Vintage Sosaku Kokeshi entitled “Plum Grove by Sato Nurio

Dimensions: 14-1/4” h

This delightful doll won the Prime Minister’s Award and had a more extensive application of a lacquer finish than those presented to the Beatles in 1965, after their appearance in Japan, with Sir Joseph Lockwood, Chairman of EMI Record Distributors, England. 

Watanabe-san is famous for not only minimally turning beautiful woods, but also respected for his use of variegated high-gloss lacquer, which he used to add another dimension to the dolls. So famous that he had to subcontract out the Kokeshi production of this model. Spring representation of the most famous and beloved Cherry Blossom season, held so dear by the Japanese people, this is a unique doll. The most unique and unusual aspect which required a great deal of labor-intensive lacquer work, was executed in red and black high-gloss finish, on the surface of the doll. When looking through the finish one sees a beautiful representation of the Cherry Blossom, randomly stacked on the lower portion of the Kimono. The horizontal and large eyes on her serene face are typically looking downward, in respect, with just an artistic rendition of bangs falling over the forehead, with sold black hair on top.

Condition: Excellent, in lathe-turning and lacquerwork. It is outstanding, excellent, impressive, and beautiful, and retains its original details and finish. The piece meets all the standards of the vintage collectible Sosaku Kokeshi by Watanabe, Masao.