Vintage Japanese Sosaku Kokeshi entitled: “Mizumo | Spring” by Kiyohara, Takao
Dimensions: 11-3/4”h
This elegant Kokeshi are based on the Traditional Tougatta or Yamagata dolls and his pieces although identified as Sosaku are considered Transitional having facial elements from those families. His dolls are artistically and minimally ornamented and in this case with pink plum blossoms based on the Spring season, (supposedly Kyohara-san produced dolls to represent Spring, Summer, Fall, and Winter). This doll is made from one piece of turned plum wood. This doll reflects one unique key characteristic of Kiyohara-san’s pieces: the traditional faces with arched eyes and eyebrows beautifully represent women in Japanese society. Its bulbous shapes aid in defining the body of this doll and is directly inspired by Traditional Kokeshi forms. Signed by the artist.
NOTE: For more information on this artist go to our Browse & Learn section, https://mingeiarts.com/collections/artisan-woodworker-kiyohara-takao-1916 affording you details about this artist. This piece is published in the latest book entitled: Sosaku Kokeshi: Celebrating the Major Artists of the Creative Movement.
Condition: Excellent condition for the piece is perfect, with no chipping, missing elements, or loss of artwork/color which is beautifully defined. It retains a beautiful finish, with its original craftsmanship preserved, and meets meet the high standards of Sosaku Kokeshi production.
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Artisan | Woodworker: Kiyohara, Takao | 1916-
Origin:
Kiyohara-san is one of the most popular and prolific of the creative Kokshi artists and began creating dolls after serving as a pilot in the Japanese/American war. He was considered a transitional artist, due to the fact that many of his dolls resemble traditional Tougatta or Yamagata dolls. His dolls are artistically and minimally decorated. He was awarded the Minister’s Prize four times along with the Enterprise Agency top prize on two occasions.
Collector's note – descriptive qualities, standard characteristics & ornamentation styles:
Kiyohara-san’s pieces are minimally ornamented with white and pink cherry blossoms, plum blossoms or simple stripes done in the traditional Rokuro Moyo technique. The unique key characteristic of Kiyohara pieces is ‘the arched eyes and eyebrow. He employs simple turning techniques in either a straight fashion or a bulbous shape which aid in defining the body of each doll, and are directly inspired by Traditional kokeshi forms.
Artist's signature:
