“Tsuru | Cranes” by Takahashi, Hashime
Dimensions: 14-0” h
This is one of the most elaborately decorated dolls illustrating Takahashi-san’s painterly talents. The motif focuses on the Japanese red-crested crane. This doll is based on an ancient legend promising good luck and long life. The crane is one of Japan’s most revered symbols. Tsuru are also monogamous, and therefore are often seen on many objects including wedding kimono. Having a paint-artist background his accomplishments are exemplified in this Kokeshi.The crane, being a National Treasure, is a favorite motif used by many artists. Here we see white cranes in flight in a representation of the marshes in the Northern Japan, with a background of multiple warm colors resembling the sunset. The face is the standard used by this artist with expressive eyes, hair and a red bow on the top of its head. The piece is signed on the bottom.
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.
Return Policy
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Artisan | Woodworker: Takahashi, Hashime | 1918-2002
Biographical History:
Takahashi Hashime was originally a fine artist/painter. He is known for his colorful designs and the use of brush strokes. Takahashi-san is from Sendai, (where Traditional Kokeshi were born), in Miyagi Prefecture. His artistic background also includes time spent as a craftsman of Yuzen silk kimono dying which is why Kimono is a focus on all of his dolls. He is a multiple award winner in yearly Kokeshi competitions, receiving the Prime Minister’s Award, the highest honor bestowed on Sosaku Kokeshi artists. All of his work is easily recognized producing unique forms and details. Now deceased, his son, Akinori is carrying on the family’s tradition, but in limited production.
Collector's note – descriptive qualities, standard characteristics & ornamentation styles:
The most unusual quality of his dolls is that their heads are treated as a separate element which in many cases are a simple tapered element between the head and the body of the doll. The artist motif‘s range from realistic seasonal flowers such as abstract Plum flowers, (Ume), Cherry blossoms, (Sakura), and Japanese Iris, (Ayame), or celebrating zodiac figures representing one of twelve specific constellations of the zodiac, which over time took on diverse meanings. Takahashi-san has a beautiful pictorial approach to illustrating kimono in a very refined painterly way. He shows both painted and carved Kimono, Obi with exaggerated waists and supportive under and over garments such as scarves and sashes. His use of Rokuro Moyo is occasionally seen in carved and painted forms. Last but not least, are the detailing of faces, all having expressive eyes, small dot noses and wisps of hair. His use of Rokuro Moyo is occasionally seen in both carved and painted forms.