Vintage Sosaku Kokeshi by Kishi, Sadao Entitled: “Seishin Komugi no | Spirit of Wheat”
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Dimensions: 9-0”h
This delicate small and well proportioned Kokeshi was made in celebration of the Wheat Festival in Korobe Gorge in Japan. Wheat when harvested is golden brown as is the doll left to express the natural wood and finished with uncolored candle wax, (Rōsoku no rō). The central motif on the body is three beautifully carved and rendered stalks of wheat which are also left golden brown as seen in the fields of Japan. Her head is raised from the body so that the Kimono is more pronounced. She has a top knot with suggested hair painted in gray with expressive eyes and a small red mouth. The only other demarkation is the small obi positioned to exemplify the simple garment. The doll is signed on the back by Kishi, Sadao. The piece was published in Sosaku Kokeshi: A New Look At An Old Tradition in 2015.
Vintage Condition: Excellent and commensurate with age with no scratches, flaws, or discoloration. The photo supports the description.
NOTE: Born in Maebashi, Gunma Prefecture, Kishi-san, (1932-11998) produced hundreds of Creative Kokeshi dolls until his passing. During his career, he received numerous awards, winning the Prime Minister’s Award and the Minister of Economy, Trade, and Industry Award (Meti), considered the most prestigious of all Kokeshi competition Trophies. He is credited with being one of the major influences of the Sosaku Kokeshi movement gaining recognition for the dolls as a popular and valid art form.
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Artisan | Woodworker: Kishi, Sadao | 1932-1998
Origin:
Kishi-san was born in Maebashi, Gunma Prefecture in 1932 and produced hundreds of creative Kokeshi dolls until his passing. In 1950 he started creating Sosaku Kokeshi. During his career, he received numerous awards, winning the Prime Minister’s Award and the Minister of Economy, Trade and Industry Award (METI). He is credited with being one of the major influences of the ‘Sosaku Kokeshi Movement’, gaining recognition for the dolls as a popular and valid art form. In 1969 this piece was purchased by The Crown Prince and Crown Princess. In 1970, he dedicated his work to the Enshrining Festival of the Meiji Shrine representing the crafts of his native prefecture.
Collector's note – descriptive qualities, standard characteristics & ornamentation styles:
The Wheat Festival in Korobe Gorge inspired the most popular dolls by this artist, for which wheat is one of his central motifs. He additionally incorporated simple flowers and subjects related to mothers and children as both form-giving and decoration on the bodies. All of his creations are beautifully proportioned dolls, found in many sizes, and celebrate nature and its connection to everyday life. An emphasis on simple turned wood gives focus to the subject of his work.
Artist's signature:
