Vintage Japanese Sosaku Kokeshi entitled: Aki | Autumn by Sato Kouson (A.K.A. Komura)
Dimensions: 8–3/4”h
We have yet to find any biographical information of this artist for she valued her privacy where she worked out of her studio in Fukushima-ken, Kuwaori-machi, Japan.
Celebrating Autumn, this doll shows a mastery of painterly designs, with a three- dimensional appearance of her exquisitely multi-colored falling leaves,
on lathe-turning of the natural wood creating an undulating two piece form. Her face is simply detailed, beginning with her ‘bob’ hairstyle with bangs. A ‘Mage’ or topknot is incorporated in black, expressive eyes, without eyebrows, a cat nose, and an expressive red mouth. The artists painterly qualities are exceptional. Being an early piece this doll is unsigned but characteristically her work.
See additional writings on our website related to this subject: https://mingeiarts.com/collections/artisan-woodworker-sato-kouson-a-k-a-komura
Condition: Mint meaning the piece is perfect, totally original and complete with no fading, cracks, or restoration, and retains its wonderful patina which suggests a degree of slight wear that corresponds to its vintage. The artifact meets all the standards of the collectible Vintage Sosaku Kokeshi.
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Artisan | Woodworker: Sato, Kouson (A.K.A. Kimura)
Origin:
One of the few female creative Kokeshi makers recognized as an accomplished artist, Kouson worked out of her studio in Fukushima-ken, Kuwaori-machi. This was in the heart of the 2011 earthquake and tsunami devastation area of Fukushima Prefecture.
As collectors, we felt it was most important to represent all Sosaku Kokeshi artists, and particularly a female and whether or not the artist has a written account of his or her life. Each shows the diversity of this cultural specialization and the creative work produced by this artist.
Collector's note – descriptive qualities, standard characteristics & ornamentation styles:
Her dolls are easily recognized by wonderfully soft and gentle faces, with the bodies’ artwork ranging from simple but elegant sumi-e’ brush strokes to beautifully painted autumn leaves, camellia, (winter rose), or the chrysanthemum, (Kikumon, as related to the Imperial Seal of Japan) and bamboo. She occasionally created Zodiac characters that are quite rare! Not afraid to create very large dolls, her work distances itself from other female artists in the creative genre with her bold approach. She also incorporated “Chatter Work” into the body of some dolls to create a wonderful contrast in texture.
Artist's signature:
