Vintage Japanese Sosaku Kokeshi entitled: Komori, Tending Child by Kuribayashi, Issetsu

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Dimensions: 6-1/2”h 

A typical theme of only a few artists is the mother with child or the infant in the arms of the Oshin, (Baby Sitter). Japanese mothers are known for proactively predicting the needs of their children, making the prevention of fuss a high priority. The babysitter was a trusted and essential part of the Japanese family. It was particularly important to rural mothers who daily worked the fields, and who needed assurance that each child would be lovingly cared for throughout the day. 

This doll is a one-off creation of an assembled figure lathe carved from one piece of wood. There are three sections, the bottom, the bodice, (the section of the kimono from the waist to the neck with a beautiful Kiku, (chrysanthemum) floral motif in black hand painting on natural wood with a red bow sash on the body and part of the focal point. Shown are the hand-painted facial features of narrow slanted eyes, a tiny red-painted nose on the adult, and a wide-eyed baby on her shoulder or onbuhimo. On the top of the adult's head is a delicately fashioned traditional hairstyle referred to as a “Mage”. The piece is signed.

Vintage Condition: Pristine, excellent condition affording the doll age-old elegance. Retains the original craft/workmanship showing a wonderfully-developed patina commensurate with age and unrestored. The piece meets all the standards of Sosaku Kokeshi collectibles.