This Kokeshi by Kisaku (喜作) is called Shinonome (東雲). She has long, elegantly sloping bodies and minimalist, elongated faces. Her hair is a long, sharp, dramatic black okappa (御河童) – bobbed hairstyle with a blunt fringe, almost like a helmet. Her face is simply rendered with calm, narrow slits for eyes and a small, delicate dot of red paint for the mouth.
The cylindrical body displays Kisaku’s signature texturing. It features scale-like, layered woodcarvings that mimic the folds of a heavy kimono garment. The natural woodgrain is complemented by a rich, warm black and brown contrast, layered with subdued vermilion (red-orange) wood tones and subtle cream highlights.
Key characteristics of the kimono style:
- Scalloped “Fish-Scale” Carving: The lower portion of the kimono features multi-layered, U-shaped chisel cuts. This technique creates a physical texture that mimics heavy, woven layers of a traditional winter garment or the structured folds of an antique textile.
- Kasuri (絣) Geometric Accents: On the upper chest and shoulders, the doll features painted, elongated oval motifs. These abstract elements evoke traditional Kasuri textiles, which are historically Japanese folk fabrics featuring geometric, resists-dyed patterns.
- Layered Collar (Eri: 襟): The neckline clearly defines a multi-layered kimono collar style. It uses simple, intersecting diagonal lines to mimic how a real kimono is folded left-over-right across the chest.
- Earth-Toned Palette: Rather than using bright, modern dyes, Kisaku used rich black lacquer, warm vermilion (red-orange), and natural wood grain finishes. This palette honours traditional rural Japanese clothing materials while giving the piece a grounded, timeless appearance.
Specifications:
Height: 17 centimetres
Weight: 141 grams