Vintage Japanese Sosaku Kokeshi entitled: “Sakura | Cherry Blossom” by Miyajima, Muhitsu

Sale price$150.00
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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head covering is overly large, in a bowl or mushroom shape, covering the upper half to two- thirds of the face, and was originally made from woven rice straw.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.