Item Number: RSF - D - 4 - γ - 22
Object Description: This is a beautifully dressed vintage Japanese doll known as an Ichimatsu Doll. This particular doll is in the Ryukyu style, which is inscribed in the Japanese characters on the base of the doll: 琉球人形 which literally translates to Ryukyu Doll. Ichimatsu dolls have been produced since the 18th century in Japan, and this style in particular became a popular souvenir for American GIs stationed in Okinawa (an island in the Ryukyu archipelago) during the U.S. occupation of Japan and the Korean War in the 1950s.
Physical Details: The doll is made of gofun (Japanese oyster-shell composite), which gives the doll the smooth porcelain like finish. The doll’s face is in excellent condition. She has delicate hand-painted features: black hair line, red lips, peach blush. Her hair appears to be real human hair that has aged: it feels a bit matte to the touch. The kimono is silk and decorated with metallic brocade. It contains three layers, which indicate the luxuriousness of the doll. The kimono itself is technically an iro uchikake meaning a red wedding kimono. This is separate from the white kimono worn during the wedding ceremony. In other words, this is a kimono that a bride would wear after the ceremony but before her first night with her husband. The colors red and gold are auspicious in Japanese culture and represent abundance and goodwill. Posed with a bamboo umbrella, a symbol of her high status. She stands on a bamboo tatami mat on a lacquered base, elevating her from a simple tourist trinket to a display piece.
Dimensions: 18.5” x 9”
Tradition: Ichimatsu Ningyo belong to Shinto tradition but they sometimes border on Buddhist traditions, especially when they involve trapped souls. This doll can be considered possessed or haunted to use Western terminology.
Story:
The last names of the families affected by this story have been omitted for their safety and privacy.
Tsukiko was born at night under a full moon. The labors were tough, but Mitsuko, her mother, was determined. Upon realizing that Tsukiko was a girl, Mitsuko let out a loud groan and held the baby. It doesn’t matter. You will be my beautiful girl.
Shunsuke, her father, was delighted and wrote that he was excited to return to begin the process of making a son once again. Then a second letter arrived that Shunsuke was being sent to Manchuria to deal with rebel groups in the countryside. Years passed and his letters grew sporadic and more desperate. He was meant to come home, but his orders changed and he was transferred from China to Hong Kong and then eventually further south towards the barbaric Americans. Eight years of letters, and Tsukiko never met her mysterious father. He wrote about the barbaric American troops pushing their way to the home islands. If they should ever reach our divine islands, do not let yourself be dishonored.
Eventually, Mitsuko never heard from Shunsuke. Now with a young daughter life was tough. The Empire was struggling. Food was rationed. She worked in what she could. The officials on the island spoke of the American invasion. They told the women they should kill themselves rather than be taken by the barbarians.
The invasion came and then the bombs on the main island. Mitsuko then understood that Shunsuke was right. She began to hold a resentment towards the invaders. The once mighty Japanese Empire had fallen and now the island was crawling with GIs.
Tsukiko’s mother hated every moment of the invasion. She thought the Americans were barbarians and wished they would leave at once. But Tsukiko did not think like her. She liked the GIs. They were silly and always whistled at her when she walked down the street. She loved listening to American music on the radio. But more than anything, she wanted to be American.
Having snuck out of school, Tsukiko and her friends accompanied some Americans to the theater to watch Cinderella. Tsukiko was obsessed. She felt that in her life, she too, would be like Cinderella and that an American prince would save her from her mother. One of the soldiers in the theater that day was James.
James was smitten by Tsukiko: her black hair, pale skin, and beautiful almond eyes. She could not stop staring into his blue eyes. They reminded her of the ocean. His blonde hair was like the sunrise. The two quickly became inseparable. They spent time together at the bowling alley, driving around the island, and even at the bars with the other soldiers. Tsukiko loved being around James; she felt herself become more free, more American, and James loved being around Tsukiko.
He showered her with gifts whenever he could. He scored a bottle of Chanel no 5 and gifted it to her. Tsukiko could not believe her eyes. She sprayed it on and felt that she was leaving her miserable life on that miserable island behind. As if spraying herself with the perfume would transform her into a Hollywood starlette.
That summer, Tsukiko and James went to the movies to watch the coronation of the young Queen Elizabeth. We ain’t got princesses in America, but you’re my little Nipponese princess. She giggled as she watched Elizabeth roll into St. Paul’s in her adorned carriage. She was a real life princess.
After a few months, Tsukiko snuck out of school to meet James and go to the movies. She wanted to see Marilyn Monroe, that great American beauty, in Gentlemen Prefer Blondes. She had heard Diamonds are a Girl’s Best Friend on the radio and was obsessed. Were all Americans rich? Would she be rich if she married James and became an American? James kissed her during the movie and she barely remembered that plot. After the movie, they rode in his car to their spot. Under the moonlight, he looked at her as if she were a goddess sent down from the moon herself. He made love to her and told her he would marry her. That night, she dreamed of diamonds. Her dress was pink, just like Marilyn’s, and she sparkled from head to toe. This was what it was like to be American, to be free, and to be rich.
The next day, Tsukiko ran across town. A window display caught her eye. It was a red wedding kimono. In full excitement, she continued towards the soda bar and ordered a soda while she waited for James, but he never came. She waited and waited, past the sunset. There was no sign of James. She listened to the radio; the American songs reminded her of James. She returned to their spot the next few days, to the soda bar, to the bowling alley, the movie theater, she even sat in front of the base but still no James. On her way home, she would stop and stare at the kimonos, understanding that she would never wear them. A few months later, Tsukiko was pregnant.
Unable to hide it from her mother any longer, Tsukiko told her mother. Her mother cried. This was a curse for not killing herself when the Americans invaded. She had defiled her husband’s wishes. This was her punishment. Her daughter had been defiled by the barbarians. Mitsuko implored Tsukiko to commit suicide and save her honor. Tsukiko, thinking of the baby, refused. That night, drowned in shame and sake, Mitsuko took her own life.
The fallout from society was quick and brutal. Tsukiko was an unwed mother with a biracial baby on the way. Her options were slim, so she headed to the American base to see what she could learn of James. The base offered her a job working as an office assistant, since her English was good and she could speak to the locals. For weeks and months, she searched for James in the endless manila folders she handled every day. To pass the time outside of the office, Tsukiko played solitaire with a pack of cards one of the other girls gave her. She loved playing cards by herself and spent hours talking to herself while matching suits.
Finally, Tsukiko found James’ file. He was from Ohio and married with a three year old son. Tsukiko felt herself sink into her chair. The entire romance was a charade and now she had to carry the consequences of it. The reality of her situation was too much for Tsukiko, so she asked the moon to take her life but to spare her baby. It is said that the moon dictates not only the tides but also the monthly bleeding of women. As such, when Tsukiko gave birth, the moon did not stop the bleeding and Tsukiko died a painful death.
The other women in the office took care of Tsukiko’s body, since her family was gone. They dressed her in the kimono she never got to wear.
When James returned home to Dayton, Ohio, he had a package waiting for him. He had been badly wounded and psychologically tortured in Korea at a prisoner of war camp. He felt like a different man than when he had left. How could he face his wife and son after all the horrors he had seen?
The package had no markings, but James felt he knew it was from Tsukiko. The package contained this Ichimatsu Doll. James’ wife put it on display in the family room where she observed James and his family. James would complain that he felt the doll was watching him, but his wife was enamored with it. Secretly, James thought the doll was a spitting image of Tsukiko. The constant presence of the doll was too much for James, and one day, after drinking a few too many drinks, he was tragically killed in a car accident.
The doll stayed in the home of James’ wife until she passed of natural old age 16 years ago. The doll was then abandoned by James’ son and almost destroyed if it wasn’t for a collector that recognized instantly the supernatural effects of the doll.
This new owner spent time speaking to Tsukiko and understanding her story. He performed seances and readings on the doll and was able to understand her provenance. Tsukiko herself went from being a sorrowful spirit to a benevolent spirit through the help of this owner. Now, Tsukiko understands that if she is ever to be reborn as a human or to reach Nirvana, she must let go of her tragedy and help others.
Provenance: Tsukiko, Okinawa c 1953 (origin), James and Margaret of Dayton, Ohio (displayed until 2010), Private Occult Collector (2010 - 2023), Rooks - St. Felix 2023 -
Supernatural Scale: 4 - The doll likes to be called Tsukiko. Tsukiko (月子) in Japanese means daughter of the moon. She is a trapped spirit, per Buddhist karmic traditions. Because of her suffering, she has become a benevolent spirit in hopes that by helping her owners with good fortune, she will be allowed to finally reach Nirvana, which is the Buddhist version of heaven.
