Vintage Sosaku Kokeshi entitled: “Itazurana on’nanoko | Naughty Girls” by Aida Seihou
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Dimensions: 8-0”h
Offered is a second version in a series by Aida-san which is a stylized geometric form representing a young girl going to school in which the body is shown in three sections made from two different kinds of wood. Her face is slightly different having an excited expression with horizontal eyes lifting upwards on the sides and a small defined red nose. The most interesting feature is the “Mage” hair styling has a very different twist that is carved in what is called ‘chattering’ to give texture to the piece. The doll has the red impressed stamp of the artist.
Condition: Excellent meaning that the piece retains its original craft/workmanship showing a wonderful-developed patina commensurate which suggests a degree of wear that corresponds to its vintage. It is void of damage, cracks, breakage, or repairs and meets all the standards of the collectible Sosaku Kokeshi.
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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: Aida, Seihou | 1926-1998
Biographical History:
Aida-san, (a.k.a. Harumine), is a leading Sosaku Kokeshi artist who has won many awards since he began creating Kokeshi in 1947 and has produced award-winning dolls from 1962-1974. Aida was born in Yonezawa City, Yamagata Prefecture in the first year of the Showa era. Along with the Prime Minister’s Award, he also won top awards in the Modern Kokeshi Academy in 1972-74; the Minister of Education Encouragement Price at the National Modern Kokeshi Exhibition in 1974; and an award in 1993 at the Special Kokeshi Federation Anniversary Exhibition. He is acknowledged as one of the leading early artists in the Sosaku movement. His eldest son, Yoshiki has taken over the family name and is exclusively a sedcond generation craftsman of Sosaku Kokeshi. Sheiho was a memeber of the Yonezawa Miyuki Association until his death.
Collector's note – descriptive qualities, standard characteristics & ornamentation styles:
Kimono design and motifs are understated with chattering giving a rich textured surface, or intricately handpainted with seasonal and natural flora elements. The natural wood, typically the deep coloration and graining of the Enju, (Pagoda tree wood) and Birch, (Kabanoki), provides a basis for his creations, which, in most cases are minimally painted, and ornamented. The faces on his dolls are meant to be more expressive, and minimally rendered and incorporate a suggestion of a nose and expressive eyes. He always celebrates the garment worn with distinctive hairstyles when emphasized.