Vintage Sosaku Kokeshi entitled: “Fāsukai | Far Sky” by Kato, Hiroshi

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Dimensions: 15-1/2”h 

Kato-san’s tall and slender figures bring memories of very traditional women in Japan and were not meant to be sentimental, but to exemplify the relationship between the figure expressing serenity and stability The sumi-e’ brushwork of her decorative Kimono with a traditional forest/mountain motif and a mountain stream with boatman is intricately detailed in this very unique doll. She is wearing a head wrapped called a ‘Hachimaki’ which has a very decorative top element surrounded by black hair. The faces are extremely expressive with slanted head adding an unusual aspect to one of a series of seasonal dolls. Signed by the artist.

Condition: The piece is a very rare stylization of this form and is in perfect condition, as originally created with no fading or loss of color and consistent with age. The piece meets all the standards of collectible Folk Art. 

NOTE: A little-known artist who specializes in tall, elegant dolls, Kato-san’s creations rarely come up for auction. His birthplace, dates, and studio are unknown. He was only actively producing Kokeshi in the 1960s.