Vintage Sosaku Kokeshi entitled: “Kakumaki reta kodomo | Wrapped Child” by Ishihara, Hideo

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Dimensions: 7-0”h

This Kokeshi is extremely rare and quite unique, particularly with the “teeny-tiny” head, (laid in as a separate element) emphasizing this is a child in the Northern snow country and wrapped to protect it from the cold. This figure emphasizing the beautiful Enju wood from the Japanese Pagoda tree and fully lathe- turned. The wonderful feature is its small and fully detailed head popping out from the top of a wrap, and referred to as a “Kakumaki shawl”, which was a traditional cloak for the winter until the 1950s. Ishihara-san inspiration from nature, in this case a graphic color floral illustration faintly applied to the front of the garment. 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.