Vintage, RARE, Traditional Izume.Ko Doll with Toys

Dimensions: 5-1/2”h x 8-0” dia.

Offered is an exceptionally large Izume.ko Doll, (Isume baby), which comes from Tsuruoka in the Yamagata prefecture. This toy is based on an Isume, a woven basket that farming mothers use to keep their babies near them in the fields during the busy season. This allowed them to supervise and attend to the little ones when no one else was available. Included with this doll are miniature toys placed in the basket along with the baby, comforting the child and easing the mother’s mind throughout the workday.

This is one of the very earliest versions of the Izume.ko doll that still retains its tiny ‘Gofun’, (oyster shell-faced baby), fully detailed with glass eyes, simulated hair, and is fully dressed in a child’s Kimono. The replica of the boy doll is holding a fully detailed spin drum suspended on a rod, (Den-den daiko). He sits comfortably and is swaddled with small remnants of stuffed cotton forming a backrest and with a simulated Sarasa-patterned blanket to keep him warm. The most fascinating feature is the child’s miniature hand-carved Kokesh, and hand-sewn fabric toys, which are tied to the edge of the basket, which additionally include a miniature Temari ball, a bird, a clamshell, and flowers. All beautifully detailed, and made of authentic recycled materials. All are perfectly positioned and ready to be played with throughout the day. The entire creation is contained in an intricately handwoven natural color bamboo reed basket similar to those that are used to hold babies during this period.

Condition: Excellent, beautiful original condition, with no fading or loss of color and consistent with age. The piece meets all the standards of collectible Folk Art. A true collectors artifact and because of its rarity, not currently seen on the market.