Rare Vintage Japanese Sosaku Kokeshi by Yokozuka, Ikuyoshi

Dimensions: 11-1/2”h

If outer space could be the theme, this Kokeshi is an award-winning doll entitled: “Shibo | Memory”. Lathe-turned, the jacket, (Haori), shows an extremely different approach to its design. The top is concave, to create a type of pocket from which the elongated neck and head emerge. The eyes look so out of this world, that such images inspire, and are a basis for anime. One can certainly understand why the study of history and artifacts is an important factor in enhancing creativity and innovation. With a taste for the dynamic, very clean, straight lines of the cupped shape of the garment serve as a blank canvas for textile design. It is important to remember, however, that most Japanese textiles are three-dimensional objects that move with the wearer. The simplicity of structure also belies the fact that donning a jacket that supports an often visually complex image, is sometimes void of decoration, and simply emphasizes form. This Kokeshi has an impressed seal on the bottom identifying the maker and matches what is on the box. Unfortunately, the original box for this doll was misplaced after an exhibition. Still, fortunately, we had a photograph of the information for your records and historical purposes which is shown in the written document in this image.

The doll was published in Sosaku Kokeshi: Celebrating the Major Artists of the Creative Movement, 2022 by Evans & Wolf.  

Condition: Superb outstandingly, exceptional, impressive, and beautiful condition. 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. 

For additional information on the artist/family go to: https://mingeiarts.com/collections/artisan-woodworker-yokozuka-ikuyoshi-1960

Yokozuka-san was born in Saitama-ken, Chibu-shi, and worked in Gunma-ken, Yonezawa-shi for most of his life. He won the Prime Minister’s Award for his unusual Sosaku creations. Unfortunately, Kokeshi making was not his emphasis, for he had more interest in “form giving”, and created only a few Kokeshi, which are rarely seen at public sales or auctions. No other information is available on this exceptional artist.