Vintage Sosaku Kokeshi entitled: “Mushin | Innocence” by Watanabe, Masao
Dimensions: 12-0”h
This rendition is one of the earlier models of a mother and child which follows the theme of ‘Innocence’ for which the artist is famous. This doll incorporates Watanabe’s uses the ‘Hyoutan’, (gourd), shaped head with a slight indication of hair, elongated eyes and tiny white dot indicating the nose. The major difference of this Kokeshi is the use of a Shibori Yukata, (unlined cotton summer kimono,) in which is a hand died textile, which resembles a type of tie-dyeing, and is colored with pigments of mauve and creamy- yellow, with undertones of stylized cherry blossoms. This is accomplished with the use of a gessoed texture, giving dimension and life to the piece. Finally it has a white sash or belt which is typically worn with a summer bathrobe worn at home and to go back and forth the the Onsen. The doll has Watanabe’s old script signature on the bottom which also identifies the piece.
Condition: Mint condition exhibiting an aged patination and meticulous care. There are no missing elements, no scratches or imperfections related to daily use with all detailed elements intact. The object retains the original craftsmanship, meeting the standards of the collector of Japanese Sosaku Kokeshi
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Artisan | Woodworker: Watanabe, Masao | 1917-2007
Origin:
Masao Watanabe | 1917-2007 (89)
Born in Fukushima, Watanabe-san studied under Traditional Yajirou Master Sato, Tatsuo of Miyagi Prefecture. Arguably, the most popular and prolific of the 20th/c Sosaku Kokeshi artists, he began his craft in the early 1950s. His most famous Kokeshi themes are that of ‘innocence’ (Mushin), and his doll entitled: Chigo Zakura (Cherry Blossom Child). A multiple award winner in Kokeshi competitions around the world (Prime Minister's prizes for the works of "Chigozskura" in 1963 and "Shojo" in 1981), along with numerous prizes by the Modern Kokeshi Artist Association and JETRO. He held two exhibitions in Japan and was exempt from the examination of the All Japan Kokeshi Contest, a Member of the Nippon Kokeshi Artistic Handicraft Association. His works are permanently exhibited at the Nuremberg Toy Museum in Germany.
Collector's note – descriptive qualities, standard characteristics & ornamentation styles:
Of all the Kokeshi produced by Masao Watanabe, his doll entitled, Mushin, (Innocence), is the most representative of this artist’s work. The emphasis is on the color of the natural wood and texture, and the form of this piece is the most recognizable of all of his dolls. The representation of clothing, complemented by the natural graining of the wood, and the painting of the sash, is common for this particular series. The natural wood implies the kimono or yukata with Its smooth curves brought about through the use of the lathe. Some painted and raised forms to resemble Shibori, a type of tie-dyeing that give texture to the garment. He also prominently features the rose and camellia as a central motif. His most famous piece above, is entitled, ‘Chigo Zakura’, (Cherry Blossom Child), which won the Prime Minister’s Award, and was presented to the Beatles in 1965, after their appearance in Japan with Sir Joseph Lockwood, Chairman of EMI Record Distributors, England.
Artist's Signature:
