creativehand in the first kokeshi's form taking. Probably it was a roughly human form turned on a handpowered wood lathe...Each is made from a single piece? of finely turned and finished hardwood. Wood varies widely but the most generally used type is the native dogwood which is both fine-grained and light in tone...Probably the most well-known, Naruko-no-kokeshi come from a small community located in the northwest of the prefecture and is one of main entry points for Kurikoma National Park. An abundance of hot springs makes kokeshi turning all the more lucrative a winter pastime." p. 21, Mingei: Japan's Enduring Folk Arts by Amaury Saint-Gilles
"The old style dolls were first crafted more than 300 years ago, perhaps during the Tokugawa Shogunate period. They are all female, and never include arms, legs, hands or feet. They are considered a "cottage" industry during the long winter months of the Tohoku district of Japan: Yamagata, Aomori, Miyagi, Fukushima and Akita Prefectures in Norther part of Honshu Island. While her huspand held the knife to whittle the long slim body with a round head, the wife pulled the pulley on the turning lathe mechanism which produced a gutteral sound pronounced as "kokeshi". Sizes vary from 1/2 inch to 5 feet tall. Each doll maker with dyes and paint would imbue his dolls with certain facial expressions, hair style, and a design of kimono and obi. He placed his signature on the bottom of each day's output. The skills and designs were passed down from one generation to the next, so a collector can identify them by prefecture, district, village and maker. The Naruka Hot Springs area of Miyagi Prefecture has developed a thriving village industry since 1945. They use modern equipment for the carving and employ many people to paint. The new style competes with the old style in popularity there. The new style kokeshi dolls reflect the coeducation movement in modern Japan. Boy and girl dolls sold in pairs became popular and have been mass produced and exported all over the world. Characters out of folktales and literature are available...Almost all of the modern dolls have moveable heads. Only Yamagata old-style dolls have moveable heads. Old-style doll collectors in Japan have formed a national society organization which promotes the study of the art. Many of the members are well-to-do artists, scholars, and business people. They visit the more remote mountain villages, buying, exchanging and publish their findings and photos in scholarly journals. It was my privilege to become an honorary member during 1952-54." Georgia Sealoff (donor) |
| 1996.010.092 |
Doll |
Wood Kokeshi Doll
Large swivel roundish head with flat top, painted black topknot and tied bangs, faded red floral design beside topknot, black side hair pieces and faded red dots above, black eyebrows, eyes with upper lids, u-shaped nose, mouth with 2 red dots; cylindrical body tapered at middle with dome shaped top and groove below dome and groove near bottom, 3 red triangular shaped floral designs resembling white chrysanthemums with red petal shapes behind, red band at bottom. Circular groove on bottom and black ink kanji: "Made by Akira Sakurai"
Number 300 written in pencil.
KOKESHI DOLLS:
"Kokeshi are said to have originated in the Tohoku region in the hands of the lathe-craftsmen who lived a gypsy life in the mountains of that region, seeking good wood material for their craft. Eventually, about the middle of the Edo Period, these craftsmen settled down near the many spas that abounded in that region, and began to make...kokeshi...may be related to the household god." from p. 26, The Folk Toys of Japan by Misako Shishido
"They date from the late Edo period when both leisure time and affluence in farming communities became not just a sought-after dream. Essentially a doll, the kokeshi are believed to have their origins in the practice of spiritualist religion...
Sumptuary laws surely had a creativehand in the first kokeshi's form taking. Probably it was a roughly human form turned on a handpowered wood lathe...Each is made from a single piece? of finely turned and finished hardwood. Wood varies widely but the most generally used type is the native dogwood which is both fine-grained and light in tone...Probably the most well-known, Naruko-no-kokeshi come from a small community located in the northwest of the prefecture and is one of main entry points for Kurikoma National Park. An abundance of hot springs makes kokeshi turning all the more lucrative a winter pastime." p. 21, Mingei: Japan's Enduring Folk Arts by Amaury Saint-Gilles
"The old style dolls were first crafted more than 300 years ago, perhaps during the Tokugawa Shogunate period. They are all female, and never include arms, legs, hands or feet. They are considered a "cottage" industry during the long winter months of the Tohoku district of Japan: Yamagata, Aomori, Miyagi, Fukushima and Akita Prefectures in Norther part of Honshu Island. While her huspand held the knife to whittle the long slim body with a round head, the wife pulled the pulley on the turning lathe mechanism which produced a gutteral sound pronounced as "kokeshi". Sizes vary from 1/2 inch to 5 feet tall. Each doll maker with dyes and paint would imbue his dolls with certain facial expressions, hair style, and a design of kimono and obi. He placed his signature on the bottom of each day's output. The skills and designs were passed down from one generation to the next, so a collector can identify them by prefecture, district, village and maker. The Naruka Hot Springs area of Miyagi Prefecture has developed a thriving village industry since 1945. They use modern equipment for the carving and employ many people to paint. The new style competes with the old style in popularity there. The new style kokeshi dolls reflect the coeducation movement in modern Japan. Boy and girl dolls sold in pairs became popular and have been mass produced and exported all over the world. Characters out of folktales and literature are available...Almost all of the modern dolls have moveable heads. Only Yamagata old-style dolls have moveable heads. Old-style doll collectors in Japan have formed a national society organization which promotes the study of the art. Many of the members are well-to-do artists, scholars, and business people. They visit the more remote mountain villages, buying, exchanging and publish their findings and photos in scholarly journals. It was my privilege to become an honorary member during 1952-54." Georgia Sealoff (donor) |
| 1996.010.093 |
Doll |
Wood Kokeshi Doll
Swivel round head, painted black pony tail, bangs, side hair pieces, faded dark marks on top of head and eyebrows, black almond shape eyes, hooked nose, red dot for mouth; cylindrical body with dome top and recessed bottom, painted black collar (eri), faded dark outline and horizontal stripes on either side, main body has alternating groups of red and black horizontal pin stripes, 3 vertical stripes on recessed bottom, black central stripe with faded dark marks on either side. On bottom is black ink kanji: (possibly) "Made by Hatsuhara"
KOKESHI DOLLS:
"Kokeshi are said to have originated in the Tohoku region in the hands of the lathe-craftsmen who lived a gypsy life in the mountains of that region, seeking good wood material for their craft. Eventually, about the middle of the Edo Period, these craftsmen settled down near the many spas that abounded in that region, and began to make...kokeshi...may be related to the household god." from p. 26, The Folk Toys of Japan by Misako Shishido
"They date from the late Edo period when both leisure time and affluence in farming communities became not just a sought-after dream. Essentially a doll, the kokeshi are believed to have their origins in the practice of spiritualist religion...
Sumptuary laws surely had a creativehand in the first kokeshi's form taking. Probably it was a roughly human form turned on a handpowered wood lathe...Each is made from a single piece? of finely turned and finished hardwood. Wood varies widely but the most generally used type is the native dogwood which is both fine-grained and light in tone...Probably the most well-known, Naruko-no-kokeshi come from a small community located in the northwest of the prefecture and is one of main entry points for Kurikoma National Park. An abundance of hot springs makes kokeshi turning all the more lucrative a winter pastime." p. 21, Mingei: Japan's Enduring Folk Arts by Amaury Saint-Gilles
"The old style dolls were first crafted more than 300 years ago, perhaps during the Tokugawa Shogunate period. They are all female, and never include arms, legs, hands or feet. They are considered a "cottage" industry during the long winter months of the Tohoku district of Japan: Yamagata, Aomori, Miyagi, Fukushima and Akita Prefectures in Norther part of Honshu Island. While her huspand held the knife to whittle the long slim body with a round head, the wife pulled the pulley on the turning lathe mechanism which produced a gutteral sound pronounced as "kokeshi". Sizes vary from 1/2 inch to 5 feet tall. Each doll maker with dyes and paint would imbue his dolls with certain facial expressions, hair style, and a design of kimono and obi. He placed his signature on the bottom of each day's output. The skills and designs were passed down from one generation to the next, so a collector can identify them by prefecture, district, village and maker. The Naruka Hot Springs area of Miyagi Prefecture has developed a thriving village industry since 1945. They use modern equipment for the carving and employ many people to paint. The new style competes with the old style in popularity there. The new style kokeshi dolls reflect the coeducation movement in modern Japan. Boy and girl dolls sold in pairs became popular and have been mass produced and exported all over the world. Characters out of folktales and literature are available...Almost all of the modern dolls have moveable heads. Only Yamagata old-style dolls have moveable heads. Old-style doll collectors in Japan have formed a national society organization which promotes the study of the art. Many of the members are well-to-do artists, scholars, and business people. They visit the more remote mountain villages, buying, exchanging and publish their findings and photos in scholarly journals. It was my privilege to become an honorary member during 1952-54." Georgia Sealoff (donor) |
| 1996.010.094 |
Doll |
Kokeshi Doll
Turned wood, 2 joined pieces, immobile head, painted black hair fringe with bald center, black bangs and side pieces, black line runs around head below fringe, painted red ribbon bows, painted black eyebrows, smiling eyes, long nose, red upturned mouth with black outline; body has 5 sets of red bands with wavy line in middle, faded black bands interspersed; on bottom is black ink kanji: "Made at Iwashiro, Tsuchiyu, made by Sato Shoichi" (see 1996.10.120) |
| 1996.010.095 |
Doll |
Kokeshi Doll
Turned wood, two pieces immobile head, painted red markings on crown and sides indicating tied kerchef, painted black bangs and side hair pieces, igh eyebrows, black eyes with extended lids. V - shaped nose, two small red lines for mouth; small cylindrical body has two sets of painted red bands at top and bottom, at center front are two flower shapes with red and faded green petals and leafs. On bottom in pencil is the number 70. |
| 1996.010.096 |
Doll |
Kokeshi Doll
Turned wood, two pieces with swivel head. Painted red marks on top of head indicate kerchief, painted black hair on top and sides, heavy eyebrows, eyes with upper lid, u-shaped nose, two red dots for lips. Body has rounded top that narrows in the center and flairs at bottom, on center front are three sets of floral motifs with red petals and green leafs. On bottom are black kanji: "at Naoko, made by Takahashi Takeo" |
| 1996.010.097 |
Doll |
Kokeshi Doll
Turned wood, two pieces, immobile head, cylindrical shaped body. Flat top head with black painted snake eye rings, black bangs and side hair pieces, high eyebrows, black dots for eyes with lids outlined, long nose, red dot for mouth with outline of black; body has three wide red bands at top middle and bottom, faded green lines above and below red bands. On bottom black ink kanji: "Sodeshima ?, made by Takahashi Tadao, Kiyomachi" (place) |
| 1996.010.098 |
Doll |
Kokeshi Doll
Turned wood, two pieces, immobile head, body rounded at top narrower at center, flairs at bottom. Painted red markings on crown indicate tied kerchief, black hair at top and sides heavy eyebrows, small eyes, U-shaped nose, red dot for mouth; body at center front has red petals and faded green leaves, above flowers is a red triangle and faded green lines indicating kimono neckline. |
| 1996.010.099 |
Doll |
Kokeshi Doll
Turned wood, one piece, oval shaped cylinder. Flat top head with painted red markings indicating tied kerchief, black bangs and side hair pieces, high eyebrows, wide eyes, u-shaped nose, red dot for mouth outlinded in black; on body shoulders slope down, two sets of painted red bands at top and bottom, at center front are three red floral designs. The whole doll has been varnished. |
| 1996.010.100 |
Doll |
Kokeshii Doll
Turned wood, two pieces, swivel head. Faded red markings on head indicate kerchief, painted black bangs, top knot and side pieces, eyebrows, eyes with upper lid, u-shaped nose, two red dots for mouth. Body has round shoulders, ledge on top, carved groove near bottom indicating a hem, at center front three red feather shaped motifs, signs of faded green leaf motifs. On bottom is black ink kanji: "at Naruko (place), Takahashi Shogo (maker)" |
| 1996.010.101 |
Doll |
Kokeshi Dolls
Turned Wood, one piece immobile head, hour glass shaped body. Large red dot crown on head surrounded by painted black hair fringe, two red lines on forehead, red marking above eyebrows and on each side of face, black "mountain peak" eyebrows, black dots with downswept lines for eyes, fully outlined nose, two red dots on cheeks, red dot for mouth outlined in black; on body are three sets of red fine and wide bands, at center front are red petal markings one on chest and on at lower front. On bottom stamped in English are "Made in Japan" and black ink kanji: "Ohara, made by Honda Kameji". |
| 1996.010.102 |
Doll |
Kokeshi Doll
Turned wood one piece immobile head. Black painted circular hair fringe around head with side hair pieces, pointed eyebrows, fully drawn eyes, long nose, two black lines for mouth, faded red paint markings on crown side of head and cheeks; body widens at the bottom, and has faded red paint markings which are indistinguishable. On bottom is black ink kanji: "made by Honda Tsurumatsu" |
| 1996.010.103 |
Doll |
Kokeshi Doll
Turned wood, swivel head is separate.
A: Body, round shoulders with ledge, narrows in middle and flaring at bottom, hole for neck in center top. Two sets if painted green and red bands of varying widths at top and bottom, at center front are painted red flowers, large one in center and two smaller ones above, green leaves and stems beneath flower heads.
B: Head, has flat top and neck which fits into body hole. Painted black top knot, bangs and side hair pieces, eyebrows, half closed eyes, u-shaped nose, red dot for mouth, faded red petal shapes on either side of head indicate tied kerchief. |
| 1996.010.104 |
Doll |
Kokeshi Doll
Turned wood, two pieces, immobile head.
Large flat top head has faded red petal markings indicating kerchief, painted black bangs and side pieces, large eyebrows and eyes with upper and lower lids, upside down v-shaped nose, one dot and line form red mouth; body has two sets of two bands on top and bottom, center front has four faded red triangular tree shapes. On bottom is black ink kanji: (too stylized to interpret name) |
| 1996.010.105 |
Doll |
Kokeshi Doll
Turned wood, two joined pieces, immobile head, painted red marks indicating a kerchief tied in knot at front, painted black bangs, top hair and side pieces, painted black eyebrows, eyes: black dot with fine lid outline, long nose, red dot mouth; body has 3 red spider like motifs down center front, black band at top and bottom. On bottom in pencil in kanji: "Yamagata (place), Ishiyama Mishiro (maker) |
| 1996.010.106 |
Doll |
|
| 1996.010.107 |
Doll |
Kokeshi Doll
Turned wood, two pieces, immobile large flat topped head has black painted circle at crown, fine black line encircling top of head, black bangs and side hair pieces, black eyebrows, squinting eyes, and large nose, small red dot for mouth with fine black line above, on sides of head painted red bow shaped marks indicating tied kerchief; slender body has two wide red bands at top and bottom, at center front is faded red motif two red marks and petal shape, below this are two red marks. On bottom is black Kanji: "made by Iizaka Kihei" |
| 1996.010.108 |
Doll |
Kokeshi Doll
Modern style, carved of wood in 6 jointed pieces, tilted immobile head, carved topknot with painted black hair and red floral hair ribbon, painted red carved round hair ornament, painted black short hair with bangs, painted black quarter moon eyes with lower eyelashes and grey upper lids, 3 red dots for lips; carved shaped sleeves in front one indicates she is bringing her hand to her mouth, red painted black ground, carved plum blossom motif on sleeves, solid red painted kimono with black obi, carved knotch at neckline with engraved Y shaped collar; on bottom is red kanji stamp: "Made by Kazuo" |
| 1996.010.109 |
Doll |
Kokeshi Doll
A: Turned wood, large wobbly head, depicting Maiko (apprentice Geisha), carved topknot, painted black bobbed style hair, painted red, white and beige floral patterned hair ribbon, painted red ribbon on both sides of face, painted black eyebrows, quarter eyes, u-shaped nose, 2 red dots for lips; body has painted beige floral kimono with black obi floral design hanging loosely at back, sleeves outlined in pink and black, collar is black and red, carved pedestal like bottom with painted red kimono hem and two painted pigeon toed feet wearing black clogs with red straps and white tabi.
B: Carved wood hair ornament (kanzashi) in shape of magic wand, painted red with cherry blossoms and faded gold lines, pink, yellow and blue stripes on handle. |
| 1996.010.110 |
Doll |
Wooden Kokeshi Doll
Round natural brown wood head with a knob on top representing hair bun, hair is painted black, high grey rounded eyebrows, grey oblong shaped nose, black dots for eyes, pink painted cheeks, wide red smiling mouth; head has narrow peg for neck which is inserted into the body so that it can nod. The body is cylindrical shaped, rounded and narrowed at the top, slightly narrowed at the bottom. Black painted outline of kimono, the brown natural wood acts as the background to pink plum blossoms with yellow stamens, green painted obi with white circle design, dark red painted obi jime and under collar. There is a black character written on the bottom. |
| 1996.010.111 |
Doll |
Kokeshi Doll
Turned wood, round swivel head, black painted short hair with bangs, painted black eyebrows, quarter moon eyes, u-shaped nose, red puckered lips; body has beige kimono with blue, pink and red morning glory design, heko obi with green tie dyed design tied in back "Summer, made by Yohachi" |
| 1996.010.112 |
Doll |
Kokeshi Doll
Turned wood, one piece, thick round head and body tapering at bottom and carved vertical grooved pattern around bottom edge. Head is plain except for painted black hair at crown, two marks on either side of forehead, eyes are black horizontal lines as if they are closed, faint red dot for nose; body is painted with gradations of red and black. On the bottom is stamped "Japan" and a red stamped seal. |
| 1996.010.113 |
Doll |
Kokeshi Doll
Turned wood, two pieces, immobile head. Large flat head has painted purple petal shaped markings on crown and sides indicating a tied kerchief with green flower shape on top and green leaves on sides, painted black bangs and side hair, eyebrows, large downturned eyes, two downturned lines for nose, purple lips; body is a slender cylinder with rounded top, two sets of purple bands at top and bottom, at center front are five chrysanthemum motifs with purple petals, green centers and leaves (back view). On bottom black ink kanji: "Aone" (place name in Myagi Prefecture where a hot spring is located, translates as green root, in this area heads are carved very large with narrow body, radiating design on head, "crescent moon" shaped eyes, split nose--upside down Y) |
| 1996.010.114 |
Doll |
Kokeshi Doll
Turned wood, one piece. Flat topped head has painted concentric circles on top, a red circle between two green circles. two red half circles on forehead, red petal shaped on sides may indicate kerchief, black half circle bangs and side hair pieces, black eyebrows, eyes with upper lids, long nose, red dot for mouth with black outline; body has three sets of fine bands of green and red at top and middle, two wide red bands around chest and lower body. Bottom is recessed with black ink kanji: "made by (too abbreviated to translate name)" |
| 1996.010.115 |
Doll |
Kokeshi Doll
Turned wood, one piece. Flat head with top knot, faded red circle at crown, painted black short hair, irregular painted features: large eyebrows, eyes and nose, upturned mouth: red with black outline; body has high rounded chest, narrow middle and flares at middle, faded red bands at top with faded red pattern at chest, alternating green with black, red bands around body, three faded flower motifs on top of bands, lower section has faded red pattern with red borders. On bottom written in pencil is place of origin "Aomori". |
| 1996.010.116 |
Doll |
Kokeshi Doll
Turned wood, one piece. Round head has red dot at crown, painted short black hair, quizzical eyebrows, large eyes with downswept lids, u-shaped nose, red dot for mouth with black outline; body has high round chest, narrow middle and flared bottom, red painted scalloped and dot design around chest bordered by red bands, lower center front has painted black Daruma face with wide eyes, black bushy eyebrows and facial hair on red background, painted red scalloped pattern around lower edge. On bottom is black ink kanji: "at Aomori, made by Mori Hidetaro". Famous artist--valuable piece. |
| 1996.010.117 |
Doll |
Kokeshi Doll
Turned wood, two joined pieces, round swivel head, carved topknot decorated with shibori red and white design, painted black bangs and side pieces, painted red ties on either side of bangs, painted black roundish eyebrows, quarter moon outlined eyes, u-shaped nose, puckered lip; body has painted beige haori with black collar with floral design, kimono with red background with gold crane motif, flipped back at center, obi with black background and magic wand design at center front, white obi jime and white haori fastener, white and red collar; on bottom black ink kanji: "Happiness inside doll, Made by Yohachi" (New Year's, Winter) (see 1996.10.79 and 111) |
| 1996.010.118 |
Doll |
Kokeshi Doll Rattle
Turned wood, two pieces joined, filled with something to make it rattle, large flat topped head, painted black hair with bangs in front and side pieces, painted red lines indicating a tied kerchief [like a baby sitter, to keep hair out of baby's face, hence the rattle], black eyebrows, smiling eyes, long nose, red lips outlined with black; body has red band at top at top and bottom, 5 feathery red triangles at center front; on bottom black ink kanji: "Made at Hijiori, made by Okuyama Kioshi". Famous artist from Hijiori region (hybrid of Narudo and Tokkata regions)--valuable piece. (see craftman's photograph, p. 119), characteristic large squarish head and slender cylindrical body, "well" eyes--upper and lower down-curved eyelids, upturned mouth. |
| 1996.010.119 |
Doll |
Kokeshi Doll
Turned wood, one piece. Red dot at crown of head painted short black hair. Coarse features with black eyebrows, eyes with lids, large nose, red upturned mouth with outline. Body has high rounded chest , flares at bottom . Faded red scallop dot designs at top and top with faded red and black bands. On bottom is black ink kanji: "Mori Hidetaro" (maker) |
| 1996.010.120 |
Doll |
Kokeshi Doll
Wood turn, 2 joined pieces, immobile head, black painted hair with bangs, bald pate, red painted ribbon on side hair pieces, painted black eyebrows, eyes with lids, long nose, red mouth accented with black line; painted red double bands with wavy line in center, faded narrow green band around neck, faded black bands at bottom; on bottom black ink kanji: "Iwashiro Tsuchiba, made by Sato Shoichi" (see 1996.10.120) |
| 1996.010.121 |
Doll |
Kokeshi Doll
Turned wood Three pieces glued together. Head has round top knot with pyro engraved hair. Horizontal lines for closed eyes. Painted red dot for nose. Neck is off-set and glued to body which is a separate cylinder which narrows near the bottom. Body shaped with notch in top, so it appears as if she is holding her sleeve up. A pyro engraved line extends from top down indicating edge of sleeve. On bottom is red seal and black ink kanji: "made by Kenichi" |
| 1996.010.122 |
Doll |
Kokeshi Doll
Turned wood, 2 joined pieces, immobile head, painted black side hair pieces, red marks indicating kerchief, red circle on pate, painted black high eyebrows, half dot eyes with upper lids, u-shaped nose, red dot for mouth with 2 black lines; body is carved into hour glass shape and has 4 sets of red bands and red flame design on chest; on bottom is black ink kanji: "Made at Shiroishi, made by Kamata Koichi" |
| 1996.010.123 |
Doll |
Kokeshi Doll
Turned wood of two pieces. Flat topped wobbly head with neck which fits into hole in body. Black painted dot on crown of head, fringe on forehead and side hair pieces. Raised eyebrows, black dot for eyes white semi-circular upper lid appears to be looking up. Small curved horizontal line for nose. Red oval shaped mouth. Light red patches on cheeks. Body has high rounded chest and narrow middle. Bright red band under neck. Faded red and green bands of varying widths around middle and lower body. At lower body is a knot in the wood. On bottom is black ink kanji: "Uwate prefecture, made by Tsunekawa Shintaro" |
| 1996.010.124 |
Doll |
Kokeshi Doll
Turned wood, three pieces glued together, modern style with egg-shaped head and top knot, upper body is pear-shaped and lower body is hour-glass shaped. Black painted top knot has beige rectangular ornament painted on the front, gold cord tied under top knot, tilted head has black painted hair with a widows peak, raised grey eyebrows, black horizontal eyes outlined in grey, grey dot for nose, two red dots for mouth. Center front of upper body has painted white collar with blue wellhead design, lower collar and sleeve openings are pink, sleeves are outlined in black, and have red outlined fans with white and gold dotted floral motifs, on is a grey fan with gold dots, center has a white painted leaf with gold accents, around waistline is a black painted sash with gold accents, blue and pink kimono edges extend to bottom showing a painted white and blue dots under kimono, at left are two fans: one outlined in red with white and red flowers and one outlined in grey with gold clouds, on the back are two black Japanese characters: "Hakone" (place)
On bottom black ink kanji: "made by Tomogoro" |
| 1996.010.125 |
Doll |
Kokeshi Doll
Turned wood, two pieces glued together, immobile head. Round head has very short black painted hair with a side part (male haircut?), grey outline on hair, high eyebrows, side hair pieces, black horizontal lines for eyes outlined red and grey, grey vertical line for nose, and red looped shaped mouth. Body is shaped like a bowling pin with recessed top which is painted black, two sets of black bands around middle, top and bottom, center front has an orange rose with black details, and a design of blue and faded gold squiggly lines and four black marks. Boozu style, "kina kina" doll region, form is considered most important, often use white wood |
| 1996.010.126 |
Doll |
Kokeshi Doll
Turned wood, two pieces, immobile head. Large head has four red concentric rings on top, red markings on forehead and side which may indicate a kerchief, small black fringe on forehead and two side pieces, curved eyebrows and upper eyelids with two black dots, u-shaped nose, red dot for mouth. Body widens around bottom and has carved ring around neck, red paint on neck ring, V-shaped mark on upper chest and three vertical line at lower front indicate outline of kimono, two sets of three red bands around middle. Head has knot hole in top back and body has split in bottom back. Bottom has black ink kanji: "made by Niiyama Hisaji" |
| 1996.010.127 |
Dolls |
A: Wood cylindrical Doll, cut at an angle at top, made of smoked, heavy grain wood (dark brown), painted red head scarf, black bangs, black eyebrows, almond shaped eyes, red almond shaped lips, red collar and belt, yellow jacket outline, white and red collar, white well head cross hatch design (ikat style). (Odeko - child's protruding forehead is considered cute). Special wood chosen for artistic purposes has a northern regional association unlike other kokeshi dolls.
B: Larger wood cylindrical Doll, cut at an angle at top, made of smoked, heavy grain wood (dark brown), painted red headgear, black bangs, black eyebrows, almond shaped eyes, red almond shaped lips, red collar and yellow belt, green jacket outline, white and red collar, white well head cross hatch design (ikat style).
Condition: Paint is peeling off of face. |
| 1996.010.128 |
Model House |
Model House on Platform
Made of woven and glued bamboo strips, the house has a raised roof with eaves covering a porch, sliding doors and inside are 5 kokeshi dolls.
A: House consists of a pitched roof with four sections covered with twill weave bamboo stripes, dark brown ridge pole and dark brown edging, the upper front wall under the eaves is made of an intricate open hexagonal weave in light and medium brown colored bamboo; a separate eave extends across the front, narrower on the left side, it is covered with bamboo twill weave with a diamond pattern;
B & C: the left front has two sliding doors (one is doubled) with open plain weave bamboo on top and closed twill weave on bottom, outlined with dark brown strips (these doors are inserted into channels at top and bottom; below the doors is a dark brown striped verandah attached to front and below this the wall is made of vertical light and dark bamboo strips; at the right front is the entryway, dark bamboo stairs are walled in with bamboo strips and a sliding door with open plain weave bamboo on top and dark and light colored chevron shaped bamboo on bottom, outlined with dark bamboo strips; one side of the house is made of open plain weave bamboo strips in various widths and light and dark brown, the lower part is made of light and dark bamboo strips; the other side has an open plain weave top and an overhang with its own roof and vertical strips of open bamboo work; the back is made of light colored twill weave bamboo strips with a diamond pattern, lower section is made of horizontal bamboo strips. Inside the house the floors are covered with tiny bamboo woven "tatami mats" outlined with dark brown strips; on the left the doll closest to the front is carved wood with a round flat head and cylindrical body which narrows in the middle, painted features: black bangs and side hair pieces, red and brown hair ornaments, black eyebrows, eyes, nose, red mouth, body has red, black and green bands around neck and hem and a red flower with green leaves at the center front; thinner doll at left back has painted black features, red marks on top of head and body; center doll is a larger version of the front doll; doll at right back is taller with an elongated neck, body is slender at top and widens out at bottom, painted white flower, red wisteria and blue an green pine branches on center front; doll which can be seen through door at right of house is a medium sized version of the front and middle dolls.
D: Rectangular platform made of wood, has 4 dark brown bamboo legs and is covered with alternating light and dark strips of bamboo outlined with dark strips, two thick dark strips of bamboo are glued to top and help hold the house in place.
E: Bamboo Door, H: 2.5", W: 1.375", Framed in dark brown bamboo slats the top two thirds is a screen of loose woven bamboo in a checker pattern, the last third is a tightly woven bamboo in a diamond pattern. |
| 1996.010.129 |
Doll |
Kokeshi Doll Set
Turned wood
A: Male wood turned with wobbly head. Round head has carved cap shape on top. Cap is painted black and has a central knob with black tip, black forelock and two side hair pieces. Black horizontal ovals for eyes, grey markings on forehead, large grey eyebrows, nose is a backward J, lips are two black dots joined with a vertical line. Head has narrow neck which fits into top of body. Barrel shaped body has black and grey well head ikat designs and outline of kimono. On bottom is black ink kanji: "at Matsushima, made by Bunkichi"
B: Female wood turned with carved top knot in head and a hole on the side for ornament (missing). Black painted short hair, black and grey rectangular designs on front and back may be scarf. Two grey hairpieces on each side with two blacks marks above. Black horizontal oval eyes, grey eyebrows, backward J nose, two black dots joined with a vertical line, Head has narrow neck which fits into top of body. Barrel shaped body has black and grey well head ikat designs and outline of kimono. On bottom is black ink kanji: "at Matsushima, made by Bunkichi"
C & D: Wood Box. L: 5.75", W: 5.25", H: 3.25". Box bottom has written on it "Matsushima Kokeshi Girls in 1952 storytelling group" . On top of lid is black ink kanji: "Inabaya store, made by Bunkichi of Matsushima" |
| 1996.010.130 |
Doll Couple |
Kokeshi Doll Couple
Turned wood with wobbly pointed heads, bell shaped bodies with pedestal at bottom. Back of dolls are painted beige with black horizontal lines and vertical marks representing straw snow capes with hoods. White paint blotches representing snow flakes on heads and backs. Both dolls have black painted bangs, black horizontal eyes, grey eyebrows, white dots for noses and red dots for mouths. Neck pegs fit into holes in top of bodies. Painted blue cords fasten the capes.
A; Female doll has red kimono with pink plum blossoms and green leaves, black obi with yellow design.
B: Male doll has black kimono with white cross hatch design and brown obi with white dots.
On back of both dolls black ink kanji: "at Shiga plateau, Maruike (pond)" |
| 1996.010.131 |
Doll Pair |
Pair of Kokeshi Dolls
Wood turned with two pieces with pointed wobbly heads.
Neck pegs fit into top of bodies, both have rounded bodies with recessed pedestals. Both dolls have black painted hairlines, eyebrows, eyes with eyelashes and dots for nose and mouth. They wear painted hats tied with painted white cord. Coats have three painted buttons down the front.
A: Green hat with two white flowers, yellow coat with orange collar, black buttons, and painted design of a brown animal and dots leading to the animal. Pedestal has light brown and dark brown crosses.
B: Red hat with pink flowers on each side, orange coat with white collar and buttons. Painted design on front are two red flowers with stem and leaf. Well head pattern in pink and red on pedestal. |
| 1996.010.132 |
Doll with letter |
Kokeshi Doll Letter Holder
Turned wood doll made of two pieces with round head, peg neck fits into hole on top of doll body. Body is hollow wood tube into which rolled letter paper is inserted and the pedestal cap has carved threads to screw into bottom of the body.
A: Doll head has red painted petal shapes at back and at each side of face indicating tied kerchief. Painted black bangs and side hair pieces, eyebrows, half-moon eyes, u-shaped nose and two red dots for lips. The cylindrical varnished body has a painted design of two pink flowers and on red flower with grey stems and green leaves. On the back is black ink kanji:
B: Pedestal cap of turned wood that has a threaded knob which screws into the bottom of the body, exterior is varnished.
C: Letter - rolled piece of paper: L: 5", W: 2.378". Printed with red Hiragana at top, red border and lines, hand written English message inserted into body of doll reads "Dear Ms. Sealoff, Thank you for the little cup. I like it very much. Niki." |
| 1996.010.133 |
Doll Ornament |
Pair of Bone Kokeshi Ornaments
Half inch dolls have round head on top of round bodies. Black painted hair eyebrows and eyes, red dot for mouth and black cross hatching on front of bodies. Braided silk cord runs through vertical hole in dolls ending in a tassel.
A: Painted green jacket with white dots and red fastener. Orange cord, orange, pink and white tassel.
B: Red jacket with white dots and green fastener. Green cord with green, pink and yellow tassel. |
| 1996.010.134 |
Doll Ornament |
Wood Ornament Bell with three kokeshi figures on platform
A; Pedestal, wood rectangle painted on top and sides with black lacquer.
B: Paper disk with miniature kokeshi doll glued to it. Diam: 2.375". Gold foil paper on bottom of disk. Wood turned male doll has two pieces, round swivel head, black painted hair on top, two strands on sides with blue dot. Large black eyebrows, triangular eyes. Black dot for nose red dot for mouth. Blue painted jacket, with black neck outline and dark red obi with white dots. Black well head design on pants.
C: Wood kokeshi doll in one piece, with top knot. Mother figure black painted hair with pink and red hair ornaments. Black eyebrows and eyes, red mouth. Red painted haori with scalloped and dot design. Striped red kimono with green obi with yellow dots.
D: Wood turned female doll has two pieces, round swivel head, black painted hair with top knot and red scarf on top, two strands on sides with red dot. Large black eyebrows, triangular eyes. Black dot for nose red dot for mouth. Red painted jacket, with black neck outline and pink obi with white dots. Turquoise apron with red dots design on pants.
E: Carved wood bell with one side cut out. Knob on top. Lower edge English "No More Hiroshimas". Above cut out portion is black ink kanji:
When put together the ornament bell is on top of the disk covering the three ornament figures which then sits on the platform. All wood is varnished. |
| 1996.010.135 |
Doll with letter |
Kokeshi Doll Letter Holder
Turned wood doll made of two pieces with round head, peg neck fits into hole on top of doll body. Body is hollow wood tube into which rolled letter paper is inserted and the pedestal cap has carved threads to screw into bottom of the body.
A: Doll head has red painted petal shapes at back and at each side of face indicating tied kerchief. Painted black bangs and side hair pieces, eyebrows, round eyes, u-shaped nose and two red dots for lips. The cylindrical varnished body has a painted design of 7 red flowers with green leaves, an orange kimono color and blue cross hatched and dotted obi.
B: Pedestal cap of turned wood that has a threaded knob which screws into the bottom of the body, exterior is varnished.
C: Letter - rolled piece of paper: L:7", W: 2.25". Hand written English message inserted into body of doll reads "6 Aug.
Dear Sealoff-sensei, Now I got back home from hospital. Injection of streptomycin will finish at next Tuesday and about next Friday I will know the results of all examination. So I can't see your many treasures, I'm very sorry! But I shall visit you on the next weekend with good report "Complete recovery", I hope so. If you can find time to spare, please come down to here. We will show you Hamana-ko lake. Yesterday I made "something" or present for you. This morning I had a letter from Watanabe-san. (over) My mother & sister join me in kind regards. Yours truly, Toshio Okabe"
D: Mailing tag, 4.25" x 1.75" made of heavy paper with brown reinforced hole, wired to the neck of the doll; on one side is a green stamp showing a snowy mountain and the number 10, with a round post mark, reads "Miss Georgia L. Sealoff, c/o Toyo Kikaikaikan Hotel, 15, Shiba Mita Shikoku, Minato-ku, Tokyo" and Japanese kanji below; on the other side "Toshio Okabe, 4445 Higashi iba-cho, Hamamatsu, Shizuoka Pref., Please open a foot-cap, you shall find a letter. My dear kokeshi will send a letter you holding her bosom." |
| 1996.010.136 |
Model |
Wood model of bridge with kokeshi dolls in lidded cardboard box
On front of model and on box "Peace Bridge of Hiroshima", "Hiroshima Kokeshi doll made by junidan-ya (12 steps)"
A: Small kokeshi dolls with swivel heads (H: 7/8"), painted black hair, eyes, nose, red hair decoration, blue and green circular design on back of haori jacket with black collar, red obi with gray obi jime cord, white floral design on blue kimono, other figure wears painted red floral obi, haori with black collar, purple obi, off-white obi jime cord, pink flowers on teal blue kimono; glued to top of bridge made of curved varnished bamboo section with a carved wood stylized lotus? stem and head on one side.
B: Cardboard box bottom covered with mauve paper in cracked tile design with red and green stamps (L: 3.5", W: 2.5", H: 2")
C: Cardboard box top covered with mauve paper in cracked tile design with red and green stamps |
| 1996.010.137 |
Cup |
Ceramic handleless cup
White ceramic with clear glaze, red ring painted around ring shaped pedestal on bottom, painted on sides are three kokeshi dolls: first one at a 45 degree angle with round head, red outline, black eyebrows, eyes, nose and hair pieces, red dot mouth, 2 black dots and 1 red dot in middle on top of head (topknot), half sphere neck, hourglass shaped body tapers at bottom end, chevron designs of green, 2 red, single gold stripe, 2 red, 2 green, 2 red chevron bands around body; 2nd kokeshi doll is the largest, ovoid shape head, black painted hair outlined in red with topknot tied with red and white bow, red ball hair ornament extending from left side, black eyebrows, eyes, nose, red mouth, missile shaped body with pink kimono with yellow accents, green and white shibori obi, red panel hanging below with 2 gold arrow shaped designs below; 3rd kokeshi doll is smallest, round head outlined in red, painted black hat, eyes, nose, red mouth, red dots design on temples, oval shaped body, red kimono with white collar, black and gold kimono accents.
Condition: two cracks along sides between first two figures |
| 1996.010.138 |
Figure Set |
Modern version of kokeshi style figures representing Longevity Couple
A: Figures of old man and woman with swivel egg shaped head on stand, painted gray and white hair, white eyebrows, smiling eyes and mouth, woman: gold and royal blue headband, pink outer garment with dark plum blossom design, red belt tied in bow at front, gray and black wave design underrobe showing collar, collar layers of gold, black, brown, and white; man: white hair bun at back, painted white beard, painted outer garment with tan color sleeves and brown horizontal stripe vest with gold trim, white belt tied in bow at front, below waist is blue, collar layers of gold, white, dark gold, black, and white; couple glued to slice of natural wood with bark outside
B: Carved wood broom, painted tip of black and green, held by woman (L: 3.75", W: .375")
C: Carved wood curved rake handle, top of rake is broken off (L: 2.75"), held by man |
| 1996.010.139 |
Plaque |
Wooden plaque with painted kokeshi doll
Painted figure with black crown and side hair pieces, eyebrows, open eyes, nose, red closed mouth, scarf markings on head with green decoration, body is painted in horizontal stripes in orangey red and yellow with narrow bands of red and blue, blue background with white overall pattern of flowers. Hole in top for hanging. Back of plaque has #246. |
| 1996.010.140 |
Advertising plaque |
Wooden mailing advertisement plaque in outline shape of kokeshi doll
On one side is painted features: black hair, eyebrow and nose, faded red mouth and kimono decoration
On other side is an address "Matsui Michiyo, 2-4 Shikokucho, Mita Shiba ward, Tokyo, July 1, 1932" and advertisement of "Suzuki Yoko and Suzuki Mototaro, Buto Kikuni"
String through hole in top of head. |
| 1996.010.141 |
Figure |
Stone Figure in lidded wood box
A: Figure made of two stones glued together. upper black stone has painted features of the figure, a blue hood, white round face with black eyes and nose, red mouth. Robe has painted red neck and sleeve openings and red and yellow sash. White painted hands and red and white painted feet. Stone appears to have been carved to indicate shape of kimono. Bottom stone, white quartz?, is stand. To bottom of stone is white strip of paper with black ink kanji: "Meisaku odori" (Meisaku dance).
B: Wood box bottom, H: 1.75", W: 2", D: 2.5". Box has sides and bottom are glued together. Front end shorter to accommodate lid. Inside of sides has grooves to accommodate lid.
C: Wood box lid, Made of flat rectangle with grooves on sides and end piece which acts as stopper. Kanji is pyro engraved on top: "Shumi-no reki ningyo" (rock doll craft). Lid slides into front end of box. |
| 1996.010.142 |
Pair of Stone Figures |
Pair of Stone Figures (A&B, C&D)
A: Female: Small smooth oval shaped grey stone with painted black hair, red hair bow with red shibori dot. Pink daisy flowers on each side of bow with yellow centers. Painted black eyebrows, almond shaped eyes, white nose, red mouth.
B: Body: Larger smooth oval shaped grey stone with painted Kimono. Outer red kimono has painted white, pink, salmon, colored daisy flowers with yellow centers on both side fronts and back. Green leaves and blue water design intertwined with flowers. Under kimono which shows at front and side is pink. Red and white painted collar. Painted black obi with yellow and orange wisteria like design. White red and blue obi jime. Fuschia color obi age with shibori design . On bottom is stamped red seal: "Maruishi" or "Enseki" and black ink kanji: "Maruishi" or "Enseki" (maker's name meaning "round rock"). Blue marks on bottom of kimono.
C: Male head, small smooth oval shaped grey stone. On top of head painted black oval shape indicating hair with blue dot in center. Black side hair pieces with three blue petal like marks on either side of head. Black eyebrows and dots for eyes, White nose and red mouth.
D: Body: Larger smooth oval grey stone. Painted dark blue outer haori has white lines indicating collar and white tie with yellow fastenings. Blue under kimono has white collar, red obi, pink petal design. On bottom is red stamped seal and black ink kanji. (writing is the same as on B) |
| 1996.010.143 |
Miniature Doll |
Miniature Gosho Doll with Screen
A: Standing doll arms extended and right foot up as if dancing. Has round head covered with gofun. painted hat is part of head. Hat has eboshi style black with gold stripes and orange dots on either side. Carved ears, nose and chin. Painted eyes, eyebrows and red mouth. The body is made with Kimekomi technique. It is molded from wood paste with grooves and fabric is glued over the body in to the groves. The outer kimono is blue crepe with painted crane and pine designs. in red, blue, white , green and orange. The obi is red and gold brocade. Red crepe sleeve and hem openings. In right hand doll holds finial? Left hand is missing ,peg protrudes from sleeve opening. Yellow painted feet, peg on left foot has broken off the base.
B: Wood base, rectangular. Front edge has carved depression. Broken peg is inserted in middle of the base |
| 1996.010.144 |
Figure Set |
Set of Figures representing Japanese folk tales A-H
A: Rectangular wood base with 6 painted wood figures, a post, and 2 bases attached (additional 5 figures and umbrella have come unglued (B-G). Clockwise from back left:
"Ai ai gasa" written in front of figures, on black painted base representing bridge with carved post, natural wood and black paint, stands two figures under a wood umbrella (C) painted black and white in a "snake-eye" design, left figure (B) unglued, is an kokeshi style doll with swivel head attached so it appears she has dowager's hump on back, painted sky blue scarf wrapped around head, painted black eyebrows, almond shaped eyes, V nose, red dots for mouth, cylinder wood body has painted black haori jacket with white cords to hold back sleeves, blue underrobe shows at collar and hem, kimono in natural wood color with black kasuri pattern, brownish plum obi (azuki iro color); figure on right is a kokeshi style wood doll with stationary head, painted black hair with bun (momo ari) and red shibori hair scarf, painted black arched eyebrows, eyes, V shaped nose, red dot mouth, painted red haori with white dot motif in front and sleeve with lavender colored ties, painted salmon colored and blue floral design on natural wood background, green underrobe shows at collar and hem, red and black obi with red asterisk design. Figures represent close relationship of two people under one umbrella.
"Ninomiya Kinjiro" printed in front of wood kokeshi style doll (D), (H: 3.5"), swivel head, standing figure, painted black boy's samurai hairstyle, topknot with shaved pate in gray blue, painted black eyebrows, round eyes, u-shaped nose, red dot mouth; painted black workman's bib, upper robe is black kasuri design on natural wood color background, red collar, black , green and red vertical striped mompei pants on natural wood, painted black kasuri knee patches, painted red string around waist, log attached to back. This figure is a symbol of hard working, self educated young man.
"Momotaro", grown boy wood kokeshi style doll (E) with pear shaped body and swivel head, painted black male hairstyle with pony tail on top with white binding cloth and shaved pate in gray blue and side hair pieces with widow's peak, painted black eyebrows, half moon eyes, molded white nose, red dot mouth, painted red vest with a pink peach in back and arch decorations on side, blue trimmed chest plate, pink peach on front, below waist are painted strips of armor with blue outline and striped salmon on gold background, pants showing at bottom have pine branch motif with blue kasuri; a painted black wood sword handle, gold guard protrudes from left waist. "Momotaro" is the story of the peach boy who is found by an old couple in the river, they picked up a peach from the river, take it home and he emerges from the peach pit, grows up and conquers the island ogre with the help of his loyal monkey and dog followers. He represents bravery and fighting for good (see F)
Monkey figure from Momotaro story (F) (H: 1.5"), is carved wood with swivel head, painted white headband with red circle design, painted brown hair which formed a keyhole shape, painted black forehead wrinkles, round eyes, dash nose, red smiling mouth, painted red haori jacket with yellow and gold shuttlecock design, outlined in white, green chest plate, painted metal studs, sky blue waist band, three navy blue and yellow designed lower armor panels, blue striped mompei pants. Figure is a loyal follower of the Peach Boy.
