Sato No Ko - The Child of the Village - Wood - Chie Tamura - Japan - Shōwa period (1926-1989)

Here is a magnificent lot of 3 creative Kokeshi.

The first is an emblematic model titled Hōshun, which means Early Spring. This piece was entirely carved and hand-painted by the renowned artist Izumi Ueda (1926-1989).

This work perfectly illustrates the clean, modern style of the Sōsaku movement. It is distinguished by its delicate face with closed eyes, a geometric coiffure adorned with a red knot painted on the side, and a cylindrical body decorated with finely carved and pyrograved floral motifs in the wood. Under its base, the handwritten black ink signature as well as the official red artist’s seal are clearly visible, thus guaranteeing its authenticity.

Dimensions: H 14 x D 6 cm

The second is a vintage creation signed by the famous master craftsman Yuji Kawase, as evidenced by the traditional red stamp affixed under its base. This collectible piece is distinguished by the poetic minimalism of its lines, its serene closed-eye face inviting calm, and its black kimono beautifully adorned with geometric and floral motifs in orange and red tones.

Dimensions: H 19 x D 8.5 cm

The third is a handcrafted creative-style (Sōsaku) doll, made by the renowned artist Chie Tamura. This iconic model, titled Sato No Ko (the village child), stands out for a large tilted head with closed eyes and long painted lashes, a bright red kimono decorated with floral motifs, and a dark wooden base.

Dimensions: H 12.5 x D 9 cm

Kokeshi were created by kiji-shi (woodworkers) in the north of Honshū (the largest island of Japan), in the Tōhoku region, at the end of the Edo era. At the start of their creation, these dolls representing little girls were small toys for children, before being sold as souvenirs to tourists visiting the hot springs.

They are now true collector’s pieces.

Please review the photos for more details.

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