Sosaku Kokeshi entitled: “Shīzun-chū no josei | Seasons” by Kato, Hiroshi
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Dimensions: 15-1/2”h
This set of three Kato-san’s tall and slender figures bring memories of very traditional women in Japan. The sumi-e’ brushwork is intricately detailed in these very unique dolls. One is decorated in a floral motif and a special notation is the fact that it is marked on the bottom as a competition winner with its assigned rank and award number; another depicts a cherry blossom and a branch; and the final piece shows a Winter Camellia. Of his seasonal Kokeshi the doll on the left is the most valuable of the three and when listed for sale commands three times the price of the other dolls. Each have a face which is extremely expressive, with tilted heads adding an unusual aspect to this series of dolls. Each are signed by the artist.
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Artisan | Woodworker: Kato, Hiroshi | Active only in the 1960s
[no-bio]Collector's note – descriptive qualities, standard characteristics & ornamentation styles:
Kato-san’s slender and tall figures bring memories of very traditional women in Japan. In his dolls we observe a rather contemporary approach to the ‘Mage” hair design in both form and sumi-e’ brushwork, suggesting features as well as stylistic details relating to the general design of the Kimono and the black and gold obi. His faces are extremely expressive, with a partial covering of the face and tilted heads adding an unusual aspect to one series of dolls. Typical are the scenes from nature, (flowers, mountains).
Hiroshi's stylized versions of Heian noblewomen, from families of high rank, were one of his favorite subjects. Women enjoyed a certain aspect of freedom during the period and were well educated in music, poetry, art, fashion, and calligraphy, all part of a Heian Period woman's education.
Many of these women traveled incognito, (Oshinobi Dochi), and Hiroshi's creative dolls of the subject are extremely rare. He beautifully details their elongated faces and long hair which were common for ladies of this period, and they are typically wearing attire for travel: oversized hat and a heavy coat to ward off the chill.
Artist's Signature:
