Vintage Sosaku Kokeshi Entitled: “Odori | Movement“ by Chiyomatsu, Kano (Kanou)

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Dimensions: 5-1/8” h

This is a very rare doll, highly prized and seldom seen on the market. Here the artist created a three-dimensional form that best interacts with the natural characteristics of the intrinsic beauty of wood, harmoniously blending the traditional and contemporary imagery. The doll has a simple facial expression utilizing a ‘one-stroke eye’,(Hitofude-me). In Japanese Kokeshi Art catalogs, the artist further defines this figure as “Budō no ko | Child of the Martial Arts”. The most interesting feature is the offset head that exhibits a Topknot (Bintsuke). He is wearing a traditional Chonmage haircut worn by boys/men with a short blunt fringe at the forehead, and straight hair cut around the skull. He is shown with a type of earmuff covering his ears, which is typically worn in the northern regions, and originally was a simple compressed cloth. Additionally, Chiyomatsu-san incorporates on the winter coat a random black Ikat-style motif defining the layers of the pattern throughout the overall garment. The piece is hand signed on the bottom.

Condition: Excellent; original condition; with no fading or loss of color, and consistent with age and standards of collectible Folk Art. All details are perfect and as crafted.