Vintage Japanese Sosaku Kokeshi entitled: “Sakura | Cherry Blossom” by Miyajima, Muhitsu
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Dimensions: 8-3/4”h
Offered is a Kokeshi are wearing a traditional Fuyu/winter ‘Kasa’, (hat), that is seen throughout Japan. This kind of head covering is overly large, in a bowl or mushroom shape, covering the upper half to two- thirds of the face, and was originally made from woven rice straw. Thus, it helps mask the identity of the person, allowing the individual to travel and enjoy traveling unrecognized. This doll is turned with contrasting woods (cherry to lighten and contrast the face with the body made of Ejnu), carved and hand-painted, displaying camilla blossoms, (a beloved flower bred during the Edo period). The beautiful grained Enju wood is the focus for this doll form, (a pagoda tree which is a wood connected to the indigenous faith of the Japanese people), and lacquered with plant-derived wax is used for the finishing. The doll is signed by the artist in script on the bottom. The doll published in Sosaku Kokeshi: Celebrating the Major Artists of the Creative Movement, 2022 by Evans & Wolf.
Condition: Superb outstandingly, exceptional, impressive, and beautiful condition. 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-miyajima-muhitsu-1929
Miyajima-san was born in Yonezawa City of Yamagata Prefecture, Japan, home of many Traditional Kokeshi makers. Miyajima-san began his career under the tutelage of Master Yamagata craftsman Kobayashi Kichitaro in the mid-to late 40s, and then switched to Sosaku doll- making in the 1950s. His dolls have had a great influence on Creative, (Sosaku), doll makers in all prefectures. A multiple award winner, Miyajima-san won the prestigious Prime Minister’s Award in 1973.
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Artisan | Woodworker: Miyajima, Muhitsu | 1929-
Origin:
Miyajima-san was born in Yonezawa City of Yamagata Prefecture, Japan, home of many Traditional Kokeshi makers. He began his career under the tutelage of Master Yamagata craftsman Kobayashi, Kichitaro, in the mid-to late 40s, and then switched to Sosaku doll making in the 1950s. His dolls have had a great influence on Creative, (Sosaku), doll makers since then. A multiple award winner, Miyajima-san won the prestigious Prime Minister’s Award in 1973.
Collector's note – descriptive qualities, standard characteristics & ornamentation styles:
Simple form and function is the theme to Miyajima-san’s creations. The wood is most critical in his interpretation of the seasons and often incorporates the snow coat called ‘Mino”, which adds depth and character to his pieces. The wearing of the traditional Fuyu Kasa, (hat), of the 1950s is seen on many of his works and was a kind of headcovering for Buddhists, which was overly large, in a bowl or mushroom shape, and was originally made from woven rice straw. Seasonal flowers, (Camellia), are often used along with Plum blossoms and tree branches, (see the two dolls at the top right named "Bairin or Plum Grove"). He typically incorporates sumi-e’ brush work into his representation of faces, and uneven carved grooving giving ornamentation and texture to the figure. Miyajima-san works in a variety of beautiful woods, but seems to prefer the heavy, dark colored Enju wood, (Pagoda tree), for it’s rich colors and interesting grain.
Artist's signature:
