Antique Japanese Dolls, Takasago Couple w/Case

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Antique Japanese doll pair depicting a Noh play, "The Old Couple from Takasago" from Taisho period (1912-26). The man's name is Jo and wife is Uba. They symbolize long life and happiness with Jo raking in the good and Uba sweeping out the bad. This pair is quite beloved in Japan and often given as wedding gifts. You can find them as costume dolls, ittobori carved dolls, kokeshi, etc. and made from many different media including wood, clay and porcelain.

The dolls in this set measure 5-3/4" tall and the case at the base measures 10-7/8" x 4-3/4" and 11" high. The frosted glass has a small piece broken off from the top edge but doesn't show. Uba has two hairline cracks, one by her right ear and one on her right smile line. Jo has a hairline crack by his left ear and is missing the teeth on his rake.

Interesting note: The head of the rake and the broom should always be pointed up.

This product was added to our catalog on Monday 25 September, 2006.