Vintage Japanese Sosaku Kokeshi entitled: “Hanadouji | Little Flower” by Takeda, Masashi (1930-2015)
Dimensions: 15-0”h
Takeda, Masashi began his career as a Traditional Sakunami Master Kokeshi carver. This beautiful, lathe-turned form was made from one piece of Paulownia wood, taking advantage of the various colors that can be brought forward through its use. It illustrates exceptional, detailed carving, that is only attained by a Master Craftsman. Takeda-san shows his appreciation of the natural decorative quality and color of wood with the use of a natural, colored plant-derived wax, (Rosoku no ro), for finishing. It has the standard ‘Bob’ hairstyle of the period and a humble and understated face that emphasizes humility through the use of narrow slanted eyes and a tiny red nose. The Kimono is adorned with plum blossoms, giving great character and depth to the doll. There is the name of the doll and an inscription identifying the artist as Takeda, Masashi.
Additional Information:
Takeda-san trained as a Sakunami/ Yamagata Traditional artist in Yonezawa, Yamagata Prefecture. His master is Takeda Usaburo, who also mentored Masashi’s older brother Shinkichi, who has remained a Traditional Yamagata artist. The piece is published in Sosaku Kokeshi: Celebrating the Major Artists of the Creative Movement. To read more about this artist go to: https://mingeiarts.com/collections/artisan-woodworker-takeda-masashi-1930.
Condition: Superb, outstanding, excellent, impressive, and beautiful. No chips, cracks, breaks, missing pieces, or restoration, and retains its original details and finish. The piece meets all the standards of the vintage collectible Sosaku Kokeshi.
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Artisan | Woodworker: Takeda, Masashi | 1930-2015
Origin:
Trained as a Sakunami/Yamagata Traditional artist in Yonezawa, Yamagata Prefecture. His master is Takeda Usaburo, who also mentored Masashi’s older brother Shinkichi, who has remained a Traditional Yamagata artist.
As collectors we felt it was most important to represent all Sosaku Kokeshi artists, whether or not the artist has a written account of his or her life. Each show the diversity of this cultural specialization and the creative work produced by this artist.
Collector's note – descriptive qualities, standard characteristics & ornamentation styles:
This artist is known for exceptionally carved and painted detail, and wonderfully intricate, adorned Kimono with some form of floral motif. Giving great character and depth to his dolls, Takeda–san shows his appreciation of the natural decorative quality of wood. Additionally, a typical theme of the mother with child is also seen in his work, but is quite rare. The duo are beautifully constructed, turned on the lathe, and pinned with dowels to create a sensitive, balanced image. The infant is seen in the arms of the mother, which is not meant to be sentimental, and exemplifies the relationship between the figures expressing serenity and stability.
Artist's Signature:
