Artisan | Woodworker: Hideo

Biographical History:

As collectors, we felt it was most important to represent all Sosaku Kokeshi artists, whether or not each artist has a written account of his/her life. We show the diversity of cultural values and the creative work produced by a multitude of artists. In researching old writings through articles and books that remain, it is evident that the Kokeshi Craftsperson not only created beautiful forms as toys, but also kept alive cultural values, customs, and fashion through the extensive representations of Kokeshi dolls. The beauty is in the doll and not the signatures, for most masters never signed their dolls. Later they named the dolls, but only when Westerners insisted on signatures because they did not know the artists, so the carvers began to sign their works, for the carvers wanted to promote sales to make a living, during the seasons that did not provide an environment to continue their otherwise daily work. 

Collector's note – descriptive qualities, standard characteristics & ornamentation styles:

One of the oldest legends is the story of the elderly couple, Joo and Uba, who are lovingly called Jotomba. Collectively, they are also referred to as Takasago, because, according to legend, they first appeared amid Lake Takasago, near the Inland Sea. Jotomba represents a couple living in perfect harmony, growing old together, and symbolizing a lifetime of happiness. In this beautifully rendered drawing on the doll, we see Uba with a broom in her hands, and Joo, with a rake in his. Together, they are sweeping away trouble and raking in good fortune throughout their lives. Additionally, we see a turtle, a crane, and the traditional rising sun. All are important symbols in Japan.