Vintage Japanese Traditional Kijiyama Kokeshi entitled: “Maedare” by Kyutaro, Ogura (1906-1998)
Dimensions: 12-3/4” h
This specific doll was featured in a book in Japanese entitled: The Master of Kokeshi: Ogura Kyutaro, he was a Grand Kiji-ya Master who created this style of Kijiyama Kokeshi, and who passed away at the age of 91. This book is “out of print”, and was published in English, Spanish, and Portuguese. We were fortunate to receive a copy of the Japanese version at its introduction in 2001. Mingeiarts has sold several Kijiyama dolls including a smaller version of this doll, and has held this extra-large doll in our holdings since it was purchased in the early 70’s at a presentation given by this artist.
The doll is unique in its overall design and motif and became the most representative doll of the Kijiyama strain known by the name Maedare, (meaning apron in Japanese). The doll's head, which has been described as an “inverted egg”, sits on top of the shoulders, with a red bow, above, for decoration. The expressive face and exaggerated hairstyle, with bold bangs, set wide apart framing the face, give this Kokeshi a more realistic appearance, which became the standard for this style of doll. Her striped bodice, with stacked and stylized Chrysanthemums on her apron, was conceived in the early 1950s. The doll is painted in black outline with red accents, celebrating the natural characteristics of the dogwood, (Hanamizuki). It was formed from one piece of wood, (the standard wood used for this doll was maple, and atypically cherry, and dogwood). The doll has a rich chestnut hue, which adds a warm and inviting aesthetic to the doll. It is finished in a natural-colored candle wax, (Rosoku no ro), to seal the wood and protect it from daily wear. There is beautiful script writing on the back, with the doll’s identification and the artist’s signature, which was standard placement for this inscription. This doll was fully made by Kyutaro-san, who studied under Hisashiro, Ogura. Later versions were made by family members who would lathe-turn the dolls and Ogura-san would complete the artwork on the body.
See additional writings on our website related to this subject: Under our Browse and Learn section, please refer to: https://mingeiarts.com/collections/kijiyama-kei-family.
Condition: Pristine meaning that the piece retains its original craft/workmanship showing a wonderful- developed patina commensurate with its age. It is void of damage, cracks, breakage, or repairs, and meets all the standards of the collectible Traditional Kijiyame-kei Family dolls.
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Japanese Traditional Kokeshi | Kijiyama-Kei (Family)
Prefecture: Akita
Origin:
One of the most readily recognizable of the traditional dolls is the Kijiyama type, from the region of the same name in the Akita Prefecture. The name is derived from the wood craftsmen (Kiji-ya), who live in the remote mountains of the Tohoku region. The actual location of Kijiyama is so remote that it was inaccessible in the harsh winter mounts. Many of the kokeshi makers left and settled in the less remote areas of Kawazura, now part of Inagawa-machi. some suggest that the dignified, lonely look of the faces of Kiiyama kokeshi reflects the lonesome past of their birthplace.
Collector's note – characteristics / painting style:
In spite of the slightly sad look, some of these kokeshi have, they are very appealing and sought after for their well-defined style. they wear kimono in several distinctive patterns and are one of the less common strains found. Most Kijiyama have a one-piece body with high shoulders, and while originally chrysanthemums were common on the earlier versions, which were of two-piece construction, the body now possesses a kimono-like painted design, with an apron (maedare), over the kimono. Kijiyama heads looks like an inverted egg, some with a red bow on top. Incorporating Plum Blossoms are closely associated with the Ogura family.
Notable Artists:
Ogura Shougo, b. 1934
Ogura Kiyushiro, Master
Ogura Masaharu, Master.
Ogura, Kyutaro, b. 1906, Grand Master
Note: Others involved in the making of the Kijiyama doll are the Takahashi and Abe families.