Japanese Sosaku Kokeshi, entitled: Snow Child, (Yuki no ko) by Takahashi, Hajime
Dimensions: 6-0”h
There are two unusual qualities about this lovely depiction of a child ready for winter's snow. Its head is a separate element at the top of the doll form, and extremely expressive in his rendition of the eyes, dot nose, and an abstract swirl of hair on top of its head. Also shown is a suggestion of hair fringes, (not ears) on both sides of the face. The second expressive quality is the beautifully detailed vermillion, (red) scarf around its neck and falling down the front of its body. As shown here, Takahashi-san has an unusual way to illustrate clothing elements in a very painterly way. The base of the head and body are left natural and finished with uncolored candle wax, (Rōsoku no rō). The piece has Takahashi’s signature and stamp on the bottom.
Condition: Beautiful excellent condition with no fading or discoloration.
NOTE: Originally a fine arts painter, Takahashi, Hajime, (1918-2002) is from Sendai, (where Traditional Kokeshi were born), in Miyagi Prefecture. His artistic background also includes time spent as a craftsman of Yuzen silk kimono dying which is always an important feature of his dolls. He is a multiple award winner in yearly Kokeshi competitions, receiving the Prime Minister’s Award, the highest honor bestowed on Sosaku Kokeshi artists. All of his work is easily recognized by the painterly designs decorating his dolls. Now deceased, his son, Akinori is carrying on the family’s tradition, but in limited production.
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Artisan | Woodworker: Takahashi, Hajime | 1918-2002
Origin:
Originally a fine arts painter, Takahashi-san is from Sendai, (where Traditional Kokeshi were born), in Miyagi Prefecture. His artistic background also includes time spent as a craftsman of Yuzen silk kimono dying. He is a multiple award winner in yearly Kokeshi competitions, receiving the Prime Minister’s Award, the highest honor bestowed on Sosaku Kokeshi artists. All of his work is easily recognized by the painterly designs decorating his dolls. Now deceased, his son, Akinori is carrying on the family’s tradition, but in limited production.
Collector's note – descriptive qualities, standard characteristics & ornamentation styles:
The most unusual quality of his dolls is that their heads can be a separate element, or just a simple tapered element at the top of the doll form. The artist motif‘s range from realistic to abstract Plum flowers, (Ume), Cherry blossoms, (Sakura), Japanese Iris, (Ayame), or celebrating seasonal festivals with zodiac animals. Takahashi-san has an unusual way to illustrate kimono in a very painterly way. He shows both the kimono and undergarments, with exaggerated waists and simple obi, if it shows an obi at all. Occasionally seen is his use of Rokuro Moyo in both carved and painted form.
Artist's Signature:
