Vintage Sosaku Kokeshi entitled: “Mizumo | Spring” by Kiyohara, Takao
Description:
Dimension: 9-12"h
Minimally ornamented, the wooden body of the doll helps define the cherry blossom motif with a garment in blue further defining the bulbous shape. This piece reflects one unique key characteristic of Kiyohara-san’s pieces: Its head and face are traditional, with expressive eyes and a simple impression of the hair with a red bow on the top, supporting the concept of femininity. The nose and red mouth complete the expression in defining the doll, with a red cord used to imply an unlined cotton summer kimono, (yukata) worn during summer festivals and to nearby bathhouses. The doll is directly inspired by Traditional Kokeshi forms. Featured in Sosaku Kokeshi: Celebrating the major Artists of the Creative Movement. Signed by the artist.
Condition: Excellent, pristine original condition, archival quality.
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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:
