Vintage Japanese Sosaku Kokeshi entitled: “Yuki Michi | Snowy Road” by Miyajima, Muhitsu
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Dimension: 9-1/2”h
Offered is a very unusual doll, tightly wrapped in a heavy “Mino” (winter coat). The doll is made of a combination of woods, (Beech, Elm, and Dogwood), in which the face is of Beech wood which is a lighter color allowing the face to be defined, and the coat is a darker wood in which the graining on the coat adds depth and character of the overall form. The base which is a lighter wood in presenting this beautiful Kokeshi. Her face which is protected by her outer coat has a serine facial expression with a red button nose. Her hair bangs are interestingly detailed and falling over the forehead. Miyajima is a winner of the prestigious Prime Minister’s Award in 1973. The piece is hand signed and titled in script on the bottom.
NOTE: For more information on this artist go to our Browse & Learn section, (https://mingeiarts.com/collections/artisan-woodworker-miyajima-muhitsu-1929) affording you details about this artist. Also published in the latest book entitled: Sosaku Kokeshi: Celebrating the Major Artists of the Creative Movement.
Condition: Excellent condition for the piece is perfect, with no chipping, missing elements or loss of artwork/color which is beautifully defined. It retains a beautiful finish, with its original craftsmanship preserved. Museum-quality: meeting the standards of the collector of Miyajima kokeshi.
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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:
