Artisan | Woodworker: Yusa, Fukuju | 1930-2001

Biographical History:

Yusa-san was born in Miyagi Prefecture to a prominent family of Traditional Narugo Kokeshi artists and had a difficult time separating himself from the dolls his family produced. While apprenticing under Master Takahashi Sakari of Narugo Spa, Miyagi, he began creating Sosaku dolls in the late 1950s. In breaking family tradition, he created award-winning dolls, including the Prime Minister’s Award in 1960, at 30 years of age.  He is known for creating a beautifully painted image of Daruma, (Bodhidharma) on the body of his dolls in the liking of an Indian sage who lived in the fifth or sixth century AD. He was one of ten Kokeshi artists commissioned by the Sony Family Club in 1998, to submit a ‘Daruma’ winning top prize.

Beyond this overview, there is little biographical data on Yusa-san, but as researchers and collectors, we felt it was most important to represent all Sosaku Kokeshi artists, and whether or not the artist has a written account of his or her life. 

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

Yusa-san’s dolls are very plainly designed, and all employ ‘Chatter’ work defining the hair, and are typically decorated with the black, multi-colored sections or gold graphics. The smooth undulating surfaces add to the simple character of each doll, bringing focus to the central motif. He also portrays young children, many wearing one common article of clothing called a "Kakumaki", which is a winter shawl used throughout the Northern part of Japan, to keep out the chill. Most of his pieces illustrate expressive faces through the use of sumi-e’ painting, or illustrate clothing that is colorfully detailed. His award winning doll on the left include graphics that symbolize “Hoshu” the Treasure World. The dolls shown are versions of his 1960 award-winning doll in the National Kokeshi competition. Most of his Kokeshi was refinished with a type of natural candle wax known as Roseau no ro.