Artisan | Woodworker: Takanashi, Hanpushi

Biographical History:

As collectors, it was most important to represent all Sosaku Kokeshi artists, whether or not the artist has a written account of his or her life. Each shows the diversity of this cultural specialization and the creative work produced by this artist. The only published information on this artist is that his Kokeshi entitled Sekishun (Precious Spring) was the recipient of the International Jethro Prize in 1964. The Jethro Prize is awarded to artists for original and outstanding achievements in science and technology. Prize winners are recognized for having advanced knowledge in their respective fields and for contributing to the dissemination of peace and prosperity for the rod of mankind. There is little written accounting of his life including birth and where he produced his dolls.

Collector's note – descriptive qualities, standard characteristics & ornamentation styles:

Integrating the subject with the realistic and abstract motif, most having a neutral background emphasizing the wood from which the doll was made. This approach gave solidity and definition, supporting the painting and carving on his lathe-turned dolls. Takanashi works in a variety of woods including Kabanoki, (Birch) or Mizuki, (Dogwood) along with Cherry (Sakura) and Elm (Zelkowa). From our research, we see he worked for a limited period making a variety and limited number of dolls. He enjoyed emphasizing the Kansashi (hairpin) and often featuring the characteristic "Mage". His faces are extremely simple and expressive, with sumi-e’ ink details, or simple carving to define each character complimenting the intended expression.