Dog figure attached to main base (H: 1.5"), is carved wood with swivel head which is egg shaped (looks like a mouse), red circle on blue headband, painted white face, black outline of ears and nostrils, eye dots, whiskers, red line for mouth, painted blue vest with design including a red cross on both sides, brown and white chest plate with 3 red dots in center, gold and blue striped lower armor panels, red striped mompei pants. Figure is a loyal follower of the Peach Boy.
Central figure of Momotaro as a baby in a peach pit attached to main base (1.75" incl. base), base is a slice of natural wood with bark, walnut shell split open represents the peach, inside is the wood kokeshi style doll, bald stationery head with black hair pieces tied with red, black features, red baby bib outlined in black tied around waist has white painted kanji "momo (peach)"; on base in white "Nasu" (name of place where set was made)
"Shimizu Omasa" (Omasa from Shimizu policeman) wood kokeshi figure unattached (G) with swivel head, painted black hair with shaved crown and center hair (commoner), painted black uneven eyebrows, half moon eyes, two dashes for nose and mouth, painted blue vest with off white kasuri design, painted green striped kimono with black collar, black and white diagonally designed obi, black kanji on side says "Shimizu Omasa".
"Shimizu Jiro-cho" (Head detective--neighbourhood policeman) wood kokeshi figure glued to main base with swivel head, painted black hair with shaved crown and center hair, black eyebrows, half moon eyes, two dashes for nose and red dot mouth, painted black vest with off white kasuri design, blue striped kimono with black outlined collar, green and white diagonally designed obi outlined in black, stands on circular platform.
At right back of base is a miniature kokeshi female doll (1.25") with stationary head, painted black hair, red hair decoration, black eyebrows, eyes, nose, red dot mouth, painted red horizontal and green diagonal lines on front kimono.
At right front of base is a miniature kokeshi female doll (1 cm) with stationery head, painted black hair, red hair bow, black eyebrows, half moon eyes, nose, red dot mouth, painted red sunburst design on kimono. |
| 1996.010.145 |
Doll |
Cloth Anesama Style Doll
A: Rolled paper and straw make up the core of this doll. Her hair is black fabric tied around cloth bundles in order to form buns. Hair made up in traditional geisha fashion. Two plastic decorations in top of hair and back bun is tied in a silver cord. Her head is made from silk wrapped around cloth core. It is beige with black hair painted around top of face, black eyes, pink cheeks and red dot for mouth. Her kimono is purple and white silk in a up and down arrow pattern. It is lined with red crepe. Her obi is black and gold brocade, wrapped around doll and tied in bow on back.
B: Black painted wood stand, L: 2 3/8" , 1 3/4", H: 1/4" has hole in center to support doll. |
| 1996.010.146 |
Miniature Doll |
Miniature Cloth Anesama Doll
Miniature knelling geisha figure holding paper scroll. Head is single round of white cloth with no features. Hair is black cloth tied in loops to resemble formal geisha hair style. Back hair knot is tied with a single thread. A small yellow patch is glued to the top of the front knot of hair. Head is attached to body by single metal rod. Body is clothed in purple and white kimono in a up and down arrow pattern . Sleeves have red crepe lining. Bottom has pink crepe lining. Obi is single piece of gold and peach cloth brocade tied in a bow in back. A yellow cord in a bow protrudes from the back. Draped over sleeves, being held out, is a piece of rice paper with printed lines and glued on. She is kneeling on a black painted wood stand. The figure is secured to the stand by a nail. |
| 1996.010.147 |
Miniature Doll |
Miniature Doll in Red Kimono
Standing figure with gofun head, hands, and feet. She has black hair (Natural) cut to shoulder length, and short bangs in front. She has protruding nose cheeks and lips. She has painted features, black eyebrows, eyes, blue iris, red painted lips. Pink cheeks. She is dressed in kimono with red, with purple, green, yellow, white and pink floral patterns. She has yellow underlinings. The obi is a red and gold brocade checker pattern with a white and orange obi jime. |
| 1996.010.148 |
Miniature Doll |
Ninomiya :Miniature Cloth Doll Walking with book and carrying sticks on back.
Round, faceless head with black crepe paper formed into hair, Wears a black and white plaid hanten work jacket. with a brown silk ribbon sash. Grey leggings or pants. Bundle of twigs tied with yellow cord is attached to tan colored wire frame. Bundle is tied to figure with yellow braid. Figure is made of wire covered with white paper and shaped so that head looks down right arm is curved upward and left arm and hand holds miniature book mad eof white paper leaves with black ink markings. Right foot is foreword as if walking. both feet are nailed to the wood base. |
| 1996.010.149 |
Leaflet |
Advertising leaflet with five miniature daruma.
Advertising for sightseeing at Takamatsu Yotoko, on Shikoku Island. On the front page on a yellow and white background are the images of a drum platform, treasure ship and a lion head in red, blue, black, yellow and orange. Glued to the page are five clay painted daruma figures. Robes are in yellow, orange, red, blue and purple. Faces are painted beige with wide white eyes, black eyebrows, and pupils and mustache. Red dot for mouth and gold vertical lines on front. The rest of the pamphlet is printed in kanji and includes a map and several photos. "Takamatsu Sightseeing Cooperative Association, depicting festival Takumatsu yoitoko. |
| 1996.010.150 |
Doll |
Issun Hoshi - Little One Inch.
Male wooden doll standing in a red bowl.
Kokeshi style doll with swivel head. Round head with painted black hair and blue crown. white painted headband, black eyebrows, eyes, nose and red mouth. Groove in top of head. Cylindrical body narrows at bottom. Painted black kimono with blue collar and brown markings. White straps cross at back (cord to keep sleeves away). hakama natural wood color with brown details. Sword appears to stick through left side of body, made of brown wood with gold bsuba. Spear which stands in front is made of brown painted wood with red stripe and silver tip. The figure and spear are glued to the middle of painted wood bowl which is saucer shaped and has a bottom foot. Painted red with gold, kanji written on top and three white flowers. |
| 1996.010.151 |
Model |
Ceramic Open Book on Red Cushion
A: Ceramic book white painted top, blue painted bottom with black stripes on spine. Shaped as if book is open in the middle, black hiragana iroha alphabet characters on top: "i, ro, ha, ni, ho, he, to, chi" (now that I can smell color, but ...) in old alphabet style that simulates a poem and black ink grass writing: "teshu" (calligraphy practice book) on white background on blue cover of book.
B: Red silk crepe cushion, 5.57" X 5" . Silk is hand sewn around padding. |
| 1996.010.152 |
Ornament |
Ornament Wooden lantern with two miniature wooden dolls inside.
Two cross cut pieces of wood with outer bark form top and bottom. Top piece has hole surrounded by white painted ring. Between the two pieces of wood is silk worm cocoon with section removed in front revealing two miniature wood dolls. They have painted black features the left has a blue kimono and brown obi and the right has a red kimono with a green obi. They stand on a platform in the shape of a round wood box with a lid. A wire is anchored on both sides and extends upward through the slice of wood. On top of the ornament is black ink kanji.
Condition: The bark on upper wood slice is coming loose. |
| 1996.010.153 |
Miniature Dolls in Wood Box |
Five miniature ceramic musician dolls (Gonin Bayashi) in lidded wooden box.
A: Five ceramic figures painted white with gold eboshi shaped hats. Black painted eyebrows, eyes and side hair, red mouths. From left - drummer has painted orange cloak, small orange square of silk glued to chest. Pink cords tied around neck. Two orange painted wood pegs extend from hands simulating drumsticks. Black painted drum has gold top and orange painted strings. Second figure is a flutist with painted green cloak, orange diamond shaped silk glued to front. Red cord glued around neck. Hands held under chin with painted rods protruding from each side to simulate an orange and black flute. central figure is painted orange cloak with orange silk triangle glue to front, orange cord tied around neck. Brown and blue spots of paint to simulate a book with orange and black lines. He is Utai Chanter. Fourth figure has painted green cloak with orange silk triangle tied to lower front. On right shoulder painted black and orange drum with gold and brown ends. Red cord glued around neck. Drummer on right has painted orange cloak with an orange silk triangle tied to front. Under left arm is painted red and orange hand drum with gold and brown ends. Each figure with its instrument is molded in one and glued to rectangular orange platform.
B: Wood box bottom: rectangular shaped with lower front and grooves inside each end for lid. On bottom is red and white sticker with Japanese characters: "Kyoto, Sanjoteramachi (temple st.), Misuyabari (store)"
C: Rectangular wood sliding lid with a raised center, attached wood end piece. On top of lid is black kanji: "Goninbayashi" (5 noise makers) and faint red seal. |
| 1996.010.154 |
Doll |
Nagashi-Hina Clay Floating Dolls
Two rows of dolls with red paper bodies and white clay heads held between a long piece of split bamboo. Clay heads are painted white with black hair on back of heads, eyebrows and eyes, and red mouths, upper row consists of ten dolls with gold foil paper hats and bodies made of a rectangular piece of red paper with a white floral dot design, gold foil paper is glued to bottom of red rectangles. Bottom row consists of ten dolls without hats or eyebrows. Their bodies consist of folded rectangles of red paper with white floral dot designs and gold foil strips representing obis.
Condition: Fastener has come off of bamboo strip so that seven dolls of the lower row can be pulled off. (B - H).
On Girl's Day one set is set upon the god-shelf and the other floated on the river or sea as a prayer to take away evils. This set is from Tottori Prefecture. Associated with purification says note card. |
| 1996.010.155 |
Doll |
Chinese Family of Dolls (Father Mother carrying baby, and two children)
A: Chinese father, made of clay and wire. Painted clay head has pink face, grey hair. with black braided fiber queue glued to back of head. Painted black official's hat with black knob on top and painted green ornament on front. Painted black eyebrows, eyes, red mouth. Clay hands with curled fingers are painted pink. Clay feet painted white and black shoes. Silk or rayon clothing consists of a dark green jacket with painted gold spots for buttons. and a grey blue skirt which simulates an under robe. Semi-circular wire attached to back of feet as a prop. The word China is stamped in purple on the bottom of the foot.
B: Chinese Mother, made of clay and wire. Clay head has painted pink face, black hair, painted gold ornament with flower, gold earrings; painted black eyebrows, eyes, red pucker lips. Clay hands with curled fingers are painted pink. Clay feet painted white and red shoes. Blue gray damask blouse, long tight straight skirt with blue window pane design in blue on pink (faded front). Semi-circular wire attached to back of feet as a prop. The word China is stamped in purple on the bottom of the foot. She hold a baby in her right arm, clay head has painted pink face with gray scalp, small piece of fiber hair on top tied with red string, painted black eyebrows and eyes, red mouth; painted pink clay hands extended, white painted clay feet with painted black shoes; wine colored rayon top and brick red crepe pants.
C: Chinese boy made of clay and wire. Painted clay head has pink face, grey scalp with black fiber hair glued to front of head. . Painted black eyebrows, eyes, red mouth. Clay hands with curled fingers are painted pink. Clay feet painted white and black shoes. Navy blue rayon with painted white spots for buttons and a navy blue pants. Semi-circular wire attached to back of feet as a prop. The word China is stamped in purple on the bottom of the foot.
D: Chinese girl made of clay and wire. Painted clay head has pink and white face, black fiber hair tied in two pony tails with red string and narrow bang. Painted black eyebrows, eyes, red mouth. Clay hands with curled fingers are painted pink. Clay feet painted white and red shoes. Red rick-rack glued around neck; lavender silk with woven stripe jacket trimmed with green and white braid, navy blue pants with green and purple bands at hem. Semi-circular wire attached to back of feet as a prop. The word China is stamped in purple on the bottom of the foot. |
| 1996.010.156 |
Doll |
Chinese mother and child dolls (tag says it is a Michael Lee character doll made in Hong Kong)
Mother doll has head, hands, and feet made of carved wood? coated with clay slip? which is painted and varnished, body is soft (possibly straw). Head has painted black hair with thread braids tied with red thread, painted tan face with painted brown eye brows, slanted brown eyes, red lips, painted tan hands with curved fingers, pink nails, painted tan feet with pink nails; white and blue pin stripe cotton jacket with standing collar, side opening with 4 "frog" closings, shiny black pants with small woven design.
Baby has bald head, painted tan face, black painted eyebrows, closed eyes and spot in center of forehead, red mouth, pink cheeks, painted tan arms and bent legs, painted red finger and toe nails, hugging mother's back; wears a pink, white, purple and red figured cotton, royal blue cotton short pants sewn by hand. Held on mother's body by baby carrier: satin square with red middle, black border, embroidered floral design, pink, yellow, blue, white, pink satin stitch, blue and pink embroidered butterfly, 4 Chinese characters embroidered in blue "peaceful entering and exiting" (peaceful birth & death?), green satin ribbon in shape of triangle tab, long pink rayon ribbon ties over mother's shoulders and around waist to tie in front.
"Cantonese mother generally likes to carry her young pick-a-back in order that her hands may be free to work. The suspension hand faced with red silk embroidery. The character means "peace and safety" implying that the child may enjoy this blessing. Being carried thus the child feels comfortable for one will often see him slumbering with head tilted back and mother wide open. The mother wears the typical Cantonese pants of black varnished silk. It is cool and ideal summer wear." |
| 1996.010.157 |
Pair of Dolls |
Pair of cloth dolls, Chinese boy and girl
A: Boy: black wool yarn hair sewn into head at very top extends into standing braid tied with red cotton thread, off-white cloth stuffed head with embroidered features: black eyebrows, open eyes, nose, ears, red mouth, cotton body in sitting position with arms and legs extended, stuffed hands have separated thumbs, dressed in royal blue cotton jacket and pants, jacket has 3 dark blue frogs, red silk satin shoes with white cotton soles sewn on by hand. Possibly stuffed with cotton.
B: Girl (H: 6.375", W: 5.75") black wood yarn hair sewn into head with front bangs, parted into braids on either side of head tied with red thread, off-white cotton stuffed head with embroidered features: black eyebrows, eyes, nostrils, ears, red mouth, cotton covered body in sitting position with arms and legs extended, stuffed hands have separated thumbs, dressed in jacket and pants of printed red floral checkered design, jacket has side closing tied with orange rayon cord under arms around back, trimmed with green and white braid around edges, matching pants with green trim on hem, red silk satin shoes with white cotton soles stitched on by hand. |
| 1996.010.158 |
Model |
Model of village: glass display case containing store models
A: Display case has framed glass front door on hinges, gray and purple silk tassel, door frame is brown lacquer, wood bottom and back have silver and beige paper covering, glass sides and top framed with varnished kiri wood, peg stoppers for door. Condition: door glass has two cracks.
B: Wood model of pottery shop, black molded paper roof simulating tiles, wood awning extends in front with kanji written in white on the wood "pottery shop", white on lavender paper advertisement panels hang down below awning "pottery made in Kyoto" and small drawing of teapot and bowl, inside open front are two wooden tiers, lower covered with red cotton cloth and displaying a painted clay tea set, two plates, two saki bottles and a cup, next level has a jubako box with lid, painted pine motif on beige background, painted green, dark red, and blue round layered box, painted blue and beige saki bottle, L-shaped shelf displays 2 red/white and blue/white plaid plates, blue and beige saki bottle, blue, yellow, red tea cups, yellow/blue/white saki cup, hanging from ceiling under awning hangs 2 painted clay teapots in off-white and red/yellow stripes; clay brazier with brown tea kettle, on proper left of store is an extended 3 panel fence, painted clay badger figure with a straw hat, carrying a saki jug with Japanese number "8", in front on proper right is an painted brown clay hibachi, behind is a wood divider in front of a tree made of wire and painted green paper, base is covered with black sand paper and sprinkled sand, H: 3.375", W: 5.75", D: 3"
C: Wood model noodle shop, black molded paper roof simulating tiles, horizontal ridge pole, side shed roof, 3 level wood awning, front wood gridded screens extends over windows, door opening, brown paper hangs from top of awning simulating noren, white printing "Kisoba", sliced natural wood sign in front of window, green painted characters "Kisoba" with painted red floral design, between is a red paper sign "udon" with a drawing of a bowl, under lowest awning hangs a painted white/black lantern "udon", at store edge is a wood slat sign "ten don soba" (tempura soba), in front of entrance is a wooden keg with two gold paper straps and a black tray with tiered red soba box and blue bowl, at entrance are sticks painted green simulating leeks, inside the room is a sign painted with red streaks, on proper left of store is a 3 panel wooden fence and a wood and wire willow tree with painted green paper, 3 hibachi in blue, green and brown at front left, black sandpaper covered base, H: 3.375", W: 5.75", D: 3".
D: Wood model Oden stand (food boiled in hot seasoned broth), shed style wood roof with wood awning, 3 panel brown paper noren with black and white lettering "oden" with red and white decoration at ends, on proper left is an elongated red and black paper lantern with black and white lettering "oden", inside is wood steam vat with food inside and lid open behind, painted clay blue and white sake bottle and brown tea pot, small wood stand with painted clay sake bottle on shelf, front wood food bar has 2 painted clay plates and sake cup, sides of stand are made of half shoji screens with solid wood bottom, black sandpaper covered base, H: 2.875", W: 4.25", D: 2.375".
E: Wood model of fish shop, black molded paper simulated tile shed roof with horizontal ridge pole, wood panel sides, wood awning extends at front, wood sign at top of awning "Shidashi catering" in black and white lettering with white and red decoration at either end, dark purple paper noren hangs from awning "Sakana" (fish) in white lettering, inside are slanted display table and bench with painted clay fish, inside back is a wood shelf with 2 painted clay plates in red/white and blue/white, next to the shelf is a door with blue painted paper hanging, short wooden divider on platform in back, painted wood water bucket with 2 silver bands in right front with a cutting board and fish knife, wood fences on either side of store with black on white paper "Sakana" on proper left, on proper right is the painted clay figure of the fisherman, black hair with blue dotted white towel headband, black features with red mouth, grey hanten jacket over black shirt and short white pants, brownish red and white belt, behind fence panel is a wood, wire and painted green paper tree, base is covered with black sand paper and glued sand accents, H: 3.75", W: 5.625", D: 2.875".
F: Wood stand for basket, unfinished wood, rectangular with two broad legs nailed to bottom, H: .75", W: 2.175", D: 2.25".
G: Bamboo woven fish storage basket with wider bottom and one handle at rim, black lettering on front "Koshiro" (maybe actor's name), serves as a toothpick holder, H: 1.75", Diam: 1.5".
H: 5 toothpicks wrapped with small papers printed in red and black kanji, "sendu" comic haiku poem or romantic verses wrapped around toothpicks and placed in small envelopes (L: 3") (translation: I want to erase her face from my memory by drinking saki, but saki is poison. I want to be near you who has compassion and blood, gold and silver depends on one's arm (ability), means he wants to get married to her even if he isn't rich now but may be in the future. I am putting all my faith into my little finger until I meet you next time, refers to the old parting tradition of children hooking their little finger together as they parted, meaning he doesn't know whether he will see her again. Dandelion in the field, skylark in the sky, reflected image in the stream of two together. On a snowy night, I long for the person who wants to use my lap as a pillow.) Red and black on white envelopes representing Dan group of Kabuki actors playing "Midori bashi" (returning bridge). (See also 1996.10.212)
I: Miniature Bonbori lantern made with dark brown lacquer wood frame with 3 legs on round base sprinkled with gold flecks, w-shaped wood frame at top serves as handle, and white cotton net for bulb-shaped lamp |
| 1996.010.159 |
Model Sushi Stand |
Wood Model Sushi Stand with 2 kokeshi dolls covered with glass case
A: Base is painted red wood with a green felt covered platform, wood sushi stand with slanting roof with red bars, wood sides, red paper sign in blue and black lettering "Sushi" pasted to edge of roof, inside stand is a painted blue, red and yellow sushi display on black/red plate, wood shapes on top of orange painted bar, wood and bamboo bench in front, in front of stand are glued two kokeshi dolls with swivel heads, girl has black hair, topknot with red ornament, black features and red mouth, painted red circle haori, red kimono with 3 gold lines and black edges, purple and white obi; boy has black hair with pointed top, green decoration on side hair pieces, black features, red mouth, painted blue circular designed haori, blue kimono with 3 gold lines and black edges, wine and white obi; on proper right of stand is a pine tree made of wire and green bristle; orange silk cord extends from holes in base and wraps around glass case; on bottom of base is stamped in Japanese "new idea #2534, copyright #566" (patent).
B: Glass case (H: 2.75", W: 3.375", D: 2.175") has open bottom, rusted mirror back and glass sides and top joined with white tape on edges. |
| 1996.010.160 |
Stand |
Doll Stand and Halberd Type Weapon
A: Black lacquered rectangular wood stand (Possibly Kiri Wood), Front side has carved indentation at bottom, Top is warped and has come unglued from front section.
B: Miniature Weapon for doll. Painted black wood shaft with gold paint detail at either end, End of shaft is carved into a knob. Blade is made of card stock covered with silver foiled paper and shaped into a curved and inserted into a slot. into the handle. The blade and shaft are wrapped with red silk thread,
A card found with the stand and weapon indicate these may be for a Benkei figure. |
| 1996.010.161 |
Miniature Theatre Frame |
Wood Theatre Case (Kamishibai) Portable Stage with performance clappers.
A: Stained wood frame back section is a rectangular shape made of two frame sections open on one side so that story boards can be slid into the center. The front of the back section has decorative grooves around the edges a rounded rectangular inner frame. On top a brass handle is screwed into the wood. At the front three stained carved wood pieces are hinged to the back section. The top front section is carved into a cloud shape with an upper frame and is hinged in two places so that it can stand on top of the back frame when the show is in progress. The two front side pieces are hinged two either side of the back frame, Cut on top to match the upper frame piece. When open they extend to either side of the back frame. When closed they are fastened by brass hooks and handle that is screwed into front sections. On the back of the frame is a metal tag with white Kanji on black background "Educational Drama Limited (Kyoikugageki), Tokyoto chu (ward) Makicho, 1-7, Tel. 56-48246375"
B & C: Pair of wooden clappers (hyoshigi) used to attract attention to the performance. H:1", L: 8.5", W: 1.25" .On one side of the sticks is a long groove, Clapper C has a shallower groove. |
| 1996.010.162 |
Miniature Book Set |
Miniature Books Enclosed in Separate Cover
A: Orange paper covered book enclosure made of card stock with mauve and white colored paper interior. Enclosure folds around three miniature books and is fastened with an ivory peg held by an orange ribbon. Attached to the left side of the case. Mottled beige paper strip is glued to the front; hand - written kanji on the back "Kyoto kyogoku, Sakuraiya (store in Kyoto)"
B: Miniature Book, 1.25" X 1.125. Small pages are bound to a paper cover with red silk thread bound by traditional stitching method. Front and back cover are printed with red on white hemp leaf pattern. Top and bottom corners of spine are covered with purple paper. Front cover which opens from the left, has a rectangular paper with gold design; back cover has black ink hand-written in kanji "Kyoto kyogoku, Sakuraiya (store in Kyoto)"
C: Miniature Book, 1.25" X 1.125. Small pages are bound to a paper cover with red silk thread bound by traditional stitching method. Front and back cover are printed with orange on white hemp leaf pattern. Top and bottom corners of spine are covered with purple paper. Front cover which opens from the left, has a rectangular paper with gold design. back cover has black ink hand-written in kanji "Kyoto kyogoku, Sakuraiya (store in Kyoto)"
D: Miniature Book, 1.25" X 1.125. Small pages are bound to a paper cover with red silk thread bound by traditional stitching method. Front and back cover are printed with purple on white hemp leaf pattern. Top and bottom corners of spine are covered with purple paper. Front cover which opens from the left, has a rectangular paper with gold design. back cover has black ink hand-written in kanji "Kyoto kyogoku, Sakuraiya (store in Kyoto)" |
| 1996.010.163 |
Miniature Lacquer Box |
Miniature Doll's Lacquered Box for Girl's Day Display
A: Box bottom, black lacquered with gold painted peony and vine design on sides, gold painted rim has raised extension to hold tray. Inside and bottom are plain black lacquered. On the two long sides aluminum fasteners are clipped into the box and pulled orange braided silk cord through their rings the braided cords which have tassels are used to tie the tray and lid in place.
B: Black lacquered inner tray has gold painted rim and flange which sits on top of the box bottom.
C: Black lacquered lid has painted gold peony at center top surrounded by vine design. Edge is painted gold and interior is plain black lacquer. |
| 1996.010.164 |
Miniature Sushi Plate |
Miniature Lacquered tray with Nine Pieces of Wax Sushi for Doll's Display
A: Round black lacquer tray with shallow sides, outer sides are lacquered brown, painted red rim.
B: Plastic leaf garnish, 1" long, under side is beige color.
C - J: Seven Nigiri Wax Sushi: White rice bottoms and two rose pink tuna, one orange uni, one orange and white Shrimp, one green and grey-silver mackerel, one brown and orange eel, one yellow and brown tamago (egg) with cut out design, two tekka maki sushi with nori sides, rice and pink tuna. |
| 1996.010.165 |
Miniature Fan |
Miniature Folding Fan,
Bamboo slates are fastened at rounded ends with metal pin. Heavy paper is applied at upper portion at both sides, Front side has haku gold dusted background on dark grey paper. Painted red flower at center right and painted white willow branches extend from upper left and painted white water description painted below. Back has dusted silver on dark grey paper. |
| 1996.010.166 |
Miniature Geta |
Pair of Doll's Geta (Foot wear).
A &B: Identical pair of sandals have a red lacquered wood sole carved so that a heel is created underneath. On top of sole is painted black butterfly with gold details and a painted white well head symbol which is duplicated in the back of the heels. Gold and red brocade straps lined with white silk are tied onto the soles through holes in the bottom. |
| 1996.010.167 |
Miniature Kitchen Tools in Box |
A & B: Round Wooden Container Box with Lid
A: Box bottom is carved from one piece of wood, varnished on outside unfinished on inside.
B: Lid is Round with a shallow lip carved from one piece of wood, varnished top, unfinished interior. Dotted floral design on top consists of lighter colored wood inserted through the lid. Varnish is rubbed off in one place.
C: Black painted wood pot with metal handle. Interior is unfinished, simulates a metal pot.
D: varnished wood lid with a black painted knob in center. Flange fits over top of container, possibly for C.
E: Black painted wood bucket with two grooved rings outside, two tiny holes on either side indicate handle is missing.
F: Varnished wood straight sided bucket with two sets of grooved rings on outside and metal wire handle.
G: Round wood lid with two flat narrow handles attached to top.
H: Varnished wood container in the shape of a flower pot, has a hole in one side and a grooved ring around top.
I: Round wood lid with a flat long handle crossing the center top.
J: Varnished wood keg with a top plugged opening. Two sets of grooved rings around opening.
K: Varnished wood tray or lid with shallow sides and grooved rings on sides and top. Interior is unfinished.
L: Varnished round wood container with shallow sides, grooved ring around sides and unfinished interior.
M: Small block of wood carved with peaked ends and two grooves around the sides, function unknown.
N: Bamboo and wood water ladle with a round cup with a long handle.
Tools or implements fit inside box. |
| 1996.010.168 |
Miniature Drums |
Miniature Drums - Kotsuzumi - for Doll Display
A: Hand Drum. Central stem of drum is black lacquered wood shaped narrower in center with two gold bands around center. Ends are made of card disks glued to central stem (one end has come unglued). White disks are painted with a black design, circles in the center and white dots on edges. Gold foil on inside ends. Orange silk braids are tied through holes in the disks and around middle of stem.
B: Larger drum, H: 4.625", Dia: 3.25". Central stem of drum is black lacquered wood shaped narrower in center with two gold maple leaves and pine needles around center. Ends are made of card disks .Gold painted on inside ends. Red silk braids are tied through holes in the disks and around middle of stem.
C: Wood stand for B: Tsuzumi drum, H: 2.5", W: 4.75", D: 2.875". Unvarnished wood, rectangular base with 2 U shaped wood pieces glued near each end; U shape holds drum. Note in ink on bottom "Tsuzumi (one of Japan's musical instruments) Performed by placing on one's shoulder, struck with fingers. For tones the strings are tightened or loosened by fingers of other hand. Used as accompaniment to Kabuki drama. (gift from Sumiko Chikagawa, 1964)." |
| 1996.010.169 |
Stand |
Wood Block platform for figure. "Niramikko"
Unfinished fine grain wood stand with niramikko written in ink in lower left corner.
Meant for figures engaged in a staring contest. |
| 1996.010.170 |
Stand |
Lacquered wood and straw platform
Outer frame with mitered corners has black lacquered finish. Center of platform is wood with a woven reed mat sown with white cotton thread. The center piece is supported with wood slats. Stamped on the bottom is "H O - 305" "Made in Japan" |
| 1996.010.171 |
Stand |
Doll Platform
Platform is made of pressed wood painted black on top and sides. Has four legs one in each corner. Wedge shaped on one end and painted black around the sides. Remnants of black spray paint on bottom. |
| 1996.010.172 |
Pair of Tile Ornaments |
Two Ceramic Tiles simulating mochi cakes for Girl's Day display
A: Square tile with one corner cut off . Two outer layers are white and inner layer is light brown, on top is a brown triangle painted on edge. Bright pink Kanji written on top "Ju (good luck)". A stain shows in one corner.
B: Square tile with one corner cut off . Two outer layers are pink and inner layer is yellow, on top is a brown triangle painted on edge. White Kanji written on top "Fuku (happiness and good fortune)". A stain shows near the center. |
| 1996.010.173 |
Screen |
Pair of miniature display screens.
A: Card screen folded into four. Gold paper front side has a torn paper design glued onto back ground. On the right is a black kettle an a hanger, Beige habachi frame underneath with red flame. Center of screen has a zabuton cushion with white and black design on back ground. At left is a white tea pot and tea bowl on a brown tray. White paper backing with brown specks outlined in black. "Japan" stamped in lower right corner.
B: Card screen folded into four. Gold paper front side has a torn paper design glued onto back ground. Two lanterns hanging from top one on the right is red with a white circle in center around a dark blue shape. Top and bottom of lantern is black with a tag hanging down. Lantern on left is only half revealed, white body, black bottom, orange comma design in center. Pink tassel hangs from bottom. White paper backing with brown specks outlined in black. "Japan" stamped in lower right corner. |
| 1996.010.174 |
Miniature Screen |
Miniature Screen
Miniature folding screen. H: 1.75", W: 4.5", Open. Made of card stock covered with white paper edged with dark paper. One side is plain and the inside has four images of Gosho dolls. The first on left shows figure beating drum on red background, Second figure wears red baby clothes on blue background, Third figure is gosho doll with lion mask in left hand on red background. Fourth holds carp on shoulder with mauve background. Left hand lower corner has star design in orange lines on white. Screen folds in half in middle. |
| 1996.010.175 |
Wood Plaque |
Wood Plaque for Kumano Standing figure.
A wood rectangle supported with a wedge of wood glued to the back so that it can stand upright, On the front is black ink Kanji "Tachisugata (stand position) Kumano" and a faded red seal. On the back are pencil marks in kanji (same as front) |
| 1996.010.176 |
Stand |
Black Lacquered Doll Platform
Four wood side pieces are mitered in corners and the front side has a carved scroll bottom. Top and sides are covered with lacquer. |
| 1996.010.177 |
Gate |
Two Sets of two miniature Hiroshima Torii Gates
A & B: Identical painted metal model gates have red columns and two cross pieces with a black curved roof and round grey feet.
C & D: Shorter identical painted metal gates with red columns, two cross pieces and side fences. Black curved roof with tile impressions. Gold decorations on top. Grey footings.
Paint is chipping in places. |
| 1996.010.178 |
Gate |
Miniature lacquered Torii gate for doll display
Red Lacquered gate has two upright poles with a gold petal design. Top curved cross bar has painted gold ends. Bottom stand in shape of a bar has curved feet. Tied to the center of the cross bar is a chrysanthemum decoration made of ribbon, in red, white, blue, pink, green, yellow petal shapes. Interlaced with grey plastic beads. Ball shaped decoration is tied with orange silk braid and has a hanging tassel in orange and white. |
| 1996.010.179 |
Miniature Geta |
Red Okobo Sandals for Doll Display
A & B: Pair of sandals have red lacquered base in a rounded wedge shape. On the sole is painted two fans one behind the other outlined in gold. The front fan is black with green and gold pine design. White fan showing behind. A Cross hatch design is painted in gold on the back half of the sole and on the back of the heel. Orange and gold brocade straps are tied through holes in a depression at the base of the wood. |
| 1996.010.180 |
Kit, Model |
Doll parts, silk fabric, paper, straw hats for making traditional Japanese dolls
A: Doll head, 2" x 2.25" x 1.625", white silk covered round bundle of straw in the shape of a head, cotton batting between straw and silk face, small bump for nose, silk tied on with white thread, painted black hair with bangs, painted black eyebrows, horizontal eyes, painted red and pink mouth, pink cheeks, neck formed with a heavy wire pushed into bottom of straw head and covered with cotton batting.
B: Doll body, 7.5" x 2.25" x 1.25", white silk rectangular bag stuffed with straw, sewn closed at top
C i, ii: Pair of Doll's feet, 2" long, white silk covered straw in the shape of long feet with toes demarcated by white thread stitching, painted pink under toes, paper soles (originally bought in clear cellophane).
D i, ii: 2 pieces of metal wire, thicker one 4.125", thinner one 4.375"
E: Hair piece, black fiber bundle of hair tied with white string, 5.5" long
F: Hair ornament, flower shape with folded silk petals segmented in red, pink and turquoise with yellow center containing metallic colored bead, cardboard circle glued to back with an orange and a white silk cord hanging down, white wire extends from backing
G i, ii: Pair of miniature geta, 1.75" x .875" x H: .375", carved wood with black lacquer tops, bottoms have two cross pieces, black lacquer on outside of cross pieces, red lacquer between cross pieces (no straps)
H i, ii: 2 straw conical shaped hats, diam: 4.25", H: 2", on outside straw pieces extend up from rim and are woven together at point with ends hanging down loose over top, these straw pieces are stitched across with white cotton thread and fastened to the rim with white thread tied around a narrow piece of reed; inside horizontal strips of straw twist around 6 reed slats which extend from rim to point, silver foil paper shows through at inside point.
I: Set of silk fabric samples folded in half and stapled to a 14.25" strip of cardboard, label on cardboard read Y 192, 5 samples: red background with off-white wave design and turquoise wave accents, shell-shaped medallions in purple, yellow, pink, green, purple and white with various flowers (chrysanthemum, iris, peony); red background with pink and white cloud formations and blue, purple, yellow, green and white floral designs (pine with snow, chrysanthemum); red background with scattered white cherry blossoms with yellow centers and orange leaves; graduated orange background with purple, yellow and blue wisteria with green leaves and fan shapes; graduated gray background with scattered floral designs (pine, plum blossoms, iris, peony, bamboo, maple leaves) and small boats and shi-shi lion dogs.
J: Set of silk fabric samples folded in half and stapled to a 14.25" strip of cardboard, label on cardboard read Y 205, 3 samples: mauve background with yellow, turquoise, red and green stylized wisteria design; purple background with scattered wave and blue, yellow, red and green wisteria and pine motifs; graduated royal blue background with white cherry blossoms with yellow and red centers, green and red leaves, and multi-colored yarn winders.
K i, ii: 2 Miniature silk kimonos, 7 x 7.5", large bamboo design on wide stripes of orange, apricot and black, black has faux white shibori spots, sewn by hand, long sleeves with light blue satin edging, tucks at shoulder, large tuck around middle section.
L: Silk crepe piece, 17" x 12", strips sewn by hand and lined with red damask crepe and padded at what would be the bottom of a kimono, the creme colored crepe has large designs of blue, green, rust, grey and green flowers (plum, peony, pine) interspersed with cranes, a boat, basketry and brown waves and weeds, the lining has a woven-in design of peonies, chrysanthemums and clover, and is slightly longer than the top.
M i,ii,iii: 3 pieces of green and gold brocade in floral and wave pattern, 9.5", 7.5", 1.75", to be used as an obi.
N: White and orange piece of pleated silk chiffon to be used as an obi age, 31.5"
O: Satin sash, grey on one side, red on the other, sewn at sides and ends, 14.5" x .75"
P: Satin sash, blue, folded in half lengthwise and sewn, 16" x .75"
Q: Red silk crepe band, folded in half lengthwise and sewn, 14.5", to be used as an obi jime.
R: 6 pieces of silk in various sizes, red background with small multi colored floral motifs, stitched as a bundle
S: 6 pieces of red silk crepe in various sizes, 1 piece of back fabric, 1 piece of white fabric, stitched as a bundle
T: Paper kimono, folded and glued, heavy green crepe paper with white cherry blossom motif, haori style, small stick tied with pink silk cord inserted into neckline for hanging, 7" x 8.5".
U i, ii: 2 pieces of rice paper dyed in splotches and yellow and green, 12.5" x 10"
V i-v: 5 wooden sticks used to hold paper dolls to stand, square, tapered at one end and angled at the other, 8.25" |
| 1996.010.181 |
Origami Samurai and Iris |
Origami Samurai and Iris for Boy's Day display
A: Folded paper in two sections to form samurai figure. Top section is made of paper, purple on side and beige on the inside. Two rectangles extend out for sleeves, and the diamond shape sits in shoulders simulating the head. A purple paper body is inserted into green paper folded into the shape of hakama with two legs extending out. Both papers are stapled together in the back.
B: Paper iris cut and shaped so that the purple flower is surrounded by three green sword shaped leaves which are glued to a green wire and wood stick. The flower is inserted into a purple and white origami folded container. |
| 1996.010.182 |
Paper Decoration |
Decorative Paper ball with banner for Boy's Day (Kiyomasa)
Top part of decoration is a paper ball which folds flat. It is made of red, yellow, green, blue and purple colored tissue that forms a flower shape. Hanging by a string from the ball is a white paper banner painted with blue and red. At the top is a design that has a rope with a tassel, a cherry blossom and a disk. On the lower part is written Kanji "Kinpaku (gold and white), Kyomasa ko (hero)" |
| 1996.010.183 |
Paper Wind Sock |
Koi - Noburi, Paper carp wind sock for Boy's Day
A: Printed paper fish folded in half with two paper fins glued to the body. The blue purple carp has yellow scales, red gills, white and blue eyes, red, blue and yellow fins. Clinging to the carp is a young boy painted in red with blue hair and red eyes. A: fish was originally tied to a bamboo poll B.
B: Bamboo pole 24" long. Pole has slit at the top into which string for carp is inserted. The other end is beveled. |
| 1996.010.184 |
Candy Bags |
Two Longevity Bags used for collecting candy at 7 - 5 - 3 Festival (shi ichi go san )
A & B :Long flat paper white bag with printed designs on both sides. On one side folded origami holders on top of mizuhiki cords in red, green and yellow with a red Japanese character above "shuku (celebration)" red character "ju". Below this is a panel which features red and yellow rising sun, blue and white crane, green and yellow pine tree, red and yellow plum tree, under which stands the longevity couple. The woman has green and orange kimono with cherry blossom design , and holds a broom, the bearded man has red kimono, olive vest., green and yellow hakama. and holds rake over shoulder. They appear to be standing on a red table surrounded by green bamboo leaves. Beneath this are two tortoises on a rock next to blue and white waves. ( The crane, pine, tortoise all represent longevity.) On either side of the panels are shown folk toys: hobby horse, bell, drum, doll, a sea bream on wheels, a battle dore, shuttlecock. toy dog, pin wheel, balls, and a car. In blue, red, yellow, aqua blue. At the top of this side red, yellow , blue, white and green sticker with a crane and tortoise and red kanji holds a red and white paper cord. On the other side, panel has a white, red and blue Mount Fuji, green pine branches, and three children standing in the center. The boy on the left wears a red and blue suit and blue hat and green bow tie. Older girl in middle wears green kimono with pine designs and red obi with bamboo designs. Little girl wears red kimono with yellow cranes and yellow obi with tortoise shell design. She is holding longevity candy bag. Beneath them are red and yellow chrysanthemums also symbol of longevity. Around the outside of the panel are various Kokeshi figures. At the top is printed blue kanji. Bags A & B are identical. But A has banana palm leaves inside.
Center panel "Senzai ame" (thousand year sweets), other kanji are trademarks. |
| 1996.010.185 |
Poster |
Shiichi go san Poster. (7 - 5 - 3)
Printed paper with a beige background showing three children. The older girl on the left wears red, white and yellow kimono with a crane design. A green obi with a red and white design, a red and white obi age, red and yellow okobo sandals, and holds a green, red white longevity candy bag. The boy in the center wears beige kimono a black haori with green checker design at bottom and green and black hakama and yellow geta. The little girl on the right wears a pink kimono with a green, yellow, white and red pine ,bamboo and plum design. She has a dark red obi with green, black, red and white ball designs and a red and white obi age. She is holding candy bag. Behind her is yellow Torii gate. At the bottom is green, red and black Kanji "7, 5, 3 Celebration, Wear Japanese style clothing, Co-op for Japanese style clothing and footwear" |
| 1996.010.186 |
Display Cards |
Three Punch-out Display Cards for Girl's Day Display (Hina - matsuri)
Three identical cards with pink background printed with red, green, blue, yellow, pink, orange, and purple figures which have been cut around the edges so that the card can be folded and the figures will stand in a shape of a doll display on a tiered platform. From the top the levels of dolls include: Emperor and Empress. Three serving girls, a plant and a food tray. Five musicians. Two guardians with three dolls and a food display in the center. Three Shinto priests with shrubs on the other side. At the bottom are several children serving tea and sweets and showing their dolls. On either side of the platform are several toys. At left is the back support. At the top is red, green, yellow, and blue Kanji: "Ohina sama asobi (play with girl's day dolls)" |
| 1996.010.187 |
Flyer |
Advertising Flyer for Yonemochi Confectionery Shop
Red printing on translucent white paper. At left is outline of three children dressed in Kimono and carrying longevity bags. Stylized kanji on the rest of the flyer advertising candy for the Shi ichi go san Festival.
Kanji translation: Newly remodeled store invitation to a big sale, specializing in sweets, Japanese and Western style, Mita Odori central corner, will provide gift when you arrive, we are waiting for you; greeting says "thank you very much for patronizing our store for a long time and we are very sorry if we have inconvenienced you during our remodeling. Thank you for your every day support. We carry only the best of best merchandise, like to serve you more than ever." |
| 1996.010.188 |
Sumo Programme and Towel |
Sumo Wrestling Programme and cotton towel.
A: Printed paper booklet has four pages which opens left to right. On the front cover are lines of sumo wrestlers with apron garments in various designs. Black kanji extends down the middle of the front cover. Inside and back cover has advertising. Interior pages show blue photos of sumo wrestlers and kanji. Last page has paragraph in English - Ancient Sumo, Present." The Yomiuri Shimbun now revives the traditional presentation of ancient Sumo which has been suspended for the last seven years."
B: Souvenir Towel made of plain white cotton with unfinished ends. L: 34" H: 13.5" . Printed on the towel at left is black outline of fan with tassels and blue kanji used by referees to direct the event. In the center is a brown outline of two figures wrestling. On the right is printed red kanji - |
| 1996.010.189 |
Tanabata Festival Decorations |
Colored Paper Decorations used for the Tanabata Star Festival which occurs on the Seventh Day of the Seventh Month of the lunar calendar.
A: Fold - out waffle pattern decoration. H: 5.5" W: 1.75", closed. Two piece cardboard center folds back, to reveal tissue Paper gourd shaped decoration with bands of purple, white, fuschia, green, yellow and red. Held into place by metal tab. A cardboard tag hangs by thread at bottom, yellow, white and red on one side, blue stripes and fuschia on the other. White thread tied through a hole in the top. A paper tag affixed to the inside says no. 72, 10 yen. Top piece of cardboard is torn on one side.
B: Fold - out waffle pattern decoration. H: 5.5" W: 1.75", closed. Two piece cardboard center folds back, to reveal tissue Paper gourd shaped decoration with bands of purple, white, fuschia, green, yellow and red. Held into place by metal tab. A cardboard tag hangs by thread at bottom, red with blue stripes on one side and the other is red striped with fuschia. White thread tied through a hole in the top. A paper tag affixed to the inside says no. 72, 10 yen.
C: Fold - out waffle pattern decoration,: 3.5 X 5.5 closed, triangular cardboard shaped folds back on itself to form a ball made of layers of tissue paper in red, blue, fuschia, and yellow. Cardboard is held closed by a slit in one piece. the ball is suspended by cotton thread. Label says no. 72, 10 Yen.
D: Oblong cellophane package containing strips of colored tissue and foil paper, 7" X 2", Front has green label with black kanji and a sticker with no. 72, 20 Yen on front. The back is stiffened with gold foil covered cardboard featuring stars, a moon, a mochi pounding rabbit and bamboo.
E: Cellophane package of five folding paper decorations 8.5 X 3.5", multi - colored decorations have silver cherry blossom fasteners and are hexagonally shaped. A piece of cardboard stiffens the back of the package. White label says no. 72, 50 Yen.
F: Cellophane package, 8.5 X 4". of foil and tissue paper decorations cut into zigzag shapes in four colors, gold, green, fuschia and silver. On the back two more zigzag decorations in purple and beige. Moon shaped foil covered cardboard has red design with children's faces. On the front is green label with green kanji.
G: Cellophane package with folded tissue paper decorations, 8 X 6", Silver foil back stiffener has red illustrations of stars and lanterns, green label at front with black kanji, smaller yellow label with printed kanji. The back has gold foil.
H: Large cellophane package of a variety of foil and tissue paper decorations. 10 X 7.75", decorations include cranes, lanterns, balls, stars, gourds, crescent moons, zigzag lightening shapes as well as various sized origami paper. Green label has black kanji, white label says No. 72, 130 Yen. The package is tied with blue plastic ribbon. |
| 1996.010.190 |
Festival Decoration |
Festival Ornaments Hanging from Branch
Wood branch has four smaller branches onto which are tied twenty ornaments with orange string. The string passes grey beads, blue small cherry blossoms plastic shapes and larger, red plastic cherry blossom shapes. Hanging down are - red plastic fish with gold markings and a yellow fringe; A white paper ornament with black stripes, red circle and gold band at bottom; A gold painted hollow plastic figure in the form of a monk standing on two kegs; A red hollow plastic daruma with black features and a red plastic tag hanging below; A gold colored hollow plastic figure holding a fish; A yellow, red, green, and black paper covered package with black kanji on both sides "ju (happiness), kin hyakumanryo (gold in a million ryo [currency])". A white paper die with black dots and one large red dot. Interspersed in the ornaments are gold colored stamped metal disks representing money with kanji (fish shop advertising) . Probably used for Bon Odori or Shi ichi go san Festivals, good luck decoration for merchants. |
| 1996.010.191 |
New Years Decoration |
Hanging New Years Decoration
Decoration has bamboo and wire frame with gold foil card attached to the upper section above twisted straw decoration. The upper front has three plastic molded faces. The two small ones at the top are male the left one has a red hat the other a black and gold hat. In the center is a larger young woman's mask with two dots on forehead. Surrounding the gold card are green straw tufts with red, black and white printed paper tags (ohana style gambling card) with musical instruments, cranes, treasure ship and kanji "takabarabune (treasure ship), sankaku bunrai (thousand invited guests, million will come), akayoroshi (red is good), higashi nishi minami kita (east, west, south, north), kabukiza (theatre), kaminari mon (thunder gate), ginza (willow tree), Asakusa (temple at which decoration was bought). On either side of the center mask are yellow straw tassels and strands of blue, red and green plastic cherry blossoms, grey beads, and gold paper foil disks. These also hang form the bottom of the ornament. Along the sides hanging from the green straw tassels are red, black and white tags with the king of hearts, bouquet of flowers and a pagoda with black kanji. Inserted into the front are three paper tags; two on sticks and one with a beckoning cat. |
| 1996.010.192 |
Fans, Uchiwa |
Two Flat Fans - Uchiwa - with Floating World Images
A & B: They have rounded edged square shape with white paper applied to both sides of a bamboo handle which has been split into spokes, a piece of bamboo runs through the handle to support the bamboo. A colored silk cord ties the spokes in place.
A: Block print of male figure from the Floating World - (Ukiyo-e) His black hair done in traditional topknot and he is wearing black kimono, with designs made up of five rings with flower petals. His under robes are red and blue. Behind the figure are white labels with black kanji showing woodblock printer's name and "shigemanzo" name
B: Block print of Geisha from the Floating World (Ukiyo-e). Her black hair is in traditional pompadour style with red and gold hair ornaments and blue flowers. She wears black kimono with white family crests - flower enclosed in a ring. The front of the kimono has a beige background with blue water designs and white flowers with green centers. Her obi is brown with green and gold cloud designs and she holds an open scroll in her left hand.
Both handles have a crack in them.
"Minoya Kubota ogi ho" name of fan store in Tokyo, Ginza 6-cho on paper envelope |
| 1996.010.193 |
Fans, Uchiwa |
Two Flat Fans - Uchiwa
A: Rounded fan shape made of white paper glued to narrow bamboo spokes on both sides, the handle is carved from bamboo shaped wider at the top where it is split in half to insert the bamboo spokes, paper and semi-circle of silk fabric. An abstract design has been painted on the front in charcoal color and shades of green. A green silk cord is tied through a hole in the bottom of the handle.
B: Rounded fan shape wider at the top made of hand made off white paper, glued to both sides of thin bamboo spokes. the handle is carved from bamboo which is mottled on the front side, wider at the top where it is split to cover the bamboo spokes, paper and a silk semi-circle. The floral design on the front is made of yellow, green and charcoal dyed paper. |
| 1996.010.194 |
Fans, Uchiwa |
Three Flat Fans with Hiroshige Prints
The three fans are made of off white paper in a rectangular shape wider at the top with cut corners. The handles are carved unfinished wood wider at the top and split at the middle to cover the fine bamboo spokes and the reinforcing paper in a semi-circle shape with a white and beige Buddhist knot design.
A: the print is of a grey beach with blue water men in straw hats and green garments, yellow boats in front of green trees, grey clouds and blue skies. Black ink kanji and red seals at the right "Hiroshige woodblock print of Tokaido 53, Mitsuke station, Tenryu gawa no zu (at the Tenruy River). On the back is black ink kanji stamped advertising "International Sightseeing Association, Hakkoen. Boiled food (ryusaku); Kansai style cooking (sangetsu); Eel cooking (shinkinshun); High class inn (Sukiya-no-iye)"
B: Print of a harbor with blue water, orange and grey houseboats, white sails, black trees on grey peninsula, blue and orange hills in the background. yellow and grey buildings in the foreground. At the top is black ink kanji and two red seals "Hiroshige, Tokaido 53, Ejiri, Sampo embo (seal says looking from distance); Asahi no Borudo;. On the back is black stamped kanji "International Sightseeing Association, Hakkoen. Boiled food (ryusaku); Kansai style cooking (sangetsu); Eel cooking (shinkinshun); High class inn (Sukiya-no-iye)"
C: A village scene with brown, yellow and orange buildings, grey and brown trees, people with straw hats and capes, one on a horse. Streaks of grey represent rain. Surrounded by grey hills, black trees silhouetted against a blue and white sea. Above is black ink kanji and two red seals. "Hiroshige woodblock print of Tokaido 53, Oyiso station (suburb of Tokyo), "hard rain (seal)". On the back is black ink kanji stamped advertising "International Sightseeing Association, Hakkoen. Boiled food (ryusaku); Kansai style cooking (sangetsu); Eel cooking (shinkinshun); High class inn (Sukiya-no-iye)"On the back is black stamped kanji "International Sightseeing Association, Hakkoen. Boiled food (ryusaku); Kansai style cooking (sangetsu); Eel cooking (shinkinshun); High class inn (Sukiya-no-iye)" |
| 1996.010.195 |
Fan, Uchiwa |
Round Flat Fan (Uchiwa)
Upper part of fan is made with white paper glued to both sides of bamboo spokes which radiate from the bamboo handle. A U shaped piece of bamboo runs through a hole in the handle to support the body. Blue silk cord ties the spokes into place. The front of the fan is printed black on the left and orange on the right. Against this is silhouetted three kokeshi shapes in yellow. |
| 1996.010.196 |
Fan, Uchiwa |
Round Flat Fan (Uchiwa)
Upper part of fan is made with white paper glued to both sides of bamboo spokes which radiate from the bamboo handle. A U shaped piece of bamboo runs through a hole in the handle to support the body. The front is printed six vegetables in orange, blue, beige and brown. |
| 1996.010.197 |
Stand |
Holder for folding Fan
Made of carved bamboo in three sections; middle section has oblong hole in top to hang or can be swiveled back on the peg holding the three pieces. A small dowel holds the two outside pieces in place at the bottom. Pegs on the outside pieces at the front have rectangular bamboo to hold the fan in place. The front shows the mottled bark of the bamboo. |
| 1996.010.198 |
Fan |
Folding Fan, Sensu
Fan has ten black lacquered spokes joined at the bottom with a metal pin. Both sides of the fan are covered with [paper card folded accordion style. and stitched with white thread to the outside spokes. One side of the fan is painted with red and silver cloud formations which form the background for a painted maple tree The trunk is brown and black and the leaves are painted in shades of orange, green and yellow with gold veins. This side represents autumn. The other side is painted in gold and red cloud formations forming the background. Cherry or plum tree with black - charcoal color trunk and the blossoms are in shades of pink with green and yellow centers. Orange, yellow and green leaves with gold veins. |
| 1996.010.199 |
Animal |
Pair of Horse Carvings. Yawata - Uma
A; Miniature horse carved from flat piece of wood painted black with red and gold saddle, gold flower on the side with blue center. Two gold dots for eyes two gold dots for nose. Red painted grooved mouth . Gold circle with an inner cross one each side of mouth simulate a bit with white painted reins on either side. A series of dots and strips down the front wrap around to the sides, includes white dots, gold stripe, red stripe with blue dots, and blue stripes with red dots. White dots along back legs create a cross under the tail. Dark brown fiber possibly horse hair are inserted at two places on the head and at the back as a tail.
B: Smaller version of A: |
| 1996.010.200 |
Horse Carving |
Wood Horse Carving - Yawata - Uma
Miniature horse carved from flat piece of wood painted black with blue paint at front of carved pointed ears. Two white dots for eyes, two red dots for nose, and red grooved mouth. White S shapes painted along both sides of horse simulate reins. Alternating dots and stripes along front wrap around to sides. Include white, red and green dots and strips of paper in gold and silver foil pastel shades and red and white printed paper down each side. White dots along sides of legs create a cross. Blue, red and white stripe paper band is glued across the back and sides to simulate a saddle. Synthetic bristles are inserted on two places on top of the head and at the back forming a tail. |
| 1996.010.201 |
Animal |
Wood Horse Carving, Yawata - Uma
Miniature horse carved from flat piece of wood. White painted with red paint at front of ears, carved triangular eyes and nostrils red line for mouth. Painted red dots along pointed ears and down side of main. Alternating green and red dots and stripes down front and around side front. Green and red stripes down sides. Red dots along sides and at back forming an X. Carved saddle has a green back and painted red seat and sides outlined in green. Two tufts of brown fiber inserted into top of head. A few wisps of fiber from the tail are inserted in a hole in the back. |
| 1996.010.202 |
Animal |
Wood Carved Horse Miharu - Kinma
Miniature horse carved from flat piece of wood. Painted white with red on front of carved ears, black outlined eyes, red painted, grooved mouth, black circle with inner cross simulates bit. Red markings on side of head, gold painted bib with red flower design. On sides of back legs is a red scallop design. Blue painted saddle has protruding back and front, black sides with yellow markings outlined in red. At back above legs painted pink with silver markings. Two tufts of straw are inserted in top of head. One tuft of straw inserted in back simulates tail. |
| 1996.010.203 |
Animal |
Miniature wood Horse carved from a single flat piece of wood, Yawata - Uma
Painted red with two gold dots for eyes, two white dots for nose, white painted, grooved mouth. Painted gold circle with inner cross next to mouth simulate a bit with white painted bits on the sides. Alternating dots and stripes wrap around the sides. Include white dots, gold stripe, green stripe with red dots and blue stripe with red dots. Green stripe with red dots outlined in gold down each front side. White dotted lines on front legs and back legs creating a cross in the back. Black synthetic bristle inserted in top of head and one in back for the tail. |
| 1996.010.204 |
Animal |
Carved Wooden Horse Miharu - Kinma
Miniature horse carved from flat piece of wood, painted black with red paint at front of pointed ears. White outlined eyes. Red nostrils and red grooved mouth. White painted circles with inner cross simulate bits. Painted red reins around head and red markings down around side. Painted gold bib outlined in red has red flower design in front. Carved saddle has royal blue seat with yellow sides with black markings outlined in red. Red painted scallop design down side of back legs. Back above legs is painted light blue with painted red and white stripes. Two horse hair tufts inserted into head and one at back for tail. |
| 1996.010.205 |
Horse Carving |
Wood Horse Carving Yawata -Uma
Miniature horse carved from flat piece of wood. Painted black with blue paint on front of pointed ears. Two white dots for eyes, two red dots for nose and red painted grooved mouth. On checks are four orange triangles in the shape of a circle to show the form of a bit and white curved lines down neck representing reins. Alternating dots and stripes down the center and to the sides include white, red, green and yellow dots and stripes of paper, gold and silver foil, red and blue, red and white checker paper stripes down each side. Lines of white dots on front of legs, around sides and crossing over at back.,. Carved saddle painted blue with a paper seat in mottled green, beige and silver design. White swirled marks below saddle. Three black synthetic bristles inserted into head. One bundle of bristles inserted into back for tail. |
| 1996.010.206 |
Horse Carving |
Wood carved horse - Yawata - Uma
Miniature horse carved from single flat piece of wood. Painted red with two gold dots for eyes and two white dots for nose and a white grooved mouth. On the cheeks are gold painted circles with crosses depicting a bit and white painted S shapes for reins. Alternating dots and stripes down the front which wrap around to the sides. Include white dots, a gold band with green dots, a green band with red dots. Painted down each side is a green band outlined in gold with red dots. Lines of white dots across fronts and sides of legs form a cross at the very back . Carved saddle is painted green with gold outline and a gold flower at each side with red center and gold mark below saddle represents stirrups. Two tufts of horse hair are inserted into the head and one a t the back forms a tail. |
| 1996.010.207 |
Horse Carving |
Carved wooden Horse
Miniature horse carved from flat piece of wood with curved mane and curved front and back with a flat saddle. Painted royal blue with black eyes outlined in white, painted gold grooved mouth, ears painted gold on font and gold marking on forehead. Painted gold and red diamonds and circles simulate bits. Painted white harness with white and red reins. White flower with red center painted on chest. Gold foil fringed decoration glued to front and sides. Painted red stripe with white dots on front and in sides at top and on fringe. Red white and gold swirl marks on haunches. Painted white and red ties above tail . Painted silver hooves. Painted red saddle with white and gold floral and scroll designs. Gold and black lozenges on side of saddle. Painted white underneath. White and orange twisted cord extends from mouth to back of head. Synthetic black bristles on top of head and on back for tail. |
| 1996.010.208 |
Horse Carving in Box |
Miniature horse carved from flat piece of wood. Painted black with red and gold on inner ears. Red and gold circular design on fore head blue muzzle with red nostrils and red and gold grooved mouth. Painted white eyes in side of head. Blue silk cords with metal fasteners and gold colored bells tied with red cord on either side of mouth. A white paper fringe is glued to front and sides and has a turquoise pine design and red circle designs. Painted blue hoofs, carved saddle is painted red. A light yellow cotton strip is tied around the middle of the horse with the ends protruding from the seat of the saddle. A wooden stick with a gold foil paper banner is stuck into the seat by the saddle seat. A tuft of reddish brown straw is fastened to the head and a longer tuft is fastened to the back as a tail .
B & C: Unfinished wooden box with lid. H: .875", W: 2", D: 3". Black ink Kanji stamped on top of lid and side of box. Remains of paper label stuck to top of box. Inside is separate white paper with black kanji explanation - |
| 1996.010.209 |
Ornament |
Painted wood ornament.
A: Base is section of tree limb. Figure glued on left is a brown badger with a bobbing head. Figure glued on right is an acolyte monk with bobbing head and blue hair, and a white painted robe, on front is painted a begging bowl. Glued to the platform is a twig broom with a green handle. Behind is a patch of green simulated grass and a yellow bamboo fence.
B & C: Two pieces of the bamboo have broken off.
D: A separate gold colored round paper under the ornament.
Badger (Tanuki) Lore
When the badger becomes 1000 years old, it can work magic, produce mirages, and change itself into all kinds of inanimate and human forms. It is connected with Buddhism when it takes the form of Buddha, a boddhisattva, priest, nun, pilgrim or a Buddhist speaking statue. Wicked priests turn back into badgers when they die. "Tanuki Bozu" in the form of a Buddhist priest, presumed to be kind an trustworthy, shown coiffed with a lotus leaf and wrapped in a lotus leaf cloak as an emblem of Buddhism. Considered to be very skillful with a brush, badgers often decorate writing implements. The badger leads people astray on moonlit nights by beating on its huge belly, as on a temple drum to make enticing rhythmic music and then disappears. The badger is more bent on mishchievious tricks than real evil. (Japanese Animal Art, Antique & Contemporary by Lea Batten, p. 46) |
| 1996.010.209 |
Paper Lanterns |
Paper lantern Chochin In Shape of Kokeshi Doll
Collapsible lantern has metal wire frame in two sections fastened to bamboo rings at the top, neck and bottom. Top ring is painted red and has metal wire handle fastened through holes in the side of the ring. the lantern is covered with tissue like paper which is glued in sections to the rings. The top section is in the round shape of a head with painted blue crown, black hair fringe around top parted in the center. Black hair side pieces have a red hat design above. Black eyebrows, eyes and u- shaped nose. Pink eyelids and cheeks and red mouth. The bamboo neck ring is covered with gold foil paper. The body extends straight out from the neck and the cylindrical shape tapers in the middle.
Turquoise haori has pink cherry blossoms and gold dots and a black collar. The flesh color kimono has black and blue collar markings at the top and orange flowers with brown square centers. Green obi with a blue center and gold wave design . The bottom is attached to a bamboo ring attached to a wood bottom painted red and decorated with three silver foil disks.
Condition: The paper is ripping in several places and almost separated from the bottom ring.
B: L: 19.75", Dia: 8.5" Paper lantern Chochin In Shape of Kokeshi Doll
Collapsible lantern has metal wire frame in two sections fastened to bamboo rings at the top, neck and bottom. Top ring is painted red and has metal wire handle fastened through holes in the side of the ring. the lantern is covered with tissue like paper which is glued in sections to the rings. The top section is in the round shape of a head with painted, black hair fringe around top with red and pink hair decorations. Black hair side pieces have a red hat design above. Black eyebrows, Closed eyes and u- shaped nose. Pink eyelids and cheeks and red mouth. The bamboo neck ring is covered with gold foil paper. The body extends straight out from the neck and the cylindrical shape tapers in the middle.
Pink haori has white cherry blossoms and gold dots and a black collar. The turquoise kimono has red and yellow floral designs and turquoise, green yellow and white collars. Around the bottom are orange, yellow, white, blue and green vertical strips. A black under kimono with red under collar. Red obi with pink dots. Gold painted obi jime. The bottom is attached to a bamboo ring attached to a wood bottom painted red and decorated with three silver foil disks.
Condition: The paper is ripping in several places and almost separated from the bottom ring.
C: Small Kokeshi shaped lantern H: 14", Diam: 5.25"
Metal wire frame covered with tissue like paper in two sections. Upper ring of bamboo painted red with an orange silk braided cord tied through holes in either side of ring. Painted black hair fringe with bangs. Painted elaborate hair ornament has orange and red - gold flowers, blue disks with gold dots on either side of a red band with gold marks. Underneath is black rectangle with gold marks on a yellow background. Blue and red dots on either side of black ornament. Pink and gold tassels hang form flowers. Black eyebrows, eyes and nose. Pink cheeks and red mouth. Bamboo neck ring is covered with red paper. Kimono is orange on top with pink bottom and floral medallions in blue, green, and gold. Pink collar, red under kimono collar. White obi with red and gold tortoise shell design. Pink obi age with blue dots. Gold and green obi jime. Bottom bamboo ring has a wood bottom and is painted red.
Condition: paper is split at top. |
| 1996.010.210 |
Lantern |
Collapsible lantern with hanger and lidded box.
Cylindrical lantern with bamboo ring frame covered outside and inside with sections of rice paper sealed with persimmon juice. Front has two bold black Japanese characters in center. On each side are columns of off-white diamonds in a red background with red centers. On back are three black ink kanji. The top ring is made of wood slates forming concentric rings and painted with black lacquer. The bottom ring has a wood bottom painted with black lacquer. Black painted metal handle is painted to both sides of top ring and bottom has a painted black metal strip shaped into two legs. Another metal fastener on the bottom forms a loop. Inside center has a sharp metal prong. Metal chain is screwed into the bottom next to the prong. Inside the top ring is a metal loop.
B: Hanger. H: 17", W: 3.625". Bamboo painted black. Main part curves a top and bottom to hold metal fittings of lamp. Back piece is attached with nails and has black metal tab extending down to act as a hook. A nail bent in shape of a hook protrudes through the top extension.
C & D: Wooden Box with Lid. |
| 1996.010.211 |
Lanterns, Chochin |
Four Round Collapsible Lantern
A - D: Bamboo strip frame is covered on outside with rice paper painted red and has black stylized kanji in white. Upper bamboo ring is painted with black lacquer on outside and inside is a bamboo ring to which cotton threads are tied. These threads tie together the thin bamboo rings and extend to the bottom to another inner bamboo band. On the outside is another wider lacquered bamboo ring with a wooden bottom. Gold colored metal studs decorate the bottom ring. A metal ring is fastened to the base and the blue and white silk cord tassel hangs down. Inside the center bottom is a mental spike. A black painted shaped metal handle is attached on either side of the top bamboo ring.
A & B have tassels and C & D do not. |
| 1996.010.212 |
Theatre Toothpicks |
Set of 14 wrapped toothpicks originally in a plain cellophane wrapper
Handmade wood toothpicks with a dark bark accent wrapped with small papers printed in red and black kanji, "sendu" comic haiku poem or romantic verses wrapped around toothpicks and placed in small envelopes with a stamped colored picture of an actor, gray and black kanji:
A-C: 3 Envelopes stamped with a picture of a kabuki actor with hair tail on top of head, green and yellow striped collar and piece behind head, purple banner at lower left.
D-F: 3 Envelopes stamped with a picture of a kabuki actor with a headband tied in front and a green and white kimono, stick in hand.
G,H: 2 Envelopes stamped with a picture of a kabuki actor dressed as a warrior with a red shi shi lion mask on top of head, black feathers at back, orange headdress, green kimono with white dot and a red breastplate.
I-K: 3 Envelopes stamped with a picture of a kabuki actor with black hair, topknot and blue shaved forehead, green pine designed outerrobe and a plaid underrobe.
L-N: 3 Envelopes stamped with a picture of a kabuki actor dressed as a woman with a teal headdress tied with red tie, green and orange kimono with black collar, purple under collar. |
| 1996.010.213 |
Silk Cocoon Set |
Lidded cardboard box containing 2 silk worn cocoons, silk skein, 2 silk samples and pamphlet " Story of Silk"
A: Booklet, 3 X 2.25", 8 pages, "Story of Silk" printed in black on white and blue cover, shows photographs of silk making process and covers: 1. Mulberry, 2. Egg, 3. Baby and Full-Grown Larva (Silkworm) (name of Ruth L. Friar stamped on page), 4. Silkworm and Cocoon, 5. Raw Silk Reeling, 6. Raw Silk, 7. Silk Fabrics, Printed in Japan (in English)
B, C: 2 white silkworm cocoons, rough surface, dried silkworm rattles inside, one cocoon larger than other
D: White skein of silk thread
E: White silk fabric sample, 2 X 2.5", dense weave, pinked edges
F: Green chiffon silk fabric sample, 3 X 3.5", translucent, pinked edges
G: Cardboard box lid, left half covered with red paper, right half with white paper, English words "Silk" in white and "..."
"Contents: 1. Cocoons, 2. Raw Silk, 3. Silk Fabric, 4. "Story of Silk"" printed in black on top of lid. "Ruth L. Friar" stamped on in black and "Sealoff" in cursive script stamped on in blue.
H: Cardboard box bottom covered with white paper |
| 1996.010.214 |
Bean Bags |
Bean Bags - Tedama - Jackstones
Three cloth bags filled with Adzuki beans. Stenciled kanoko cloth, red and white, in dear spot pattern and white rinzu damask silk cloth. Two pieces of each in a cross pattern so that there are eight sides to the bag when flat. |
| 1996.010.215 |
Miniature Cage |
Bamboo cage with four plastic lanterns.
Metal boss in the center with plastic string. Five bamboo slates on top.
Plastic lanterns, three are pink and one is yellow, with plastic tanzaku - ribbons at the bottom. |
| 1996.010.216 |
Chopsticks |
Pair of chopsticks - Hashi
Tapered black lacquered pair of chopsticks with squared upper ends, used as eating utensils. |
| 1996.010.217 |
Chopsticks |
Carved Chopsticks with carved key lock. Hashi
Carved natural wood with tapered ends. Top end has elaborate carving and a carved opening at the ends. One, A: has a decorative ring carved into the opening. It is missing from the other. |
| 1996.010.218 |
Chopsticks |
Wood Chopsticks Hashi
Carved chopsticks in tapered shape. One side has original bark left on upper portion of each stick. Used for tea ceremony for serving sweets. |
| 1996.010.219 |
Music Box |
Music Box
A: Cardboard book cover
B: Music box in shape of book, with a red leather cover on wood box. The top of the "pages" are painted gold and the edge of the "pages" are white. The inside wood is stained and varnished. Printed on the spine in gold is " The School Library Ever Onward". Inside written song on inside cover "The boat has a port" in Japanese with an English translation and a letter dedicating the book to Georgia Sealoff. Used as suzori - bako - for sumi, grinding stone and ink stick. Two separate removable lids with center hole for storage. |
| 1996.010.220 |
Woven Paper Placemats |
Woven Paper Placemats.
Cotton cloth edges in brown with white chrysanthemum pattern. Paper folded into strips and woven in hexagonal pattern. |
| 1996.010.221 |
Ceramic Egg Cups |
Two Ceramic Egg Cups in Kokeshi Shape.
Meoto Husband and Wife Egg Cup
A: Male in Blue Haori with white kasuri design and black collar and black obi with gold and silver design and top accented with green. Bottom band in white at front has flying bird design in orange and teal. Face in Kokeshi style, with hair and side hair, black eyebrows and eyes in almond shape, black nose and red hair decoration with three dots.
B: Female with band of black hair, bangs, side of hair, eyebrows and almond shaped nose and three dot ahir piece. Outer garment is orange with snow flake design in aised white dots. Black under Kimono, yellow obi- age, grey - blue obi with abstract sun design, black strip in lower part of Kimono. Lower band in natural color. |
| 1996.010.222 |
Lamp Shade |
Paper and Bamboo Lamp Shade
Double bamboo frame work has two sets of spokes covered with yellow rice paper painted with white and purple flowers and green leaves. the upper bamboo slates are hinged into a serated knob which is split in half and lacquered red.
the bottom framework with lighter weight bamboo spokes are joined to a wooden knob to which a metal ring with white cord and blue and white silk tassel are attached. A green and silk cord runs through a hole in the red knob and can be tightened with a blue bead. The lamp resembles a parasol can be folded into a cylinder and stored in card board box. or can be opened by pulling on both knobs. When open it resembles a flying saucer or two attached parasols.
Box: oblong cardboard covered with white, silver and blue washi paper and has purple kanji on top. |
| 1996.010.223 |
Picture |
Painted paperboard with two figures.
Hina dolls on Shikishi paper board prepared for painting, calligraphy, collage.
Male doll with folded gold hat, sideburns and eyebrows and closed eyes in black, red dot for mouth, raised nose, hat has purple string painted. Outer garment has diagonal separated one in yellow one in orange, and has wisteria motif in white and blue with green leaves outlined with yellow paint. Center of garment has cloud motif in blue nad white with red dots. Kimono only shows at collar in navy blue with white dot floral motif accented in red by undergarment. White undercollar. Tied in front in is brown sash with gold dust. Hakama is blue with white floral outline.
Female is smaller in size with tied at both sides with white fastener. White eyebrow, black closed eyes, red dot for mouth, raised nose. Outer Garment in shape of tube like Kokeshi in same pattern as male's with upper purple band and middle band of light blue with white floral design. Collar matches male's, Signed in black sumi and red seal. |
| 1996.010.224 |
Hanging, Paper on Wood |
Hanging of Satsuma-ito-bina.
Two hina figures are made of mizuhiki and washi paper and paper cloth with gold woven into floral design . End of the silver mizuhiki is wrapped in blue for male doll and he has black backgound with gold floral motif. Undergarment in white and yellow in three layers. Lower garment is washi with kasuri design, crosses with circular dotted pattern. Pink tied paper obi. in white blue and brown. Female doll has gold mizuhiki followed by red paper and top outer garment in red with gold floral motif. Red and white undergarment at collar. Lower part of garment is folded origami paper in salmon with white floral design with green and chartreuse design in center. Long olive colored with gold flower obi dangling in front. Folded greenish grey-tan paper molded onto wood frame. Inscription in black sumi ink saying "Satsuma-ito-bina" red chop with palatte shape with artist's signature Ozawa-ningyo. On the back on top eyelet screwed into wood. Paper on back talks about the craft in as a hope for oldest daughter's health and happiness during peach blossom festival. Arranged to reflect modern art form. Satsuma province. |
| 1996.010.225 |
Ceramic Rabbit Bell |
Ceramic Rabbit Bell
Hollow ,crouching rabbit painted white, ears and eyes with small black satin paint for pupil and nose painted red, grey whiskers, By ears are two holes for fiber string for hanging. Two inch slit on bottom with bead inside. Chip on right fore leg and upper right side. |
| 1996.010.226 |
Animal |
Ceramic Rat on Stand, Damaged
A: Grey rat with red eyes, sitting on hind legs and eating, on a bronze colored and brown stand, Bronze part is in shape of koban, traditional coinage. Left ear broken off. Sticker on the bottom has # 102.
B: Left ear, grey painted ceramic broken off from A: |
| 1996.010.227 |
Ceramic Rat on Yellow Stand |
Ceramic Rat
Grey painted rat with red eyes sitting and eating on top of yellow straw rice bag with orange cords. Base was broken and glued, left foot broken off, right ear broken off and glued back on. Sticker on bottom says # 102. |
