Vintage Sosaku Kokeshi entitled: Kaguyahime | Princess Kaguya by Sekiguchi, Toa
Dimensions: 4-0” h
This Kokeshi was made to celebrate a folk tale about a young girl who was found inside a glowing bamboo shoot. She was believed to be a divine and became known as the protector of the bamboo grove and a cutter named Sanuki no Miyatsuko. The young girl is peeping out of the top of her Kimono and that is totally painted in black lacquer with vermillion colored bamboo leaves at the top of her Kimono. The piece is unsigned.
Condition: Mint meaning the piece is perfect. No chips, cracks, breaks, missing pieces or restoration, and retains its original details and finish. The piece meets all the standards of the collectible Sosaku Kokeshi dolls.
Artisan
Woodworker: Sekiguchi, Toa
1942-
Biographical History:
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 1978-9. Since then he has won the Prime Minister’s Award, one named Kaze ni Fukarete, and two others one named Utage and a third Chikurin are marked with his script signature and the note: “Naikaku-soridaijinsho jyushu sakka”, Several others received respected commendations. Toa and his wife operate their own Kokeshi studio, where they continue to create award-winning Kokeshi.
Collector's note – descriptive qualities, standard characteristics & ornamentation styles:
Toa-san often employs beautifully 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.
Explore & Learn More about Woodworker: Sekiguchi, Toa