Large Vintage Sosaku Kokeshi Figure is entitled: “Chameko | Urchin” by Watanabe, Masao
Dimensions: 10-1/2”h
Watanabe-san was fascinated with children and used them as a model for many of his figures. The face incorporates sumi-e’ type large wide eyes, wispy hair over his forehead, and what remains of bows on the side of the head. Seen are three sections, the head, the Haori, (a short jacket), and the base of the doll showing a very simple use of two different kinds of wood, Beech (Bichi) and Magnolia (Mokuren) to define the body and clothing. Throughout Japanese history, scraps of material were initially used to make Kokeshi. This is known as ‘Mottainai’, meaning to not waste, and replicated in the treatment of this jacket to appear worn. This natural treatment conveys a feeling of awe and appreciation for any material that has the potential for creating something else.
The piece is finished with either a type of natural or colored candle wax, (Rosoku no ro). A multiple award winner in Kokeshi competitions around the world, his works are permanently exhibited at the Nuremberg Toy Museum in Germany. The piece is signed in script on the bottom as well as his personal impressed mark showing ownership of this design.
For Additional Information on this artist visit:https://mingeiarts.com/collections/artisan-woodworker-watanabe-masao-1917-2007.
Condition: Excellent condition means this large and beautiful-turned figure is commensurate with age showing slight wear of the jacket. That said this represents one of the original Watanabe dolls of this type inspired in the 1950s, showing no structural problems and still retaining its distinctive character. Meets the high standards of the collector of the works of Sosaku Kokeshi by the masters.
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Artisan | Woodworker: Watanabe, Masao | 1917-2007
Origin:
Masao Watanabe | 1917-2007 (89)
Born in Fukushima, Watanabe-san studied under Traditional Yajirou Master Sato, Tatsuo of Miyagi Prefecture. Arguably, the most popular and prolific of the 20th/c Sosaku Kokeshi artists, he began his craft in the early 1950s. His most famous Kokeshi themes are that of ‘innocence’ (Mushin), and his doll entitled: Chigo Zakura (Cherry Blossom Child). A multiple award winner in Kokeshi competitions around the world (Prime Minister's prizes for the works of "Chigozskura" in 1963 and "Shojo" in 1981), along with numerous prizes by the Modern Kokeshi Artist Association and JETRO. He held two exhibitions in Japan and was exempt from the examination of the All Japan Kokeshi Contest, a Member of the Nippon Kokeshi Artistic Handicraft Association. His works are permanently exhibited at the Nuremberg Toy Museum in Germany.
Collector's note – descriptive qualities, standard characteristics & ornamentation styles:
Of all the Kokeshi produced by Masao Watanabe, his doll entitled, Mushin, (Innocence), is the most representative of this artist’s work. The emphasis is on the color of the natural wood and texture, and the form of this piece is the most recognizable of all of his dolls. The representation of clothing, complemented by the natural graining of the wood, and the painting of the sash, is common for this particular series. The natural wood implies the kimono or yukata with Its smooth curves brought about through the use of the lathe. Some painted and raised forms to resemble Shibori, a type of tie-dyeing that give texture to the garment. He also prominently features the rose and camellia as a central motif. His most famous piece above, is entitled, ‘Chigo Zakura’, (Cherry Blossom Child), which won the Prime Minister’s Award, and was presented to the Beatles in 1965, after their appearance in Japan with Sir Joseph Lockwood, Chairman of EMI Record Distributors, England.
Artist's Signature:
