Vintage Sosaku Kokeshi entitled:”Kuri no ko | Chestnut Child” by Miyaijma, Muhitsu (1929-)
Dimensions: 2-1/2”h
Miyajima-san, who was born in Yonezawa City of Yamagata Prefecture, began his career under the tutelage of Master Yamagata craftsman Kobayashi Kichitaro in the mid-to-late 40s and then switched to Sosaku doll-making in the 1950s.
The wonderful small figure is based on the Japanese chestnut, ‘Kurumi’, and symbolizes the coming of the fall season in Japan. Yaki-guri, (roasted chestnuts), can be found in the street stands, markets, and at festivals throughout Japan. As shown in the image with this listing, the doll’s shape is in an oval chestnut form, and represents a baby. It is simply carved, relying on the wonderful texture and medium undertones of a reddish shade of brown which is the basis of the Enju wood from which it is made. The child’s face omits a warm feeling, with its red cheeks and a wisp of bangs and hair side-fringes. The only decorations on the piece are the abstract flower blossoms and the snowflake in gold enamel on the top of its head. The piece has the name along with the artist’s signature, all in script on the bottom.
The piece is published in Sosaku Kokeshi: Celebrating the Major Artists of the Creative Movement in 2022 on page 70. For more information on this artist go to the following link: https://mingeiarts.com/collections/artisan-woodworker-miyajima-muhitsu-1929.
Condition: Excellent meaning that the piece retains its original craft/workmanship and shows a wonderfully developed patina commensurate with age suggesting a degree of wear that corresponds to its vintage and is void of damage, cracks, breakage, or repairs. This doll meets all the standards of the collectible Japanese Sosaku Kokeshi by Miyamima, Muhitsu.
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Artisan | Woodworker: Miyajima, Muhitsu | 1929-
Origin:
Miyajima-san was born in Yonezawa City of Yamagata Prefecture, Japan, home of many Traditional Kokeshi makers. He began his career under the tutelage of Master Yamagata craftsman Kobayashi, Kichitaro, in the mid-to late 40s, and then switched to Sosaku doll making in the 1950s. His dolls have had a great influence on Creative, (Sosaku), doll makers since then. A multiple award winner, Miyajima-san won the prestigious Prime Minister’s Award in 1973.
Collector's note – descriptive qualities, standard characteristics & ornamentation styles:
Simple form and function is the theme to Miyajima-san’s creations. The wood is most critical in his interpretation of the seasons and often incorporates the snow coat called ‘Mino”, which adds depth and character to his pieces. The wearing of the traditional Fuyu Kasa, (hat), of the 1950s is seen on many of his works and was a kind of headcovering for Buddhists, which was overly large, in a bowl or mushroom shape, and was originally made from woven rice straw. Seasonal flowers, (Camellia), are often used along with Plum blossoms and tree branches, (see the two dolls at the top right named "Bairin or Plum Grove"). He typically incorporates sumi-e’ brush work into his representation of faces, and uneven carved grooving giving ornamentation and texture to the figure. Miyajima-san works in a variety of beautiful woods, but seems to prefer the heavy, dark colored Enju wood, (Pagoda tree), for it’s rich colors and interesting grain.
Artist's signature:
