Vintage Sosaku Kokeshi entitled 'Nintai" (Patience) by Suizan, Shinobu
Dimensions: 7-3/4”h
This rare version of Daruma is in the ‘Harusame’ style of carving in natural birch wood. This figure has distinctly different faces and expressions. It is a standing Daruma wearing the typical robe and one of several versions of this beloved figure. It has a carved insignia entitled a “Nintia”, (Patience). An interesting feature is that this doll form follows that of the robe and natural figure, to give life to the doll along with its intricately carved of his characteristic face and the symbol of Patience on the front of his robe. Suizan-san is a unique artist whose work is unusual and seldom seen, making these dolls quite rare. The piece is signed in script on the bottom along with with his red impressed stamp
Condition: Excellent meaning that the piece retains its original craft/workmanship showing a wonderful-developed patina commensurate which suggests a degree of wear that corresponds to its vintage. It is void of damage, cracks, breakage, or repairs and meets all the standards of the collectible Sosaku Kokeshi.
Artisan
Woodworker: Suizan, Shinobu (Yokusan, Shizan)
Biographical History:
Creative Kokeshi Transitional artist Suizan is known to be from the Tohoku region, but there is no other information found on this artist. Some of his Kokeshi are similar to the Traditional Tougatta-style dolls. His style of carving is called Harusame-bori. 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:
Separating the subject from the background gives solidity and definition, which supports the carving on his lathe-turned dolls. Suizan works only in Kabanoki, (Birch) or Mizuki, (Dogwood), and never paints any of his dolls. Images range from Noh theatre images, Daruma, (folk diety), the devil, chrysanthemum, and autumn flowers. He often carves the kanji for ‘Patience” into his pieces. He is a unique artist whose work is unusual and seldom seen, and is one of only three artists who do not paint their dolls.
Explore & Learn More about Woodworker: Suizan, Shinobu (Yokusan, Shizan)