Vintage Sosaku Kokeshi by Yusa, Fukuju
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Dimensions: 7-0”h
This vintage Sosaku Kokeshi is entitled: Hoshu, “Treasure World”, and a very rare and unusual doll that is very plainly designed, and employs intricate ‘Chatter’ work (Birikan’na) to define the more traditional style hair, in which cutting or shaving the hair on the scalp in a pinwheel-pattern called ‘Tonsure’, and is a sign of religious devotion or humility. Its face shows a simple expression with narrow eyes and a white nose in shallow relief. We have seen very few of his Kokeshi of this type along with his portraying children since he was not a prolific carver and doll typically decorated with black, multi-colored sections or gold graphics on the body. The smooth undulating surfaces defining the head, and neck body add to the simple character of the doll, bringing focus to the central motif. This particular model incorporates the use of sumi-e’ painting in black with gold accents. This particular doll was reproduced later in his career and was made in the 1970s.
This is turned from one piece of Birch, (Kabanoki) wood, and after the turning and painting were lacquered and sealed with a natural candle wax, (Rosoku no ro). A perfect doll for the collector of Yusa’s work in the Japanese Kokeshi folk art genre. The piece is signed on the bottom by the artist.
Condition: Excellent condition means that the piece has no fading, cracks, or repairs and is in original condition and consistent with the age and standards of collectible Kokeshi Folk Art.
Additional Information: Access our Browse & Learn section, link: https://mingeiarts.com/collections/artisan-woodworker-yusa-fukuju-1930-2001 to learn more about this award-winning Sosaku Kokeshi artist.
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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.