Vintage Sosaku Kokeshi entitled: “Odori | Movement” by Kano, Chiyomatsu
Dimensions: 8-1/2”h
This rare doll is highly prized and seldom seen on the market. Here the artist created a three-dimensional form that best interacts with the natural characteristics of the intrinsic beauty of wood, harmoniously blending the traditional and contemporary imagery. The doll has a simple facial expression utilizing a ‘one-stroke eye’,(Hitofude- me). In Japanese Kokeshi Art catalogs, the artist further defines this figure as “Budō no ko | Child of the Martial Arts”. The most interesting feature is the offset head that exhibits a Top knot (Bintsuke).
The child is wearing a traditional Chonmage haircut worn by boys/men with a short blunt fringe at the forehead, and straight hair cut around the skull. He is shown with a type of earmuff covering his ears, which is typically worn in the northern regions, and originally was simple compressed cloth. Additionally, Chiyomatsu-san incorporates on the winter coat a random black Ikat-style motif defining the layers of the pattern throughout the overall garment. The piece is hand-signed on the bottom.
Condition: Excellent 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: Kano, Chiyomatsu (Kanou) | 1935-
Origin:
Kano-san was born in 1935 and has died, but the year is unknown. He started making Sosaku dolls around 1953. He was a multi- prize winning artist, including the Prime Minister’s Award at least twice.
Collector's note – descriptive qualities, standard characteristics & ornamentation styles:
Kano-san shows his ability to create and select a form that best interacts with the natural characteristics of the intrinsic beauty of wood, harmoniously blending the traditional and contemporary imagery. Most have simple facial expressions utilizing a ‘one-stroke eye’, (Hitofude-me). Some figures utilize the Yukata / Ikat-style clothing or simple lines defining the layers of the clothing. Kano-san’s dolls are highly prized and seldom seen.
Artist's Signature:
