Vintage Sosaku Kokeshi entitled: “Okāsan to kodomo | Mother and Child” by Katase, Kaihei (1921-2015)
Dimensions: 4-1/4” dia.
A typical theme by a few Kokeshi artists is that of either the mother with child or the infant in the arms of the Oshin, (Baby Sitter). Japanese mothers are known for proactively predicting the needs of their children, making the prevention of fuss a high priority. The babysitter was a trusted and essential part of the Japanese family who gave assurance that each child would be lovingly cared for throughout the day.
This wonderful, rotundus doll was made to exemplify this relationship between the figures, expressing serenity and stability. Here we see the adult face peering out from under a blanket wrap called a “Kakumaki”, which is a winter shawl. Her loving eyes and hair, pulled back, along with the head of the baby with a few tufts of hair, is looking up to the mother/Oshin. Both heads are three-dimensional which are separate elements in the design. The body of the doll is covered in festive strips of multiple colors, with one silver and one gold cherry blossom on the front. The doll has both Katase-san’s “Hanko”, (impressed personal stamp), and a notation, “Made in Japan” which means the piece was made for export and most likely made between 1945-1952.
The piece was also included 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-katase-kahei-1922-2015.
Condition: Outstandingly excellent, impressive, and heartwarming. 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 Katase, Kaihei.
Return Policy
Our antique/vintage pieces are identified/described and professionally photographed, and considered, “as is”, therefore all sales are final. Read our full refund and return policy.
Artisan | Woodworker: Katase, Kahei | 1922-2015
Origin:
He was born in Kanazawa prefecture in 1921 in a region known for its beautiful wooden marquetry crafts. Katase-san, the son of a Kijishi, (woodworker), won the first Prime Minister’s Award in 1954 at the ‘All Nippon Kokeshi Competition’. Along with many of his fellow Sosaku artists, Katase-san was a soldier and perhaps turned to creative Kokeshi-making to assuage the rigors of a long-fought war. Since 1962, he served as a judge at Kokeshi Contest in Japan. In 1955, his work was dedicated to Her Majesty the Empress, and in 1965, t His Majesty the Emperor. In 1970 he was awarded the holder of Excellent Technique and was named a member of Meiko-Kai. He went to the United States in 1973 to direct the overseas exhibition in St Louis and was introduced through a television program in Missouri State. He was a member o the Cultural Properties Protection Committee of Hakone Town and a member of the Nippon Kokeshi Artistic Handicraft Association.
Katase focuses on what is known as “one-off” dolls turned from one piece of wood and detailed throughout the figural form. They primarily illustrate the “new” styles of Japan of the 18th century when the Dutch East Indies Trading Company influenced Japanese everyday life and customs. Buddhist figures, which are intricately carved, are another style by this artist.
Collector's note – descriptive qualities, standard characteristics & ornamentation styles:
In many dolls, he utilizes a hand-painted striping technique called Rokuro Moyo, and in several instances, he incorporates seasonal flowers into the kimono representation. The hair and clothing of his pieces are subtly textured with a lacquered finish.
Artist's signature:
