Vintage Sosaku Kokeshi entitled: “Oshinobi Dochu | Traveling Incognito” by Kon, Akira (1931-)
Dimensions: 11-0” h
Shown is a Kokeshi in the likes of a stylized Heian noblewoman. Women from families of high rank enjoyed a certain aspect of freedom during the period. These privileged women were well educated in music, poetry, art, fashion, and calligraphy, all part of a Heian woman's education, which gave them more freedom than the general female population.
This lovely doll incorporating Seiju-san’s style of elongated face, which was in style and prized by the Japanese, represents beauty, elegance, and fashion, and complements the long flowing hair worn during the Heian period. Women’s foreheads were emphasized with two black marks, referred to as ‘Bindi’ decoration, (traditionally, the area between the eyebrows), and is said to be the sixth chakra, the seat of "concealed wisdom”, and is said to retain energy and strengthen concentration.
As seen in the upper portion of this figure a layered Kimono is ornamented with blue flowers on a rust-colored Kimono worn for travel. At the bottom of her coat is an opening also displaying the under-kimono. She is carrying an oversized hat in contrasting paulownia wood, and a heavy garment to ward off the chill. The entire figure is minimally decorated and made of pear wood, (Nashi). This Kokeshi is one of his older models and is signed on the bottom by the artist (A.K.A. Seiju).
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-kon-akira-seiju-1931.
Condition: Superb lathe turning, painting, and size, for it, is outstandingly 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 Kon, Akira (Seiju).
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Artisan | Woodworker: Kon, Akira (Seiju) | 1931-
Origin:
Seiju studied under Master Hasegawa, Tatsuo, and his designs are based on the Tsugaru-style kokeshi, where his pieces were sold at the Owani Spa, Aomori. Little is known about this artist, other than he is from the Yamagata area, a major Kokeshi-making city/prefecture. ‘Noh’ theatre, of course, along with Kabuki, is Japan’s great gift to the Western world. They originated at religious festivals in the first half of the fourteenth century. Kon-san is famous for his depiction of a ‘Noh Dancer’, and he captured the highly stylized masked actor at his commanding and mysterious best. Unusual for Kokeshi, the artist quite offen added tabi-covered feet to the piece, which one never sees on historically pure Kokeshi.
Collector's note – descriptive qualities, standard characteristics & ornamentation styles:
His figures perfectly depict emotions conveyed by wonderfully stylized faces, gestures and simple treatment of garments. He employed different woods, particularly Japanese cypress, (Hinoki), and then stained with natural pigments.
Artist's signature:
