Vintage Sosaku Kokeshi entitled: “Oshinobi Dochi | Incognito” by Kato, Hiroshi
Dimensions: 9-0”h
This wonderful and large Kokeshi was created by Kato-san’s and one of the first of this style that was created in the early 60’s. Hiroshi who charmed by the appearance of Heian noblewomen, who represented families of high rank, and was one of his favorite subjects. Women enjoyed a certain aspect of freedom during this period, and were well educated in music, poetry, art, fashion, and calligraphy, which were a part of a woman's education during this time. Many of these women traveling in incognito, (Oshinobi Dochi), would carry a Higonokami knife in their sleeves for protection, and would ware large hats because of concerns for privacy.
Hiroshi's creative dolls of the subject are extremely rare, for which a few inspired pieces were made by his contemporaries and seen in additional interpretations of this doll. He beautifully details their elongated faces and long hair, which were common for ladies of this period, and they are typically wearing attire for travel: oversized hat and a heavy coat to ward off the chill. The doll is created of Paulownia and Cherry wood, of which some varieties of Paulownia vary in both color and texture thus giving pattern and depth to the garment and as seen in this version. And finally, the piece has beautifully rendered kimono at the top and bottom in full color with a cherry blossom motif. The piece has Hiroshi Kato’s large white graphic signature on the bottom of the doll.
Condition: Excellent and exceptional rendition and 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: Kato, Hiroshi | Active only in the 1960s
[no-bio]Collector's note – descriptive qualities, standard characteristics & ornamentation styles:
Kato-san’s slender and tall figures bring memories of very traditional women in Japan. In his dolls we observe a rather contemporary approach to the ‘Mage” hair design in both form and sumi-e’ brushwork, suggesting features as well as stylistic details relating to the general design of the Kimono and the black and gold obi. His faces are extremely expressive, with a partial covering of the face and tilted heads adding an unusual aspect to one series of dolls. Typical are the scenes from nature, (flowers, mountains).
Hiroshi's stylized versions of Heian noblewomen, from families of high rank, were one of his favorite subjects. Women enjoyed a certain aspect of freedom during the period and were well educated in music, poetry, art, fashion, and calligraphy, all part of a Heian Period woman's education.
Many of these women traveled incognito, (Oshinobi Dochi), and Hiroshi's creative dolls of the subject are extremely rare. He beautifully details their elongated faces and long hair which were common for ladies of this period, and they are typically wearing attire for travel: oversized hat and a heavy coat to ward off the chill.
Artist's Signature:
