

Vintage Sosaku Kokeshi
“Tanabata | Star Festival”
Takahashi, Akinori
Age:1970s
Descriptive qualities& condition:
Dimensions: 9-3/4” h
The Tanabata is a Japanese tradition wherein people write their wishes on tanzaku papers, (colorful, small strips of papers), and hang them on bamboo and tree branches as illustrated in the first doll. Takahashi-san celebrates this yearly celebration by incorporating festival elements on the body of this Kokeshi. The face is typically that of Akinori in which the hairstyle and bangs are accented with red bows. The piece is signed and stamped on the bottom of the doll.
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.
... Read moreArtisan | Woodworker: Takahashi, Akinori | 1957-
Origin:
Born in Miyagi prefecture, Sendai City, Japan, he is the son of Takahashi, Hashime, and is a winner of two awards: 2004 and 2005, at the Contemporary Kokeshi Exhibition. He is an accomplished artist and has only created a few Kokeshi in honor of his father.
Collector's note – descriptive qualities, standard characteristics & ornamentation styles:
In many respects Akinori follows the aesthetic of his father in both form and ornamentation. However, his production is limited and most of the pieces he has produced focus on the Tanabata festival, which is a Japanese tradition wherein people write their wishes on tanzaku papers, (colorful, small strips of papers), and hang them on bamboo and tree branches as illustrated in his dolls. He also employs cherry, (body painted red) and plum blossoms, (body painted blue) to celebrate the season. He primarily works in dogwood.
Artist's Signature:
