RARE: Master SEIICHI SUZUKI Rattle Kokeshi Hijiori School Japan 1990s XLARGE 14"

Description: Thank you for looking. Please visit my other listings of contemporary and antique Japanese art.Master Seiichi Suzuki 鈴木征一 (1944 - ), signed. Hijiori School of dento ("traditional") kokeshi. Yamagata prefecture, Japan, circa the 1990s. This kokeshi is quite rare. Not only is it a beautiful work by a highly regarded Hijiori master (there are very few of them still working), but it is also a gara-iri ("rattle") kokeshi. The doll's large head is hollow and filled with dry seeds which create a gentle rattling sound when the kokeshi is shaken. The rattling feature in kokeshi has a spiritual meaning, being connected to Shinto music, which often includes rhythmic sounds, such as rattles, believed to purify the sacred space and facilitate the presence of the divine during ceremonies and festivals, all part of the indigenous religion of Japan. Like other Hijiori kokeshi, this figurine shows influences of both Tougata and Narugo traditions. The head is edged with thick black hair, accenting the face. The top of her head shows expressive and flaming Chrysanthemum leaves. The double-lid eyes are shown under her large eyebrows with slightly opened and accentuated pursed red lips. The nose is the naga bana style (the "long nose"). The kimono reflects Master Suzuki's individual style, with a vertical Chrysanthemum pattern framed by rokuru moyo (horizontal lines), against the natural yellowed wood. The doll is signed on the bottom. Thanks to its large size - it measures 14.3 inches in height - this figurine will be a visible art accent in your home. Weight: 2.0 lbs (936 g) Seiichi Suzuki Born on November 17, 1944, Seiichi Suzuki was the eldest son of Keijiro Suzuki, an office worker in Shinagawa, Tokyo. At the time, his father Keijiro was working at Tokyo Shibaura Manufacturing, but returned to his hometown of Hijiori when Seiichi was 5 years old. After returning to Hijiori, Keijiro ran a folk craft store called Hijiori Bussan while farming. After graduating from Hijiori Junior High School, Seiichi worked as a farmer and day laborer, but in May 1972, he trained in woodcarving under kokeshi Master Koji Okuyama. After turning wood for five years, Suzuki-san became an independent kokeshi maker in May 1977. His talent and individual style quickly gained recognition among kokeshi lovers. Most recently, Suzuki-san's works have won prizes, including - most recently - the top prize at the National Kokeshi Competition (Shiroishi, 2019). He is currently the only kokeshi maker in Hijiori Onsen (Okura Village, Mogami District, Yamagata Prefecture). The Hijiori School The Hijiori-style kokeshi originated in Yamagata prefecture, at Hijiori Onsen, and at Sendai city, and is inspired by the two older kokeshi-making traditions, Naruko and Togatta. Hijiori were first developed by Shusuke Sato, who moved from Togatta to the Hijiori ansen. His dolls had very distinctive facial features and head decorations. The main characteristics of Hijiori dolls are a straight body, beveled shoulders, and, often, a squeeze-in head joint, similar to Naruko dolls. The large heads remind of the Togatta tradition. The double eyelids are typical. Hijiori dolls are found in two styles: one with the body painted with chrysanthemums and divided by a narrow obi, and one with the body decorated with a 'spray' formation of flowers. The yellow color is frequently used to paint the ground of the body. In some instances, maple leaves can also be incorporated. Because fewer of these dolls have been created, than the other styles, Hijiori kokeshi are highly popular among kokeshi collectors and command somewhat higher prices. For shipping outside of US, please inquire. K326

Price: 95 USD

Location: New York, New York

End Time: 2024-12-24T01:11:36.000Z

Shipping Cost: 19.75 USD