Vintage Japanese Sosaku Kokeshi entitled: “Kiku | Chrysanthemum” by Sato, Kouson (A.K.A. Kimura)
All our items ship free in the US
Dimensions: 17-3/4”h
Kouson-san made a limited number of extraordinary tall dolls, most being ones with Zodiac drawings commissioned as special gifts. In this exceptionally large doll, Kimura-san used a flower that is considered the Imperial Seal of Japan, the Chrysanthemum flower, which was referred to as ‘Kikumon’. Here this exceptional, beautifully stylized flower is executed in such a painterly work of art. Combined with the use of defining ‘Chatter Work’, they create a wonderful contrast in texture on the undergarments. Her heads show a traditional influence with the bangs, side hair fringes, and white bows. Signed on the bottom by the artist. The piece is published in Sosaku Kokeshi: Celebrating the Major Artists of the Creative Movement, 2022 by Evans & Wolf.
Condition: Superb outstandingly 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 collectible Sosaku Kokeshi.
For additional information on the artist/family go to: https://mingeiarts.com/collections/artisan-woodworker-sato-kouson-a-k-a-komura
Sato-san has never wanted biographical information published, hence researchers have not found any details about her life. What is known is that she is one of the few female creative Kokeshi makers, and is recognized as an accomplished artist. Kouson-san 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. Reports say that creative works in her studio were lost. She retired soon after.
Return Policy
Our antique/vintage pieces are identified/described and professionally photographed, and considered, “as is”, therefore all sales are final. Read our full refund and return policy.
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:
