RARE Vintage Sosaku Kokeshi entitled: "Omeno.ka | Fragrance of Plum” by Kiyohara, Takao
Dimensions: 23-0”h
This is an exceptionally large, substantial, and rare doll that represents one of a few this size by this artist and is made of one piece of wood turned on the lathe. Minimal accents of white plum blossoms are incorporated into the body. The red obi highlights the beautiful natural wood. The most interesting feature is the face, which departs from his previous models with a very unusual representation of hair. All of his dolls are beautifully painted on high-quality wood, which has been waxed using ‘Rōsoku no Rō’, which is similar to candle wax and is commonly used as the finish for Kokeshi. Signed on the bottom by the artist. 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-kiyohara-takao-1916
Kiyohara-san is one of the most popular and prolific of the creative Kokshi artists and began creating dolls after serving as a pilot in the Japanese/American war. He was considered a transitional artist, due to the fact that many of his dolls resemble traditional Tougatta or Yamagata dolls. His dolls are artistically and minimally decorated. He was awarded the Minister’s Prize four times along with the Enterprise Agency top prize on two occasions.
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Artisan | Woodworker: Kiyohara, Takao | 1916-
Origin:
Kiyohara-san is one of the most popular and prolific of the creative Kokshi artists and began creating dolls after serving as a pilot in the Japanese/American war. He was considered a transitional artist, due to the fact that many of his dolls resemble traditional Tougatta or Yamagata dolls. His dolls are artistically and minimally decorated. He was awarded the Minister’s Prize four times along with the Enterprise Agency top prize on two occasions.
Collector's note – descriptive qualities, standard characteristics & ornamentation styles:
Kiyohara-san’s pieces are minimally ornamented with white and pink cherry blossoms, plum blossoms or simple stripes done in the traditional Rokuro Moyo technique. The unique key characteristic of Kiyohara pieces is ‘the arched eyes and eyebrow. He employs simple turning techniques in either a straight fashion or a bulbous shape which aid in defining the body of each doll, and are directly inspired by Traditional kokeshi forms.
Artist's signature:
