Vintage Sosaku Kokeshi entitled: “Fuyu no shōru | Winter Shawl” by Ishihara, Hideo

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Dimensions: 7-0”h

During the mid-Meiji era and after, thick knits and muslin scarves were popular, helping to improve the northern people’s lifestyles, and is the most characteristic feature of this doll. It is shown as a separately carved element with “chattering” to give it a beautiful textural relief. The Kokeshi’s face is simply defined, with large upturned eyes with sumi-e’ brush strokes and a shallow line separating the face and defining the hair treatment. The wood, being the emphasis, has a simple clear wax finish. The piece is signed in script on the bottom by the artist

Condition: Superb outstandingly, exceptional, impressive, and beautiful condition. No chips, cracks, breaks, missing pieces or restoration, and retains its original details and finish. The piece meets all the standards of the collectible Sosaku Kokeshi. 

For additional information on the artist/family go to: 

https://mingeiarts.com/collections/artisan-woodworker-ishihara-hideo-1925-1999

Ishihara-san, a highly influential Sosaku Kokeshi artist, was born in Tokyo, and began his career by making Traditional Narugo dolls in 1957. His grandfather was the very famous artist Onuma Iwatao, of Narugo Onsen, Miyagi. After graduation from University, Ishihara-san was under medical care for more than ten years, during which time he studied painting. Upon recovering from his illness, he began making Sosaku Kokeshi, and in a ten- year period (1959-1969), he received more than 60 awards, including the highest honor, the Prime Minister’s Award. He died at the age of 74.