“Catching stars”. Formed with tōso and covered with cloth and washi paper.
H 62.0 cm,Year.2025Michiko Kimura
1944 -- Dolls
- Awarded 6 times at the Japan Kōgei Assoc. Exhibition
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Price Range
Under $2,000
Info
The prices of the artworks on Gallery Japan are determined by the artists themselves and are published directly on the website.
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Description
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CategoryDolls
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MaterialsTōso, Japanese paper (washi)
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DimensionsH 62.0 cm
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Year presented2025
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RarityUnique
Techniques Used
Tōso dolls
Tōso dolls (tōso ningyō) are made of a modeling compound called tōso (a mixture of paulownia sawdust and paste) attached to a core of solid paulownia. Tōso can be freely fashioned while soft to produce all manner of forms. The molded forms are thoroughly dried before use to ensure that they won’t warp.
Nunobari
“Pasted fabric.” Designs are created by applying different colored fabrics.
Kamibari
“Pasted paper.” Designs are created by applying dyed washi paper.
Awards received
- The 72nd Japan Traditional Kōgei Exhibition (2025)
- MEXT Award
Comment on Award
I depicted a boy in the Nara period sitting under a starry sky, trying to catch a star with a long rod.
When I stand at the Heijo-kyo site at night, I imagine the sky during ancient times.
I was once moved by the starry sky that I saw from the mountain lodge on Mt. Yarigatake. I found the same starry sky at the Heijo-kyo site, and was inspired to make this piece.
I painted the whole piece in the color of the night sky, and I drew stars on the boy's clothes.
I am very happy and grateful to receive this award. Thank you very much. I will continue to make artworks that appeal to people's emotions.
(from the Japan Kōgei Association website)
