Vintage Sosaku Kokeshi entitled “Mushin | Innocence” by Watanabe, Masao (1917-2007)
Dimensions: 15-0”h
Born in Fukushima, Watanabe-san studied under Traditional Yajirou Master Sato, Tatsuo of Miyagi Prefecture. Arguably, he is the most popular and prolific of the 20th/c Sosaku Kokeshi artists.
Of all the Kokeshi produced by Watanabe-san, this doll is the most representative of this artist’s work, and in our opinion, celebrates the material from which all kokeshi are made. Kokeshi has a history of the use of various types of timber frequently associated with woodworkers in the mountains, utilizing beautifully-grained wood is available to the Kiji-shi (woodworkers), all over Japan’s northern regions. Kokeshi artists like Masao Watanabe represent the spirit-infused status of the wood, for it is believed to retain the materials’ original sacred and natural qualities.
The shape of the head is an unusual style referred to as ‘Hyoutan’, (gourd), or in some academic circles, the Japanese ‘Kuri’ (chestnut). The emphasis is on the beautiful color of the natural wood grain, and its smooth curves brought about through the use of the lathe. This specific form is the most recognizable feature of each doll in this series. The representation of Yukata and the painting of the white sash represent the Japanese beloved tradition of “going to the bath”. The understated hair treatment and small horizontal slashes for the eyes are characteristic of this style of Kokeshi. There is an inscription identifying Watanabe-san.
The piece was published in the 2022 publication of Sosaku Kokeshi: Celebrating the Major Artists of the Creative Movement. For more information on this artist go to the following link:https://mingeiarts.com/collections/artisan-woodworker-watanabe-masao-1917-2007.
Condition: Excellent, lathe-turned creation, which visual tactile experience, for it is outstanding, excellent, impressive, and beautiful. No chips, cracks, breaks, missing pieces, or restoration, and retains its original details and finish. The piece meets all the standards of the vintage collectible Sosaku Kokeshi by Watanabe, Masao.
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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:
