Late, 1950s Vintage Japanese Traditional Kijiyama Kokeshi doll by by Kyutaro, Ogura (1906-1998) entitled: “Maedare” The Master of Kokeshi: Ogura Kyutaro, he was a Grand Kiji-ya Master who created this style of Kijiyama Kokeshi, and who passed away at the age of 91.
The doll is unique in its overall design and motif and became the most representative doll of the Kijiyama strain known by the name Maedare, (meaning apron in Japanese). The doll's head, which has been described as an “inverted egg”, sits on top of the shoulders, with a red bow, above, for decoration. The expressive face and exaggerated hairstyle, with bold bangs, set wide apart framing the face, give this Kokeshi a more realistic appearance, which became the standard for this style of doll.
Her striped bodice, with stacked and stylized Chrysanthemums on her apron, was conceived in the early 1950s. The doll is painted in black outline with red accents, celebrating the natural characteristics of the dogwood, (Hanamizuki). It was formed from one piece of wood, (the standard wood used for this doll was maple, and atypically cherry, and dogwood).
The doll has a rich chestnut hue, which adds a warm and inviting aesthetic to the doll. It is finished in a natural-colored candle wax, (Rosoku no ro), to seal the wood and protect it from daily wear. There is beautiful script writing on the back, with the doll’s identification and the artist’s signature, which was standard placement for this inscription. This doll was fully made by Kyutaro-san, who studied under Hisashiro, Ogura. Later versions were made by family members who would lathe-turn the dolls and Ogura-san would complete the artwork on the body.
Size: 8 x 8 x 31cm
