Vintage Sosaku Kokeshi Entitled, “FUGA” by Kishi, Sadao

Dimensions: 14-1/4”h

He is credited with being one of the major influences of the ‘Sosaku Kokeshi Movement’, gaining recognition for the dolls as a popular and valid art form. The Wheat Festival in Korobe Gorge inspired this Kokeshi artist, in whose wheat is one of his central motifs. An emphasis on simple turned wood and an exceptionally formed head gives focus to the subject of his work and is a wonderful feature to behold. The piece is turned from Kalopanax pictus (Casto-aralia) wood. Her hair drapes down the sides of her face, and is topped with a beautifully fashioned ‘mage’, that is so delicately formed it appears to be like an elaborate Kanzashi hairpin. Her eyes are positioned to look down with a small indication of a mouth. She is wearing a ‘Michiyuki’ (traveling coat) colored in transparent browns which matches her hair. Her Kimono is covered with black kernels of wheat on a background of faint chrysanthemums. The chrysanthemums are additionally featured in aqua on the front of her Obi. There is only a slight indication of the collar and foldings of her kimono. She is beautifully proportioned, and a rare large doll celebrating nature and its connection to everyday life. An emphasis on simple turned wood gives focus to the subject of his work. This Kokeshi won the Prime Minister's Prize in 1983 and was featured in the Creative KOKESHI Artistic Handicraft Directory. The doll has Kishi-san’s impressed red stamp on the bottom. A "rare" doll and a wonderful collector's treasure to round out an exemplary collection.

For additional information on the Artist see: https://mingeiarts.com/collections/artisan-woodworker-kishi-sadao-1932-1998

Condition: Excellent, original condition, with no fading or loss of color and consistent with age. The piece meets all the standards of Sosaku Kokeshi Folk Art.