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Mid-20th c. Rare Vintage Japanese Kijigangu folk toy by Fumio Tsuta

About the Item

A rare and charming example of kijigangu (traditional Japanese wooden toy), this handcrafted pull toy was created by Fumio Tsuta, the third-generation craftsman of the esteemed Tsuta family. Known for their mastery of wooden toy-making using the potter’s wheel technique, the Tsuta lineage—Sakuzuo (1892–1957), Mamoru (1928–2009), and Fumio—earned national acclaim and numerous awards over the last century for their unique craftsmanship. The toy features a brightly painted boy riding on a wheeled cart, his body articulated with movable limbs and a rotating head. The character is inspired by Shochan, the main figure of Sho-chan’s Adventure, a popular four-frame manga that debuted in 1923 during the Taisho era. When pulled by the string, the figure’s head rotates 360°, adding a delightful kinetic element to the piece. Fumio Tsuta continued the family tradition at Onogawa Onsen in Yamagata Prefecture until the workshop closed permanently on May 11, 2020. Today, his creations are highly sought after by collectors of Japanese folk art and toys. This piece is not only a nostalgic object of play but also a collectible representation of Japanese artisanal history and manga culture. A superb addition to any serious collection of Japanese folk craft or design. Artist: Fumio Tsuta Origin: Japan Period: Showa (circa 1960s–1970s) Materials: Hand-turned and hand-painted wood Movement: Head rotates when pulled Condition: Excellent vintage condition with light wear consistent with age
  • Dimensions:
    Height: 10.63 in (27 cm)Width: 8.67 in (22 cm)Depth: 5.91 in (15 cm)
  • Style:
    Showa (Of the Period)
  • Materials and Techniques:
    Wood,Hand-Carved,Hand-Crafted,Hand-Painted
  • Place of Origin:
    Japan
  • Period:
    20th Century
  • Date of Manufacture:
    1970s
  • Condition:
    Minor losses.
  • Seller Location:
    Fukuoka, JP
  • Reference Number:
    1stDibs: LU10055245483792

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