Vintage Sosaku Kokeshi entitled: “Usugori | Chilly Morn” by Katase, Kaihei (1921-2015)
Dimensions: 11-3/4” h
This “one-off” creation is truly an exceptional three-dimensional form, all lathe-turned, with three distinctive, hand-crafted details and finish which is a feat unto itself. The doll is turned from one piece of cherry wood. Katase-san was recognized for his exceptional crafting kills, and named “Holder of Excellent Technique” by the Prime Minister in 1970.
The doll has three distinctive surfaces identifying the various parts of the doll. Firstly, her long unbound flowing Heian hairstyle, (Taregami), falls down the entire figure, framing her serene face. This hairstyle was said to intensify spiritual energy and beauty as well as being a mark of elevated rank. The hair is vertically grooved into the natural multi-colored wood for a realistic effect. Her face is beautifully framed by both her hair and garment and shows minimal details, with eyes carved into the wood exhibiting a meditative and serene expression, with a small black nose. And, last but not least is the exceptional detailing of the simulated embroidered Kimono, referred to as a Kamaito, with an autumn leaf motif of one-color Muji Dark Claret (Kuraretto), that is extensively carved throughout the surface. This along with her hair adds great texture to the doll.
Having been made for a special customer, the piece has a carved, script signature in red Kanji on the bottom, in respect for the intended buyer with the artist’s signature. Art objects at this time were not necessarily signed, because they were made for domestic customers, and the artist was known throughout Japan. Signatures became popular and required when international business was established).
The piece was also included 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-katase-kahei-1922-2015.
Condition: Superb, outstandingly excellent, impressive, and beautiful. We have not seen another published in either Japan or other countries. Photos cannot capture the exceptional work performed. 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 Katase, Kaihei.
Return Policy
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: Katase, Kahei | 1922-2015
Biographical History:
Katase-san was born in Kanazawa prefecture in 1921 in a region known for its beautiful wooden marquetry crafts. Katase-san, the son of a Kijishi, (woodworker), began making creative Kokeshi in 1946. He 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. Since 1962, he served as a judge at the Kokeshi Contest in Japan. In 1955, his work was dedicated to Her Majesty the Empress. In 1970 he was awarded the holder of Excellent Technique and was named a member of Meiko-Kai. He went to the United States in 1973 to direct the overseas exhibition in St Louis, where he was introduced through a television program at Missouri State. He was a member of the Cultural Properties Protection Committee of Hakone Town and a member of the Nippon Kokeshi Artistic Handicraft Association.
Collector's note – descriptive qualities, standard characteristics & ornamentation styles:
Many of his pieces are differently treated, with the natural contrasting head, and the natural grooved and stained body. He illustrates obi, inset into the doll with a hemp motif, (In early times, “asa” was an important source of cloth, and hemp leaves themselves formed the basis of a variety of hemp patterns). History tells us that the ‘God of Hemp’ is revered at Oasahiko Shrine in Tokushima. He additionally renders spring with cherry blossoms, wheat, trees, and stars to give character to his dolls. He seems to enjoy the rendering of long flowing unbound hair, (taregami) and details such as the inlay of silver motifs on the body.
And finally, it is unusual to see a doll made of three bulbous forms that compose the body and head, utilizing different woods to express the desired detail.
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. Katase-san is a master of lacquered color finishes incorporated with detailed carving of elements in the natural environment. Buddhist figures, which are intricately carved, are another style by this artist.