

Vintage Sosaku Kokeshi
Vintage Sosaku Kokeshi entitled: urumi no shōnen | Walnut Boy” by Sekiguchi, Toshio
Sekiguchi, Toshio
Age:1960s
Descriptive qualities& condition:
Dimensions: 16-0”h
Shown is a lathe-turned doll turned from one piece of natural light oak incorporating a beautiful, carved transition between the neck of the figure and the Kimono. The dolls are left natural and simply waxed, with traditional features shown on the face and the suggestion of a boyish hairstyle. The only decorative element is the affixed, natural, and dark walnut sections on the front of his garment, contrasting the smooth surfaces of the doll. A small incised line simulates the Obi. The doll is titled on the obi with its name, his script signature, and his red impressed stamp.
Condition: Excellent, original condition, with no fading or loss of color and consistent with age. The piece meets all the standards of collectible Folk Art.
Artisan | Woodworker: Sekiguchi, Toshio | 1947-
Origin:
Born in Gunma Prefecture in 1947, Toshio is not related to Sekiguchi, Sansaku and his family. He won the Craft Council Award for his extraordinary forms.
Collector's note – descriptive qualities, standard characteristics & ornamentation styles:
Toshio’s piece entitled, “Natsu.no.hi”, (Summer Day), is a beatifully painted doll of Mizuki (Dogwood). Numerous motifs are used in this and other dolls, including natural elements such as walnut sections, abstracted chrysanthemum flowers, and details of textiles. All are executed in natural woods, gold, silver and black. Many of his pieces display traditional hairstyles and hairpieces. Toshio demonstrates artistic, painterly abilities with beautiful details throughout a variety of creations and sizes.