Kokeshi conservators are so critically important because they preserve artistic works for future generations, particularly since very little has been compiled on the subject. They work to ensure that the cultural heritage is protected and that people can continue to collect what they enjoy in their everyday lives. Kokeshi, be it the Traditional Family works or the Sosaku/Creative works, serve as a time capsule allowing us to connect with cultures and people from the past. However, these irreplaceable objects are vulnerable to deterioration and damage over time, from exposure, mishandling, daily use, and more. Art conservation plays an indispensable role in preserving our shared cultural heritage by stabilizing, restoring, and protecting these beautifully formed objects for future generations.
A conservator of a small or large collection researches the artworks' origins and history in a critical effort to preserve cultural heritage and ensure continuity of culture, to ensure that cultural ideas and conversations from the past are remembered. Most of all, many of us who have amassed large collections help our buyers understand the artist’s intent and the meaning of his or her work. In communicating with other collectors, many attempt to document their collections and examine the pieces regarding their preservation and condition to prolong their existence and slow down or stop future deterioration.
Another important aspect of collecting is to share one’s knowledge and insights with other interested persons. Revealing artists' intent provides viewers with a clearer, more accurate window into their vision, technique, and process. People gain a deeper appreciation of the art of Kokeshi creation by engaging with well-preserved cultural treasures in museums or specialty websites. This allows audiences to immerse themselves in the creator’s accomplishments, fueling inspiration and cross-cultural connections.
For your interest and information, one of our serious collectors and conservators, whose profession was as a Chartered Designer, now retired, submitted his perspective on the subject. We felt it important to share his thoughts and images from his collection as our introduction, along with his group of rare and beautiful Kokeshi masterpieces made with feeling and love by their creators. Much care and hours of love were poured into each piece in Mr. Allen’s collection entitled: Bus Stop Queue Girls, for which the decoration and colors of these works are vibrant and magnificent.
So herewith are the details for your information and images introducing this section of our Conservators' feedback. With a little love, care, and cleaning, one can conserve them and restore their beauty and dignity. Mr. Allen noted, “They then look after the viewers in appreciation for their gained happiness.”
This submission was provided by a collector who studied at The Chelsea School of Art, in The Kings Road London, in the 1960s, gaining a Degree in Art and Design and later being elected a Member of The Chartered Society of Designers. Chelsea, at this time, was the emerging new epicenter for music, fashion, and Pop Art. He is the current conservator, who wishes to ensure his collections continue to talk to their admirers forever.
“The Tsugaru Leader, featured with the title, is a stunner at 37-1/2” in height showing sweeping lines and a sinuous form. Very tactile with a come-hither appearance. Her companions of nine (9) Exhibition Kokeshi are characteristic of the Traditional families. One has to look and then look again to understand just how special and beautiful the large pieces are and how they reach out to us, their guardians, as they touch our hearts with all the inherent beauty of their colors and decorations, which are lovingly enriching and enrobing their sinuous forms.” These quotes, values, and collections are attributed to Alistair H Allen. DipAD. MCSD.
Featured Kokeshi: Tsugaru Family Doll by Sato, Yoshiko | 1949-2007 | Interpretation of Daruma | Bodhidharma (Dimensions: 37-1/2”h)
