Vintage Sosaku Kokeshi Entitled: Ikat by Kuribayashi, Issetsu

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Dimensions: 8-0”h

This is an exceptionally old doll and decorated with a black tie dyed fabric motif which is quite rare. His dolls also utilize multiple types of wood, with natural colors, with hand-painting to define the face and clothing.

As with this piece Kuribayashi enjoys long flowing traditional hairstyles, (taregami), and incorporates a topknot to further define the hair. The eyes express humility, and his faces typically have a faint red spot for the nose. Shape and balance are important elements of this Japanese style and decoration. The piece has an unusual kanji signature on the bottom of the doll.

Condition: Worn, “as is” original condition with effects from aging, use and soiling. We never restore pieces for we feel it is best not to take away the patina that older pieces develop with age.

NOTE: Kuribayashi, Issetsu, (1924-2011), is from Yonezawa City, Kuribayashi-san is considered one of the founding fathers of the Sosaku-Creative movement. His dolls have won every major award given over the years. He began his career in 1955 and is featured in the Nuremberg Toy Museum in Germany along with fellow Sosaku artist Watanabe Masao. Many of his works were one-of-a-kind creations.