Innovative Vintage Japanese Sosaku Kokeshi Entitled: “shunen | Flower Garden” By Kuribayashi, Issetsu (1924–2011) At A Low Price [PZSw3Uct]

Dimensions: 8-1/2”h x 5-1/2”dia. (8lbs)

This beautifully rendered Kokeshi is by Kuribayashi, who is considered one of the founding fathers of the Sosaku-Creative movement. The doll is a superb large, and one-of-a-kind creation, with beautiful black and red hand-painted decoration on the body featuring a Kiku, (chrysanthemum), floral motif to define the kimono. Other portions of the figure emphasize the wood grain and natural color. It also emphasizes humility with the narrow slant eyes, a tiny red nose, and flowing hair from the top of the head, down its shoulders completing the serene expression represented by this doll. The piece is signed. 

Issetsu Kuribayashi ranks amongst the most celebrated Kokeshi artisans of the "golden era" of creative Kokeshi making. His works are always incredibly well-made, demonstrating his artistic flair. You may never see another Sosaku Kokeshi doll like this one again!! He began his career in 1955 and he is also featured in the Nuremberg Toy Museum in Germany alongside master Watanabe, Masao. 

The piece is published in Sosaku Kokeshi: Celebrating the Major Artists of the Creative Movement in 2022. For more information on this artist go to the following link: https://mingeiarts.com/collections/artisan-woodworker-kuribayashi-issetsu-1924-2011. 

Condition: Superb, meaning outstanding, excellent, and retains its original craft/workmanship showing a wonderfully-developed patina commensurate with age which corresponds to its vintage. The doll is void of damage, cracks, breakage, or repairs and exceptionally heavy being turned from one piece of wood. This doll meets all the standards of the collectible Japanese Sosaku Kokeshi.