Shimizu Jirocho Family

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Kokeshi nodders of Shimizu Jirocho and family with Mt. Fuji in the background. Shimizu Jirocho (middle doll) measures 2-1/4 tall and the stand is 7-3/4" long. Shimizu Jirocho (1820-1893) was a historical Yakuza (Japanese mafia) boss. Some of the terms describing him are "outlaw turned hero", "robin hood", "godfather", "gangster boss", "legendary gambler boss but chivalrous". He was also an undefeated swordsman and reformed himself at the age of 48. He helped develop Shimizu Port and is believed to be the first to have founded an English Conversational School. There is a little bit of varnish crazing and chipping. The doll on right end has his left eye closed. Another set I have of Jirocho and his 27 followers has the doll in the same position (2nd from Jirocho's left) drawn the same way. Haven't been able to find any info on it.

This product was added to our catalog on Sunday 01 October, 2006.