Vintage Sakura Sosaku Kokeshi by Takahashi, Hajime
Dimensions: 10-0”h
This is an exceptionally unique doll in that it head/hair has an unusual treatment. The head, as with standard Kokeshi, has a simple round form with the slits for the eyes and button red nose. Its traditional hairstyle, (taregami), is used to top the head and hair fringes. The unusual and stylized topknot is the most unique feature in that it resembles a hair ornament, (Kansasi) with a piece of gold foil for ornamentation. The artist has employed an abstract cherry blossom motif (Sakura) by allowing the motif to be the natural wood where he standardly celebrates seasonal flowers and festivals. Takahashi-san has an unusual way to illustrate kimono in a very painterly way and in this case in deep red. He shows both the kimono as a solid form with no indication of its waist or obi. The piece is signed by the artist and has his red stamp on the bottom of the doll.
Condition: Excellent, “as is” original condition with minimal affects from aging, and retaining a wonderful patina with no fading or discoloration. Beautiful doll.
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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.