RARE: Master SANPEI YAMANAKA Kokeshi YAMA NO OTO Japan 1970s - Large 11\" 3.7 lb For Sale

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Master Sanpei Yamanaka 山中三平(1926-2012) exclusive kokeshi Yama no Oto, Japan, circa the 1970s. Signed. With title plate and vintage pedestal.

This large (3.0 lb), eye-catching kokeshi by Master Yamanaka is titledYama no Oto山の音, which translates to Sound of the Mountain.InJapanese culture, the terms \"yama no oto\" and \"yama\" (mountain) hold deeper spiritual and cultural meaningsthan mere geographical features -- they symbolizing the power of nature and sacredspaces. Since ancient times, mountains have been revered in Japan as places where godsreside and viewed as sacred objects. Sounds emanating from themountains are perceived as evoking the presence of gods or the will of nature. Mountainsare also revered as providers of blessings such as the beauty of the fourseasons, hot springs, timber, and water. Mountains are known as places forascetic practices such as Shugendo, and as places to seek seclusion andspiritual purification.MountainDay (August 11th) is a national holiday in Japan.

This is a rare, large-size kokeshi that would be a noticeable accent in one\'s home.

Height (without pedestal): 10.7 inches
Body diameter: 4.5 inches
Weight: 3.0 lb (1,355 g)

Sanpei Yamanaka

Born in Yonezawa, Yamagata Prefecture, Yamanaka-san is oneof the most admired and sought-after sosaku kokeshi artists in Japan. Hisoriginal style has earned him a wide following, and his works command highprices among the collectors. Yamanaka-san studied at the Engineering Department of Yamagata University. He began his artistic careerdabbling in photography and later joined the sosakukokeshi movement. Both his kokeshi and photography works received multipleawards. His first major prize in kokeshi was the Ministry of Education Award atthe All-Japan Sosaku Kokeshi Exhibition in 1979, followed by nearly 20 other awards, including the Prime Minister\'s award in 1979, the highest award that can be bestowed on a kokeshi artist.Yamanaka-sanwas a member of the Yonezawa Miyuki Association and the Photography Departmentof Nika Association.

This doll illustrates Yamanaka-san’s love for the natural beautyof wood. The coloring and carving contrasts nicely with the natural beauty of wood grain, and the modern style combines with the traditional motifs to portray traditionalhairstyle and clothing.

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