Vintage Sosaku Kokeshi entitled: Ikat Beauty by Miyajima, Muhitsu
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Dimensions: 8-1/4”
This doll named “Ikkattobyutizu or Irate Beauty” incorporates brushwork interpreting green flowers onto the body with an even carved grooving complimented and a Chattering technique giving ornamentation and texture to the figure. This specific piece is made of heavy, dark-colored Enju wood, (Pagoda tree), affording it a rich color and interesting grain.
As shown, the artist incorporates a ‘snow coat’ called ‘Mino’, in this piece. The wearing of a beautifully formed traditional Fuyu Kasa, (Winter hat used In the Edo period), but in this case, the 1950s), is seen in many of his works. This was a kind of woven hat worn by Buddhists and Samurai called a “Jingasa or kasa” (hat), which was an overly large bowl without a brim that folds into the top of the coat and carved grooves on the front panel of the hat. Dutch and Japanese scholars say this may also be a hairstyle worn by Japanese women who copied the look of the hat, and because of the grooved line-work above the forehead, might represent bangs, which would substantiate their research of the subject. Miyajima-san was fascinated with fashion design, and replicated fabric patterns into many of his dolls. This doll is unsigned.
Miyajima-sans dolls have had a great influence on Creative, (Sosaku). This doll form was a multiple award winner, Miyajima-san won the prestigious Prime Minister’s Award in 1973.
Condition: Excellent meaning that the piece retains its original craft/workmanship showing a wonderful-developed patina commensurate which suggests a degree of wear that corresponds to its vintage. It is void of damage, cracks, breakage, or repairs and meets all the standards of the collectible Sosaku Kokeshi.
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Artisan | Woodworker: Miyajima, Muhitsu | 1929-
Origin:
Miyajima-san was born in Yonezawa City of Yamagata Prefecture, Japan, home of many Traditional Kokeshi makers. He began his career under the tutelage of Master Yamagata craftsman Kobayashi, Kichitaro, in the mid-to late 40s, and then switched to Sosaku doll making in the 1950s. His dolls have had a great influence on Creative, (Sosaku), doll makers since then. A multiple award winner, Miyajima-san won the prestigious Prime Minister’s Award in 1973.
Collector's note – descriptive qualities, standard characteristics & ornamentation styles:
Simple form and function is the theme to Miyajima-san’s creations. The wood is most critical in his interpretation of the seasons and often incorporates the snow coat called ‘Mino”, which adds depth and character to his pieces. The wearing of the traditional Fuyu Kasa, (hat), of the 1950s is seen on many of his works and was a kind of headcovering for Buddhists, which was overly large, in a bowl or mushroom shape, and was originally made from woven rice straw. Seasonal flowers, (Camellia), are often used along with Plum blossoms and tree branches, (see the two dolls at the top right named "Bairin or Plum Grove"). He typically incorporates sumi-e’ brush work into his representation of faces, and uneven carved grooving giving ornamentation and texture to the figure. Miyajima-san works in a variety of beautiful woods, but seems to prefer the heavy, dark colored Enju wood, (Pagoda tree), for it’s rich colors and interesting grain.
Artist's signature:
