Vintage Japanese Sosaku Kokeshi entitled: “Kakisubata | Water Iris” by Kiyohara, Takao
Dimensions: 8-1/2”h and 10-1/2”h
Kiyohara-san was born in Shiroishi City, Miyagi, and is one of the most popular and prolific of creative Kokeshi artists. He was awarded the Prime Minister’s Prize four times, (1989-), along with the Enterprise Agency top prize on two occasions.
This excellent and unique pair of Kokeshi is the first pair of this design which were multiple award winners. The fascinating feature is the fact that they look so futuristic and alien in appearance, with the treatment of the eyes and the turning of the slender forms giving them an other-worldly appearance. 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. There is a understated abstract image of water iris pods on the bodies. Signed in script and impressed red stamp on the bottom of each doll.
See additional writings on our website related to this subject:https://mingeiarts.com/collections/artisan-woodworker-kiyohara-takao-1916
Condition: Excellent means the piece is perfect, totally original, and complete with no cracks, or restoration, and retains its wonderful patina which suggests a degree of slight wear that corresponds to its vintage. The artifact meets all the standards of the collectible Vintage Sosaku Kokeshi.
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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:
