

Vintage Sosaku Kokeshi
Vintage Sosaku Kokeshi Entitled, “Kantsubaki | Winter Camellia” by Kishi, Sadao
Kishi Sadao
Age:Late 1970s
Descriptive qualities& condition:
Dimensions: 14-1/4”h
The Wheat Festival in Korobe Gorge inspired this Kokeshi artist, which 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. 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 hair pin. Her eyes are positioned to look downward 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. She has Kishi-san’s impressed red stamp on the bottom. A wonderful collectors find to round out an exemplary collection.
Condition: Excellent, original condition, with no fading or loss of color and consistent with age. The piece meets all the standards of collectible Folk Art.
NOTE: Kishi-san was born in Maebashi, Gunma Prefecture, and produced only the best Sosaku Kokeshi until his passing. During his career, he received numerous awards, winning the Prime Minister’s Award and the Minister of Economy, Trade and Industry Award (METI). 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. No further published information is available about this artist.
Artisan | Woodworker: Kishi, Sadao | 1932-1998
Origin:
Born in Maebashi, Gunma Prefecture, Kishi-san produced hundreds of creative Kokeshi dolls until his passing. During his career, he received numerous awards, winning the Prime Minister’s Award and the Minister of Economy, Trade and Industry Award (METI). 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.
Collector's note – descriptive qualities, standard characteristics & ornamentation styles:
The Wheat Festival in Korobe Gorge inspired the most popular dolls by this artist, for which wheat is one of his central motifs. He additionally incorporated simple flowers and subjects related to mothers and children as both form-giving and decoration on the bodies. All of his creations are beautifully proportioned dolls, found in many sizes, and celebrates nature and its connection to everyday life. An emphasis on simple turned wood gives focus to the subject of his work.
Artist's signature:
