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.

1996.010.144