

Vintage Sosaku Kokeshi
Sosaku Kokeshi by Matagoro, Kiyomi entitled: "Ao Bara | Blue Rose"
Matagoro, Kiyomi
Age:1970s
Descriptive qualities& condition:
Dimensions: 13-1/2” h
Blue, a very uncommon color, is seldom used on a Kokeshi doll. This doll is rare because it is made of Kiriwood, (Pine), and not the traditional Cedar, as earlier generations of his family preferred. The multiple layering of the textured blue roses is realistically executed throughout the front of the doll, in combination with textured cherry blossoms in the background. The piece is signed on the back of the doll.
Vintage Condition: “As is” with some scattered light wear or stain that does not affect the design, and retains the original craft/workmanship. Any discoloration, chipping/cracking, surface wear or structural damage noted.
... Read moreArtisan | Woodworker: Matagoro, Kiyomi
[no-bio]Collector's note – descriptive qualities, standard characteristics & ornamentation styles:
Shown are two beautiful figures. The first is rendered in Blue, a very uncommon colour, and is seldom used on a Kokeshi doll. This 13-1/2”h doll entitled, “Ao Bara | Blue Rose” is rare because it is made of Kiriwood, (Pine), and not Cedar as earlier generations of his family preferred. The multiple layering of the blue roses is styalistically executed in combination with cherry blossoms in the background.
The second doll is entitled “Sho-Chiku-Bai | Good Luck” and measures 7-7/8”h. As with the first, both are lathe-turned dolls. This particular Kokeshi is in a more traditional bell shape, i.e., Nemariko style, having the Kimono enhanced by the natural wood graining. The obi depicts the three symbols of ‘Sho-Chiku-Bai’. The hair is starkly black with red highlights. This doll is made of Cedar, and is inspired by the first Matagoro style. With both dolls, the face and hairstyle are traditionally based but with contemporary colorations.