She is especially communicative with pets, so you might find your pet hanging out with her. Her preferred method of communication is through cartomancy (she loved playing cards), spirit box (she loves Doris Day and other early 50s stars), seance, and traditional Shinto or Buddhist worship. Tsukiko is very attuned to your emotions, and will listen to you and your plights. In fact, she can communicate easily with experienced meditators. Her luxurious kimono is meant to attract abundance into your home, but Tsukiko requires dedicated maintenance in order to bring about gifts of gold and good fortune. She will communicate in dreams as well if she feels neglected. She loves to listen to music she knew in life, which would be the early 1950s. Her favorite movies are Gentlemen Prefer Blondes and Cinderella. She absolutely adores Marilyn Monroe and Queen Elizabeth II. She loves Chanel no. 5 and loves it when it’s sprayed around her. Put a bottle of it and a picture of Marilyn Monroe nearby for extra blessings.
If she feels neglected or is discarded, Tsukiko will seek revenge from her owner. For example, if Tsukiko is neglected for a week, she might cause a fall out in a relationship or a bad date. If she is neglected for too long, the owner can expect your world to fall apart from work to social life.
She is a daughter of the moon and of the sea, so on days with full moons, new moons, and rising tides, Tsukiko becomes the most active. One thing to note is that Tsukiko's favorite day is Monday since it’s the day of the Moon. On Mondays, you will feel yourself motivated and full of energy to accomplish your goals and tasks. This is Tsukiko blessing you with good Mondays.
Maintenance Scale: γ - gamma: Intermediate. Tsukiko requires weekly maintenance. As all Ichimatsu Ningyo, the owners should place a glass of fresh water every few days as well as an offering of fresh fruit, flowers, a candle, and incense. Ideally, the owner would take time once a week to meditate or try to communicate with Tsukiko, in a dark room, with the candle and incense lit. To maximize abundance, place gold, diamonds, and a bottle of Chanel no. 5 in front of her.
Item Number: RSF - D - 4 - γ - 22
Object Description: This is a beautifully dressed vintage Japanese doll known as an Ichimatsu Doll. This particular doll is in the Ryukyu style, which is inscribed in the Japanese characters on the base of the doll: 琉球人形 which literally translates to Ryukyu Doll. Ichimatsu dolls have been produced since the 18th century in Japan, and this style in particular became a popular souvenir for American GIs stationed in Okinawa (an island in the Ryukyu archipelago) during the U.S. occupation of Japan and the Korean War in the 1950s.
Physical Details: The doll is made of gofun (Japanese oyster-shell composite), which gives the doll the smooth porcelain like finish. The doll’s face is in excellent condition. She has delicate hand-painted features: black hair line, red lips, peach blush. Her hair appears to be real human hair that has aged: it feels a bit matte to the touch. The kimono is silk and decorated with metallic brocade. It contains three layers, which indicate the luxuriousness of the doll. The kimono itself is technically an iro uchikake meaning a red wedding kimono. This is separate from the white kimono worn during the wedding ceremony. In other words, this is a kimono that a bride would wear after the ceremony but before her first night with her husband. The colors red and gold are auspicious in Japanese culture and represent abundance and goodwill. Posed with a bamboo umbrella, a symbol of her high status. She stands on a bamboo tatami mat on a lacquered base, elevating her from a simple tourist trinket to a display piece.
Dimensions: 18.5” x 9”
Tradition: Ichimatsu Ningyo belong to Shinto tradition but they sometimes border on Buddhist traditions, especially when they involve trapped souls. This doll can be considered possessed or haunted to use Western terminology.
Story:
The last names of the families affected by this story have been omitted for their safety and privacy.
Tsukiko was born at night under a full moon. The labors were tough, but Mitsuko, her mother, was determined. Upon realizing that Tsukiko was a girl, Mitsuko let out a loud groan and held the baby. It doesn’t matter. You will be my beautiful girl.
Shunsuke, her father, was delighted and wrote that he was excited to return to begin the process of making a son once again. Then a second letter arrived that Shunsuke was being sent to Manchuria to deal with rebel groups in the countryside. Years passed and his letters grew sporadic and more desperate. He was meant to come home, but his orders changed and he was transferred from China to Hong Kong and then eventually further south towards the barbaric Americans. Eight years of letters, and Tsukiko never met her mysterious father. He wrote about the barbaric American troops pushing their way to the home islands. If they should ever reach our divine islands, do not let yourself be dishonored.
Eventually, Mitsuko never heard from Shunsuke. Now with a young daughter life was tough. The Empire was struggling. Food was rationed. She worked in what she could. The officials on the island spoke of the American invasion. They told the women they should kill themselves rather than be taken by the barbarians.
The invasion came and then the bombs on the main island. Mitsuko then understood that Shunsuke was right. She began to hold a resentment towards the invaders. The once mighty Japanese Empire had fallen and now the island was crawling with GIs.
Tsukiko’s mother hated every moment of the invasion. She thought the Americans were barbarians and wished they would leave at once. But Tsukiko did not think like her. She liked the GIs. They were silly and always whistled at her when she walked down the street. She loved listening to American music on the radio. But more than anything, she wanted to be American.
Having snuck out of school, Tsukiko and her friends accompanied some Americans to the theater to watch Cinderella. Tsukiko was obsessed. She felt that in her life, she too, would be like Cinderella and that an American prince would save her from her mother. One of the soldiers in the theater that day was James.
James was smitten by Tsukiko: her black hair, pale skin, and beautiful almond eyes. She could not stop staring into his blue eyes. They reminded her of the ocean. His blonde hair was like the sunrise. The two quickly became inseparable. They spent time together at the bowling alley, driving around the island, and even at the bars with the other soldiers. Tsukiko loved being around James; she felt herself become more free, more American, and James loved being around Tsukiko.
He showered her with gifts whenever he could. He scored a bottle of Chanel no 5 and gifted it to her. Tsukiko could not believe her eyes. She sprayed it on and felt that she was leaving her miserable life on that miserable island behind. As if spraying herself with the perfume would transform her into a Hollywood starlette.
That summer, Tsukiko and James went to the movies to watch the coronation of the young Queen Elizabeth. We ain’t got princesses in America, but you’re my little Nipponese princess. She giggled as she watched Elizabeth roll into St. Paul’s in her adorned carriage. She was a real life princess.
After a few months, Tsukiko snuck out of school to meet James and go to the movies. She wanted to see Marilyn Monroe, that great American beauty, in Gentlemen Prefer Blondes. She had heard Diamonds are a Girl’s Best Friend on the radio and was obsessed. Were all Americans rich? Would she be rich if she married James and became an American? James kissed her during the movie and she barely remembered that plot. After the movie, they rode in his car to their spot. Under the moonlight, he looked at her as if she were a goddess sent down from the moon herself. He made love to her and told her he would marry her. That night, she dreamed of diamonds. Her dress was pink, just like Marilyn’s, and she sparkled from head to toe. This was what it was like to be American, to be free, and to be rich.
The next day, Tsukiko ran across town. A window display caught her eye. It was a red wedding kimono. In full excitement, she continued towards the soda bar and ordered a soda while she waited for James, but he never came. She waited and waited, past the sunset. There was no sign of James. She listened to the radio; the American songs reminded her of James. She returned to their spot the next few days, to the soda bar, to the bowling alley, the movie theater, she even sat in front of the base but still no James. On her way home, she would stop and stare at the kimonos, understanding that she would never wear them. A few months later, Tsukiko was pregnant.
Unable to hide it from her mother any longer, Tsukiko told her mother. Her mother cried. This was a curse for not killing herself when the Americans invaded. She had defiled her husband’s wishes. This was her punishment. Her daughter had been defiled by the barbarians. Mitsuko implored Tsukiko to commit suicide and save her honor. Tsukiko, thinking of the baby, refused. That night, drowned in shame and sake, Mitsuko took her own life.
The fallout from society was quick and brutal. Tsukiko was an unwed mother with a biracial baby on the way. Her options were slim, so she headed to the American base to see what she could learn of James. The base offered her a job working as an office assistant, since her English was good and she could speak to the locals. For weeks and months, she searched for James in the endless manila folders she handled every day. To pass the time outside of the office, Tsukiko played solitaire with a pack of cards one of the other girls gave her. She loved playing cards by herself and spent hours talking to herself while matching suits.
Finally, Tsukiko found James’ file. He was from Ohio and married with a three year old son. Tsukiko felt herself sink into her chair. The entire romance was a charade and now she had to carry the consequences of it. The reality of her situation was too much for Tsukiko, so she asked the moon to take her life but to spare her baby. It is said that the moon dictates not only the tides but also the monthly bleeding of women. As such, when Tsukiko gave birth, the moon did not stop the bleeding and Tsukiko died a painful death.
The other women in the office took care of Tsukiko’s body, since her family was gone. They dressed her in the kimono she never got to wear.
When James returned home to Dayton, Ohio, he had a package waiting for him. He had been badly wounded and psychologically tortured in Korea at a prisoner of war camp. He felt like a different man than when he had left. How could he face his wife and son after all the horrors he had seen?
The package had no markings, but James felt he knew it was from Tsukiko. The package contained this Ichimatsu Doll. James’ wife put it on display in the family room where she observed James and his family. James would complain that he felt the doll was watching him, but his wife was enamored with it. Secretly, James thought the doll was a spitting image of Tsukiko. The constant presence of the doll was too much for James, and one day, after drinking a few too many drinks, he was tragically killed in a car accident.
The doll stayed in the home of James’ wife until she passed of natural old age 16 years ago. The doll was then abandoned by James’ son and almost destroyed if it wasn’t for a collector that recognized instantly the supernatural effects of the doll.
This new owner spent time speaking to Tsukiko and understanding her story. He performed seances and readings on the doll and was able to understand her provenance. Tsukiko herself went from being a sorrowful spirit to a benevolent spirit through the help of this owner. Now, Tsukiko understands that if she is ever to be reborn as a human or to reach Nirvana, she must let go of her tragedy and help others.
Provenance: Tsukiko, Okinawa c 1953 (origin), James and Margaret of Dayton, Ohio (displayed until 2010), Private Occult Collector (2010 - 2023), Rooks - St. Felix 2023 -
Supernatural Scale: 4 - The doll likes to be called Tsukiko. Tsukiko (月子) in Japanese means daughter of the moon. She is a trapped spirit, per Buddhist karmic traditions. Because of her suffering, she has become a benevolent spirit in hopes that by helping her owners with good fortune, she will be allowed to finally reach Nirvana, which is the Buddhist version of heaven.
She is especially communicative with pets, so you might find your pet hanging out with her. Her preferred method of communication is through cartomancy (she loved playing cards), spirit box (she loves Doris Day and other early 50s stars), seance, and traditional Shinto or Buddhist worship. Tsukiko is very attuned to your emotions, and will listen to you and your plights. In fact, she can communicate easily with experienced meditators. Her luxurious kimono is meant to attract abundance into your home, but Tsukiko requires dedicated maintenance in order to bring about gifts of gold and good fortune. She will communicate in dreams as well if she feels neglected. She loves to listen to music she knew in life, which would be the early 1950s. Her favorite movies are Gentlemen Prefer Blondes and Cinderella. She absolutely adores Marilyn Monroe and Queen Elizabeth II. She loves Chanel no. 5 and loves it when it’s sprayed around her. Put a bottle of it and a picture of Marilyn Monroe nearby for extra blessings.
If she feels neglected or is discarded, Tsukiko will seek revenge from her owner. For example, if Tsukiko is neglected for a week, she might cause a fall out in a relationship or a bad date. If she is neglected for too long, the owner can expect your world to fall apart from work to social life.
She is a daughter of the moon and of the sea, so on days with full moons, new moons, and rising tides, Tsukiko becomes the most active. One thing to note is that Tsukiko's favorite day is Monday since it’s the day of the Moon. On Mondays, you will feel yourself motivated and full of energy to accomplish your goals and tasks. This is Tsukiko blessing you with good Mondays.
Maintenance Scale: γ - gamma: Intermediate. Tsukiko requires weekly maintenance. As all Ichimatsu Ningyo, the owners should place a glass of fresh water every few days as well as an offering of fresh fruit, flowers, a candle, and incense. Ideally, the owner would take time once a week to meditate or try to communicate with Tsukiko, in a dark room, with the candle and incense lit. To maximize abundance, place gold, diamonds, and a bottle of Chanel no. 5 in front of her.
