Beautiful vintage Japanese Sōsaku / Creative Kokeshi set titled “Takasago” (高砂) by renowned Japanese kokeshi artist Sadao Kishi (岸貞男 / 岸貞夫, 1932–1998).
This charming hand-painted wooden pair depicts the traditional Takasago elderly husband and wife, an auspicious Japanese symbol of lasting love, marital harmony, longevity and growing old together.
The figures feature wonderful traditional imagery including a crane, turtle, rising/red sun and beautifully painted robes. The gentleman retains his separate wooden walking stick/broom element. Both figures are mounted together on their original black wooden display base.
Sadao Kishi was an important artist of Japan’s postwar Creative Kokeshi movement and recipient of the prestigious Prime Minister’s Award at the All Japan Kokeshi Competition.
Includes the original cardboard presentation/storage box with Japanese paper label and artist identification, a particularly desirable feature for collectors.
Tallest figure measures approximately 8½–9 inches tall including the display arrangement.
Vintage Shōwa-period Japanese craftsmanship, believed circa 1970s–1980s.
Condition: Very nice vintage condition with light age-related wear consistent with display and storage. Painted decoration remains bright and attractive. Original box shows age, spotting and edge/corner wear. Please review all photos as they are part of the condition description.
A wonderful example for collectors of Japanese folk art, Mingei, Sōsaku Kokeshi, mid-century Japanese design or works by Sadao Kishi.
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