Vintage Rabbit Zodiac Sosaku Kokeshi by Takahashi, Hajime
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Dimensions: 9-3/4”h
Originally a fine arts painter, Takahashi-san (1918-2002) is from Sendai, (where Traditional Kokeshi were born), in Miyagi Prefecture. His artistic background also includes time spent as a craftsman of Yuzen silk kimono dying. He is a multiple award winner in yearly Kokeshi competitions, receiving the Prime Minister’s Award, the highest honor bestowed on Sosaku Kokeshi artists. All of his work is easily recognized by the painterly designs decorating his dolls. Now deceased, his son, Akinori is carrying on the family’s tradition, but in limited production.
This particular doll is lathe-turned from Dogwood and contains the image of the Rabbit, fully detailed and painted in full color and detail. The drawing shows a wonderful character with an expressive face. The name of the zodiac is written in kanji on the upper portion of the body. The most unusual quality of his dolls is that his doll head is a separate element from the body and the face of the doll is typical of all Hajime’s dolls showing the hair bow on the top of the head with bangs and side fringes. The eyes are also Hajime’s expressive interpretation. His signature and stamp is on the bottom of the doll.
Vintage Condition: Excellent condition, “as is” and retains the original craft/workmanship. No discoloration, chipping/cracking, surface wear or structural damage.
NOTE: The Japanese zodiac is based on the solar calendar since the lunar calendar and was abandoned in 1872.
Rabbit (usagi) — Born 1999, 1987, 1975, 1963, 1951, 1939, 1927, 1915. Those individuals born during this particular year were said to inherit some of the personalities of the Rabbit and are considered the most fortunate. They are smooth talkers, talented, ambitious, virtuous and reserved. They have exceedingly fine taste and are regarded with admiration and trust.
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Artisan | Woodworker: Takahashi, Hajime | 1918-2002
Origin:
Originally a fine arts painter, Takahashi-san is from Sendai, (where Traditional Kokeshi were born), in Miyagi Prefecture. His artistic background also includes time spent as a craftsman of Yuzen silk kimono dying. He is a multiple award winner in yearly Kokeshi competitions, receiving the Prime Minister’s Award, the highest honor bestowed on Sosaku Kokeshi artists. All of his work is easily recognized by the painterly designs decorating his dolls. Now deceased, his son, Akinori is carrying on the family’s tradition, but in limited production.
Collector's note – descriptive qualities, standard characteristics & ornamentation styles:
The most unusual quality of his dolls is that their heads can be a separate element, or just a simple tapered element at the top of the doll form. The artist motif‘s range from realistic to abstract Plum flowers, (Ume), Cherry blossoms, (Sakura), Japanese Iris, (Ayame), or celebrating seasonal festivals with zodiac animals. Takahashi-san has an unusual way to illustrate kimono in a very painterly way. He shows both the kimono and undergarments, with exaggerated waists and simple obi, if it shows an obi at all. Occasionally seen is his use of Rokuro Moyo in both carved and painted form.
Artist's Signature:
