Vintage Sosaku Kokeshi entitled: “San'en no byōsha | Three Wise Monkeys” by Miyajima, Muhitsu
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Dimensions: 6-0"h (each doll)
Japanese Buddhist monks in China brought the proverb, “mizaru, kikazaruin, iwazaru” to Japan, which led to the association of the saying of the ‘three wise monkeys’, which were often represented in Buddhist sculptures. They are said to be companions of the folk deity, Shōmen-Kongō. The proverb means ‘hear not, say not, see not’. The “Three Wise Monkeys,” were additionally depicted throughout Japanese temple architecture, representing the Confucius principle of the ‘things that one has done wrong in the last 59 days’, encouraging the citizenry not to experience the bad deeds of others.
Shown is a very rare set of three wooden, abstract representations of “Maiko”, (woman of dance), dressed in beautifully- formed wooden Kimono. These were made specifically to fit together as a set, to complement the historic saying known in many countries. Miyajima-san, in this case, preferred to work in heavy, dark Enju wood, (Pagoda Tree), because of the rich colors and expressive grain. Each doll is crafted to make it appear as if the exterior clothing is a separate element from the body with its expressive face. Each doll is individually signed.
Vintage Condition: Pristine, excellent condition affording the doll age-old elegance. Retains the original craft/workmanship showing a wonderfully-developed patina commensurate with age and unrestored. The piece meets all the standards of Sosaku Kokeshi collectibles.
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Artisan | Woodworker: Miyashita, Hajime | 1940-2006 rtrd
Origin:
Born in Yonezawa City, Iwate, Miyashita-san studied traditional kokeshi making under Yamagata-Sakunami Master artist Kobayashi Kichitaro. He began his Sosaku career in 1959, winning many awards, including the Prime Minister’s Award in 1977. Crown Prince Naruhito and Princess Masako purchased his culturally sensitive dolls in 1969. His studio was located in Maebashi City of Gunma Prefecture, but after it was consumed by fire in 2006, Miyashita-san retired.
Collector's note – descriptive qualities, standard characteristics & ornamentation styles:
Miyashita-san was known for his seasonal themes, such as the period of transition from spring to summer known as ‘tsuyu’, which means ‘rainy season. Traditional umbrellas (Wagasa), are atypical, and rarely used in Kokeshi creations, except for Miyashita’s designs. He also depicts Kabuki dancers known as Kagamijishi, which is a shortened name of the Kabuki dance called the “shunkyo Kagamijishi”. Depicting the Lion dance characters, (Mai, in this instance), was an additional theme for this artist, for it portrayed the spirit of the lion, which is a contrast between the elegant feminity and the dynamic masculine power of the lion's spirit. Miyashita-san depicts brides in traditional wedding attire. One is detailed in a Uchikake, (Brocade), Kimono with traditional motifs, (chrysanthemums and cranes). Her head is adorned with a traditional cover called a Tsuno-kakushi, which refers to the “hiding the horns of jealousy”, and symbolizes a prayer for the marital accord. And finally, he breaks from the traditional kokeshi form with a later doll showing oversized arms and feet.
Additionally, Miyashita-san created a series of Yukata and Festival Garment Kokeshi shown above. The name Yukata comes from the word ‘yu’, (bath), and ‘Katabira’, (under clothing). Yukata are draped loosely over the body for comfort, (figure on the right). This all began over 1,000 years ago when people wore it to and from the bath. Yukata is a garment that the Japanese have invested a great deal of ingenuity in developing, as it is an ideal casual wear for bathing. Kokeshi dolls have traditionally been sold at Japanese Inns, (Ryokan). Today, the Yukata and Festival Garments are also worn in Bon-Odori dance festivals and competitions throughout Japan. The majority are made of dogwood, and display different graphic patterns, with either a unique obi or sash, which is also simulated in wood. The hair designs also illustrate the diversity of individual tastes of the period.
Artist's signature:
