Vintage Sosaku Kokeshi entitled: “Hagi | Star” by Sekiguchi, Toa
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Dimensions: 3-1/2”h
This Kokeshi won the Prime Minister’s Award, and is made of beautifully painted Mizuki, (Dogwood). Here Toa-san depicts a doll with wonderful long hair, (similar to hair worn during the Heian period). Defined as flowing hair, uncut, cascading down the sides of the face and body. Women’s foreheads were emphasized, since the Japanese prized beauty, elegance, and fashion. The doll incorporates Festival elements, pairing clouds, celestial themes, beautifully colored and textured, defining the multiple elements of her clothing. A red impression is on the bottom of the doll identifying the piece by the artist.
Condition: Excellent, pristine original condition, archival quality because of the uniqueness of the doll.
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Artisan | Woodworker: Sekiguchi, Toa | 1942-
Origin:
Son of Sansaku, Toa was born in Shibukawa City, Gunma-ken, and still lives and works there with his family, all of whom create Sosaku Kokeshi. Winner of many awards, he received the Ministry of International Trade Industry Award in 1978. Since then he has won the Prime Minister’s Award, along with other respected commendations.
Collector's note – descriptive qualities, standard characteristics & ornamentation styles:
Toa-san often employs beatifully painted Mizuki (Dogwood), for his pieces. We see all types of motifs used, including festival elements representing fireworks, and natural elements such as abstracted Gingko leaves, (Ginkgo trees survived the atomic bomb dropped on Hiroshima in 1945, and are considered a “bearer of hope”). We additionally see wheat, plum flowers, cloud-filled skies, and evening sunsets. Many pieces illustrate long hair executed by deep carving to define the hair strands. Toa definitely shows off his artistic, painterly abilities with beautiful creations in black, grey, vermillion, and gold.
Artist's Signature:
