

Vintage Sosaku Kokeshi
Vintage Sosaku Kokeshi entitled: “Shuen | Past” by Katase, Kaihei
Katase, Kahei
Age:1950s
Descriptive qualities& condition:
Dimensions: 9-1/2”h
A seldom-seen form this Kokeshi reflects the arrival in the 18th century of the Dutch East Indies Trading Company Japan. At the time, the Dutch maintained a trading post on Hirado, an artificial island off the coast of Nagasaki. During this period, the Dutch were the only Europeans allowed into Japan, and as a result, had a major influence on how the Japanese interpreted life and styles of dress.
This beauty is a wonderful representative example of the European interpretation of a black up-flipped hair styling that became very popular throughout Japan. Being totally lathe-turned, this beautifully form doll is beautifully lacquered, with a textured body in multiple colors of vermilion, yellow and black. A simple sash is incorporated to complete the interpretation of the garment. Her face is simply delineated with sumi-e’ details. The bottom of the doll has an etched script name of the doll and signature by the artist.
... Read moreArtisan | Woodworker: Katase, Kahei | 1922-2015
Origin:
Born in the town of Hakone, 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.
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:
