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
Biographical History:
Takahashi Hajime was originally a fine artist/painter. He is known for his colorful designs and the use of brush strokes. 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 which is why Kimono is a focus on all of his dolls. 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 producing unique forms and details. 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 are treated as a separate element which in many cases are a simple tapered element between the head and the body of the doll. The artist motif‘s range from realistic seasonal flowers such as abstract Plum flowers, (Ume), Cherry blossoms, (Sakura), and Japanese Iris, (Ayame), or celebrating zodiac figures representing one of twelve specific constellations of the zodiac, which over time took on diverse meanings. Takahashi-san has a beautiful pictorial approach to illustrating kimono in a very refined painterly way. He shows both painted and carved Kimono, Obi with exaggerated waists and supportive under and over garments such as scarves and sashes. His use of Rokuro Moyo is occasionally seen in carved and painted forms. Last but not least, are the detailing of faces, all having expressive eyes, small dot noses and wisps of hair. His use of Rokuro Moyo is occasionally seen in both carved and painted forms.