Japanese Vintage Hinamatsuri Ningyo Festival Prince and Princess Toy by Kon Akira (Senju)
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Dimensions: 1-1/2”h x 2-3/8” dia. (Hina Dolls 7/8” h x 7/8” dia)
This beautiful wood-carved and painted toy was used for amusement by young girls. The kiji-shi (woodworkers), during this period, used their spare time making souvenirs for visitors at the Onsens. This toy was created to celebrate the New Year holidays in Japan. The set of two Hina dolls is honorably presented on a wooden pad. They are simply designed and detailed wearing traditional kimonos.
Every year on March 3rd, Japan celebrates the Doll festival. Hina Matsuri is ‘Girls' Day’ or “Dolls day’. The parents will give all types of Hina dolls to their daughters. A day to thank heaven for little girls-to wish for their future health, wealth, and happiness. The piece is signed on the bottom.
Condition: Excellent condition means that the piece has no cracks or repairs with fine and original details consistent with age and standards of collectible Vintage Japanese Toys.
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION: Seiju studied under Master Hasegawa, Tatsuo, and his designs are based on the Tsugaru-style kokeshi, where his pieces were sold at the Owani Spa, Aomori. Little is known about this artist, other than he is from the Yamagata area, a major Kokeshi-making city/prefecture. ‘Noh’ theatre, of course, along with Kabuki, is Japan’s great gift to the Western world. They originated at religious festivals in the first half of the fourteenth century.
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Artisan | Woodworker: Kon, Akira (Seiju) | 1931-
Origin:
Seiju studied under Master Hasegawa, Tatsuo, and his designs are based on the Tsugaru-style kokeshi, where his pieces were sold at the Owani Spa, Aomori. Little is known about this artist, other than he is from the Yamagata area, a major Kokeshi-making city/prefecture. ‘Noh’ theatre, of course, along with Kabuki, is Japan’s great gift to the Western world. They originated at religious festivals in the first half of the fourteenth century. Kon-san is famous for his depiction of a ‘Noh Dancer’, and he captured the highly stylized masked actor at his commanding and mysterious best. Unusual for Kokeshi, the artist quite offen added tabi-covered feet to the piece, which one never sees on historically pure Kokeshi.
Collector's note – descriptive qualities, standard characteristics & ornamentation styles:
His figures perfectly depict emotions conveyed by wonderfully stylized faces, gestures and simple treatment of garments. He employed different woods, particularly Japanese cypress, (Hinoki), and then stained with natural pigments.
Artist's signature:
