Vintage Japanese Sosaku Kokeshi entitled: “Maegami “Bangs” by Chiyomatsu, Kano (1935-)
Dimensions: 10-1/4”h (8lbs)
This is an exceptionally large, elegant, and heavy doll, primarily because it is formed from one piece of lathe-turned Paulownia,(Kiri) wood. The piece is quite abstract, as there is only a suggested face/head with exceptionally heavily carved bangs on its assumed forehead. The kimono is minimally defined by a closure through simple carving. The only ornamentation is three shallow carvings of cherry blossoms on the front of the piece, in which the pistils are slightly accented in black and surrounded by enrolled leaf-like structures. Plant-derived wax, (Rosoku no ro), is used for finishing, which is an essential final production step for most Kokeshi dolls of this period. This step is important because Kano-san wanted the grain of the wood emphasized as part of the design. As the Japanese say, “Wood, as well as flowers, are like mirrors to the seasons, reflecting the passage of time”. To date, we have only seen one other doll of this design and configuration and have yet to see any listed on the internet. The doll is signed by the artist with an impressed red stamp on the bottom.
The piece is published in Sosaku Kokeshi: Celebrating the Major Artists of the Creative Movement in 2022. For more information on this artist go to the following link: https://mingeiarts.com/collections/artisan-woodworker-kano-chiyomatsu-kanou.
Condition: Superb, meaning outstanding excellent, and retains its original craft/workmanship showing a wonderfully-developed patina commensurate with age which corresponds to its vintage, and is void of damage, cracks, breakage, or repairs. This doll meets all the standards of the collectible Japanese Sosaku Kokeshi.
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Artisan | Woodworker: Kano, Chiyomatsu (Kanou) | 1935-
Origin:
Kano-san was born in 1935 and has died, but the year is unknown. He started making Sosaku dolls around 1953. He was a multi- prize winning artist, including the Prime Minister’s Award at least twice.
Collector's note – descriptive qualities, standard characteristics & ornamentation styles:
Kano-san shows his ability to create and select a form that best interacts with the natural characteristics of the intrinsic beauty of wood, harmoniously blending the traditional and contemporary imagery. Most have simple facial expressions utilizing a ‘one-stroke eye’, (Hitofude-me). Some figures utilize the Yukata / Ikat-style clothing or simple lines defining the layers of the clothing. Kano-san’s dolls are highly prized and seldom seen.
Artist's Signature:
