Vintage Sosaku Kokeshi Entitled Black Peony, (Kuro Botan) by Kanazawa, Tokushie

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Dimensions: 6-0"h

Through this beautifully finished doll utilizes traditional Yajirou family elements and techniques, it is considered a Sosaku doll for it utilizes a creatively rendered Peony motif. This beautifully painted doll was inspired by the Yajirou Family style Kokeshi, utilizing black ink in sumi-e’ style drawing. It is a sophisticated representation of the Black Peony known as the “Prime Minister of Flower”. The entire figure is painted in black with the upper body having a hand-painted collar with horizontal stripes below as well as on the base encircling the figure, executed in the ‘Rokoru Mayo’ style. The unique feature beyond the unusual use of the Peony motif is the head and face treatment. The hair is very stylized with the Buddhist hairstyle reminiscent of the type when the hair was draped down the back of the head. The face has double eyelids, pick shaped nose, and a tiny red mouth. This particular doll is made of dogwood, (mazuki) which was the preferred wood at the time so as to emphasize the beautiful detailed floral motif. The piece is signed in script on the bottom by the artist.

Condition: Excellent, original condition, with no fading or loss of color and consistent with age and standards of collectible Folk Art. All details are perfect and as crafted.

Note: There is no biographical information published on this artist.