Vintage Japanese Sosaku Kokeshi entitled: “Michi noku | Snów Country” by Aida, Seihou (A.K.A. Harumine) (1926-1998)
Dimensions: 10-1/2”h
This RARE doll has a common design element, that being a unique surface treatment of the padded outer winter ‘Hanten’. This exceptional creation is beautifully constructed in three parts: the head, the lower body, and the open center surrounded by the winter coat. This particular element is deeply carved, giving a three-dimensional focus to the Jacket. Each section emphasizes the natural qualities of two types of wood.
Additionally, the simple child-like interpretation of the face, with its painted details including bangs, side hair fringes, red bows, and alluring eyes and red nose, beautifully portrays this young girl and the Japanese attribute of modesty and humility. It is well known throughout Japan that its people regulate their behavior and response by reading faces and the eyes of others. Here, as well as elsewhere, you will see many examples of different characteristics of the eye and expressions. And finally, 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 Aida-san wanted the grain of the woods, (Paulownia and Enju–Pagoda tree wood), to be additionally emphasized as part of the design. He is acknowledged as one of the leading early artists in the Sosaku movement. The doll has the red impressed stamp of the artist.
The piece was 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-aida-seihou-1926-1998
Condition: Superb, meaning outstanding, excellent, and retains its original craft/workmanship showing a wonderfully developed patina commensurate with age that corresponds to its vintage. The doll 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: Aida, Seihou | 1926-1998
Origin:
Aida-san is a very popular Sosaku Kokeshi artist who has won many awards since he began creating Kokeshi in 1962. Aida was bon in Yonezawa City, Yamagata Prefecture in the first year of the Showa era. Along with the Prime Minister’s Award, he also won a top awards in the Modern Kokeshi Academy in 1972-74; the Minister of Education Encouragement Price at the National Modern Kokeshi Exhibition in 1974; and an award in 1993 at the Special Kokeshi Federation Anniversary Exhibition. He is acknowledged as one of the leading early artists in the Sosaku movement, and usually works in Enju wood, a dark, beautiful-grained wood of the Pagoda tree.
Collector's Note — descriptive qualities, standard characteristics, & ornamentation styles:
Kimono design and motifs are understated with the use of chattering giving a rich textured surface, or intricately handpainted with seasonal and natural flaura elements. The natural wood, typically Enju – Pagoda tree wood), provides a contrast to his understated, minimally painted, and ornamented doll. His heads are minimally rendered and usually peeping out of its winter wrap.
His faces usually have a tiny red nose and expressive eyes. Aida, Seihoou is extremely collectable and hard to find in excellent condition. The collector that appreciates the manipulation of natural wood would appreciate this contemporary handling of all related elements.
Artist's Signature:
