Vintage Japanese Sosaku Kokeshi Entitled: “Kiwi no Komorebi | Sunlight through Trees” by Miyajima Muhitsu
Dimensions: 6-1/2”h
Simple form and function are the themes of Miyajima-san’s creations. This doll entitled: Komorobi, (light through the trees) features an abstract rendition of bamboo Sheaths and Nodal rings, executed using wood-burning techniques which form the artistic basis for the motif on the front of the body of this Kokeshi. This technique is meant to capture the essence of the forest in which each stroke of the wood-burning pen has meaning, and is to evoke emotion and beauty that a viewer can see not only in each abstract rendition but also in the spaces in between focusing on the light through the trees. The doll's face is simple with expressive narrow eyes and an abstract representation of hair and a white bow on the top of the head. This Kokeshi is made of Birch, (Kabanoki), affording the doll a natural color and grain for which the motif can remain prominent. After the turning, carving the doll is lacquered and sealed with natural candle wax, (Rosoku no ro). A perfect doll for the collector of Miyajima’s work in the Japanese Kokeshi folk art genre. The piece has the title on the back with the artist's signature on the bottom.
Condition: Excellent condition means that the piece has no fading, cracks, or repairs and is in original condition and consistent with the age and standards of collectible Kokeshi Folk Art.
Additional Information: Access our Browse & Learn section, link: https://mingeiarts.com/collections/artisan-woodworker-miyajima-muhitsu-1929 to learn more about this award-winning Sosaku Kokeshi artist.
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Artisan | Woodworker: Miyajima, Muhitsu | 1929-
Biographical History:
Muhitsu began making Kokeshi in 1942, under the apprenticeship of Kichitaro Kobayashi, a maker of traditional-style Kokeshi, and devoted himself exclusively to making Sosaku Kokeshi in 1949. Since 1965, Muhitsu has produced many award-winning dolls. Miyajima-san. His dolls have had a great influence on creative, (Sosaku) doll makers since then. A multiple award winner, Miyajima-san won the prestigious Prime Minister’s Award in 1973. No further information has been published on this artist.
Collector's note – descriptive qualities, standard characteristics & ornamentation styles:
Simple form and function is the theme to Miyajima-san’s creations. The wood is most critical in his interpretation of the seasons and often incorporates the snow coat called ‘Mino”, which adds depth and character to his pieces. The wearing of the traditional Fuyu Kasa, (hat), of the 1950s is seen on many of his works and was a kind of headcovering for Buddhists, which was overly large, in a bowl or mushroom shape, and was originally made from woven rice straw. Seasonal flowers, (Camellia), are often used along with Plum blossoms and tree branches, (see the two dolls at the top right named "Bairin or Plum Grove"). He typically incorporates sumi-e’ brush work into his representation of faces, and uneven carved grooving giving ornamentation and texture to the figure. Miyajima-san works in a variety of beautiful woods, but seems to prefer the heavy, dark colored Enju wood, (Pagoda tree), for it’s rich colors and interesting grain.