Artisan | Woodworker: Fujikawa, Masae (Shoei) | 1942-2015

Origin: No Biography

Historically, the Japanese have been a very modest people. Japanese artists, in particular, felt their work spoke for them, and so for centuries, creative efforts by many artists, with the exception of woodblock prints, were unsigned, yet were easily recognized by the public through a specific style and the artists’ unique personalities. As collectors we felt it was most important to represent all Traditional and Sosaku Kokeshi, whether or not the artist has been identified, their seal, or artistic signature translated, or a written account of this artist’s life. Each show the diversity of this cultural specialization and the creative work produced by this artist.

Collector's note – Descriptive qualities/standard characteristics/ornamentation styles:

This interesting 8-1/2”h female figure was a Prime Minister Award winning doll. It is one of the very few Kokeshi we have seen that incorporates a three-dimensional, (unattached) ‘Michiyuki’, (rain coat). The word Michiyuki means, “to go on the road”, and is used in lyrical descriptions of journeys taken by Japanese people. In fashion design, it provides greater protection against inclement weather, and is always worn over the Kimono as shown. Michiyuki are three-quarter length coats with square necklines, which serve the same purpose as shawls or stoles in Western society. The artist beautifully depicts its complementary use with the Kimono.

Artist's Signature: