Large kokeshi by Madame Kato Sozon circa 1960-70 Japan

Cherry, lacquer - wear, handling marks, minor bumps. Sachiko sato born in 1935. Often called "koson sato"; she is one of the few kokeshi creators recognized as an accomplished artist. She studied sewing, but devoted herself to kokeshi in 1955. She began as an autodidact, subsequently winning several competitions. She had her own workshop in fukushima. Her dolls are easily recognizable - soft faces, elegant brushstrokes for the hair. She liked large doll formats, thus standing out from other female artisans. ------ about kokeshis kokeshi appeared in the 1820s-40s (end of the edo period). Originally, they were made from scraps of wood by artisans and farmers and sold to the people of the city. The oldest ones have a bowling pin shape and can have a movable head with red as the dominant color. They are originally made of wood (cherry, pear, maple). They were toys for little girls, or offered as a token of love or friendship; or symbolized the desire to have a healthy child. The doll comes from a shinto communion with nature (forest / wood / landscape). Shinto places links between landscapes and feminine forms. They are, modesty, discretion, femininity, feminine ideal. Their bun is an evocation of buddha. A certificate, as well as a detailed explanation on the art of kokeshis will be given to the purchaser.

Ref. : T5CD9BXR