Vintage Sosaku Kokeshi entitled: “Kōtakunoaru | Shyness” by Shouzan, Shido (1932-1995)

Sale price$445.00 Regular price$560.00
Save 21%

Dimensions: 10-1/2”h

Shouzan-san is considered by Kokeshi collectors and critics alike to be the most influential artist in the world of Sosaku Kokeshi doll-making that emerged during the creative period of the ‘60s. He is a multiple winner of the Prime Minister’s Award, among many other awards. 

This doll has a common design element: a repetitive, textural pattern called ‘Harmonic Chatter work’, used to define the Kimono in one lathe-turned piece of Keyaki (Zelkova) wood. It is a random decoration enabling the artist to produce some exquisite, yet unique treatments, combined with un-ornamented surfaces as represented in the ‘Bob’ hairstyle. The unique ‘Mage’ completes the top of her head. Supporting his interpretations of young girls, it is said the Japanese culture is one of modesty and humility which is beautifully represented in this doll. Her elongated, horizontal eyes and tiny nose define its character.  The doll is signed in script by the artist.  

The piece was published in the 2022 publication of Sosaku Kokeshi: Celebrating the Major Artists of the Creative Movement. For more information on this artist go to the following link: https://mingeiarts.com/collections/artisan-woodworker-shido-shozan-1932-1995.

Condition: Superb lathe turning, detailing, and size, for it, is outstandingly excellent, impressive, and beautiful. There are no chips, cracks, breaks, missing pieces, or restoration, and it retains its original details and finishes. The piece meets all the standards of the vintage collectible Sosaku Kokeshi by Shouzan, Shido.