"Hana Kazari | Flower Dress"
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Dimensions: 10-1/2” h
A unique and unusual interpretation of form and ornamentation are incorporated into this doll. The main motif is the stylized cherry blossoms delicately placed as if they were falling to the ground. The figure has quite an unusual hair treatment called “Shimada” which is common in the Japanese Buddhist culture. This piece is signed by the artist on the back of the doll along with the Onsen stamp.
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.
Return Policy
Our antique/vintage pieces are identified/described and professionally photographed, and considered, “as is”, therefore all sales are final. Read our full refund and return policy.
Artisan | Woodworker: Sekiguchi, Sansaku | 1925-
Biographical History:
Sekiguchi-san began his artistic career as a Japanese painter. While his Kokeshi are considered very modern, Sansaku trained as a traditional artist from 1951 to 1957, before focusing on Sosaku Kokeshi when in 1958 he devoted himself entirely to creating Sosaku Kokeshi. Sekiguchi-san is the only artist who has been certified as a ‘Master of Modern Kokeshi’ by the Japanese Government and has won awards for more than 50 of his dolls. He opened his museum in Gunma Prefecture, northwest of Tokyo. Born in Shibukawa city in Gunma-ken, Sansaku and his two sons, Toa and Toshio, his daughter Izumi, and his son-in-law, have produced many award-winning dolls. One of his dolls is on permanent display at the Kerkira Oriental Art Museum in Greece. Along with fellow Sosaku Kokeshi artist Watanabe Masao, he no longer has to submit his work for pre-juried exhibitions. In 2008, Sansaku received the Contemporary Master Craftsman Oju Medal of Honor.
Collector's note – descriptive qualities, standard characteristics & ornamentation styles:
Sekiguchi-san has handsomely articulated his abilities as a master wood carver and skilled painter with a wide range of subject matter and forms. These range from Kokeshi reminiscent of ancient clay tomb gardens called ‘Haniwa”, and pay tribute to earlier conceptual representations of the human form throughout the Japanese culture. Seen in his dolls are stylized flowers including cherry blossoms, celestial forms such as stars, Noh dancers, geisha, fishermen, and tattooed motifs seen throughout the Ainu, Geisha, sailors applying them as protection against sea monsters and the Yakuza who were sent to prison where they were marked with ink to identify them. A variety of costumes illustrated in his pieces are authentic to the individual he is representing, as well as the headdress such as the simulated bamboo fisherman’s hat or a Buddhist kasa (hat). The use of Chatter Work on the body’s form is exceptional.