Artisan | Woodworker: Shibata, Eiko | 1924-

Biographical History:

Shibata-san has been creating Kokeshi for over fifty, (50), years, focusing on the culture and heart of the Japanese people. She was born, and lived in Miyagi-ken, Sendai-shi. 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. As a valued customer, Kokeshi collector noted, “Kokeshi collecting is a personal journey in this everlasting realm of Japanese esthetics”.  DF

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:

Shibata’s dolls are typically large, impressive dolls expressing the joy of the season, (incorporating cherry and plum blossoms), and the awakening of Spring. She works very abstractly, with her decorative elements, giving them both interest and character. Many of her pieces are lacquered in bright colors such as vermillion. As seen here, the minimally carved elements give definition to the Kimono