Vintage Sosaku Transitional Kokeshi entitled: “Mizumo | Spring” by Kiyohara, Takao
Dimension: 12-0”h
This Kokeshi is what is referred to as a Shingata, (transitional), doll, having characteristics of both the traditional Tougatta Family, as seen in the head and face (thin narrow eyes, and a split nose) and hair treatment, (chrysanthemum on the top of the head, bangs and side fringes), and the Sosaku, (creative), with the representation of the kimono and the very stylized design of the spring white flowers. Most of the details are in black with red and gray graphic accents defining each element. The piece is an award winner and retains the tag indicating the award. Signature and doll title on the bottom.
Condition: Very good original condition, archival quality because of the uniqueness of the doll and the display of the award.
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: Kiyohara, Takao | 1916-
Origin:
Kiyohara-san is one of the most popular and prolific of the creative Kokshi artists and began creating dolls after serving as a pilot in the Japanese/American war. He was considered a transitional artist, due to the fact that many of his dolls resemble traditional Tougatta or Yamagata dolls. His dolls are artistically and minimally decorated. He was awarded the Minister’s Prize four times along with the Enterprise Agency top prize on two occasions.
Collector's note – descriptive qualities, standard characteristics & ornamentation styles:
Kiyohara-san’s pieces are minimally ornamented with white and pink cherry blossoms, plum blossoms or simple stripes done in the traditional Rokuro Moyo technique. The unique key characteristic of Kiyohara pieces is ‘the arched eyes and eyebrow. He employs simple turning techniques in either a straight fashion or a bulbous shape which aid in defining the body of each doll, and are directly inspired by Traditional kokeshi forms.
Artist's signature:
