Vintage Sosaku Kokeshi entitled: Komorebi by Miyajima Muhitsu

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Dimensions: 11-0”h

Simple form and function are the themes of Miyajima-san’s creations. This doll features abstract tree branches and is executed using woodburning techniques which forms the artistic basis for the motif on the body of this Kokeshi. This technique is meant to capture the essence of the Enju forest in which each stroke of the wood-burning pen has meaning, and is to evoke emotion and beauty that a viewer can see not only in each abstract rendition but also in the spaces in between which is the title of this doll, “Komorebi”, (light through the trees). This Kokeshi is made of heavy, dark-colored Enju wood, (Pagoda tree), affording the doll a rich color and interesting grain.

Condition: Excellent, original condition, with no fading or loss of color and consistent with age and standards of collectible Folk Art.

NOTE: Miyajima-san, (1929-) was born in Yonezawa City of Yamagata Prefecture, Japan, home of many Traditional Kokeshi makers. He began his career under the tutelage of Master Yamagata craftsman Kobayashi, Kichitaro, in the mid-to-late 40s, and then switched to Sosaku doll making in the 1950s. His dolls have had a great influence on Creative, (Sosaku), doll makers since then. A multiple award winner, Miyajima-san won the prestigious Prime Minister’s Award in 1973.