Vintage Sosaku Kokeshi “Tsukikage | Spirit of the Take” by Sato Suigai
We are not accepting orders from December 8 - Jan 1, 2025. Sorry for the inconvenience. We will resume sales on Jan 1st.
Dimensions: 13-1/2”h
Shown is a Sosaku Kokeshi that incorporates the ‘Mon’ (family crest), which originated as fabric patterns to be used on clothing, in order to distinguish individual families, or signify membership in a specific clan. The reference to Tsukikage is based on the circular images of the ‘Mon’, (Kamon and Mondokoro), which decorate the body of each doll.
This doll is turned from one piece of wood, accenting a delicate lip on the top of each Kimono and an obi that accentuates the waist. It has beautiful details on the face and ‘Mage’ hair treatment. It is signed by the artist.
Condition: Excellent condition for the piece is perfect, with no missing elements or color loss, and is in exceptional condition. A beautiful, original, finish, retaining the original craftsmanship. Museum-quality: meeting the standards of the collector of the Sosaku Kokeshi Folk Art genre.
Return Policy
Our antique/vintage pieces are identified/described and professionally photographed, and considered, “as is”, therefore all sales are final. Read our full refund and return policy.
Artisan | Woodworker: Sato, Suigai | 1920-
Biographical History:
Sato-san, named Sadahachi, was born in Okubo, Yoshioka Village, Gunma Prefecture, to a family who owned a silk trading business. At the age of 18, he began his professional career as a painter under the famous artist Komuro, Suiun, before pursuing a career in creative Kokeshi making in 1946. Sato-san also pursued careers in fashion design, engineering, and mechanics. In 1970, he was recognized for his wood crafting skills and named Holder of Excellent Technique. His Kokeshi dolls have won many awards, including the Prime Minister’s Award in 1966. In 1970, Sato-san’s artistry was recognized by Japan’s Imperial Family, Crown Prince Akihito, (Now Emperor Akihito), the Minister of Economy and Trade, and the Minister of Agriculture and Forestry. He is a member of the Cultural Properties Protections Committee of Hakone.
Collector's note – descriptive qualities, standard characteristics & ornamentation styles:
What is unique to this artist’s dolls is the unusual but traditional hairstyle, the wheat, summer grass, bamboo, (symbolizing prosperity, purity, and innocence), plum blossoms, and abstract leaves. In many instances, he utilizes an uncolored wood obi on both plain and vividly colored Kimono. He additionally incorporated ‘Stilt grass’, which is most commonly found in moist areas of wetlands. He also enjoyed representing ‘Kyoho budo’, (giant mountain grapes). Occasionally he incorporated pine, plum, and bamboo, referred to as “sho-chiku-bai”. Sato-san created many wonderful simple forms. Sato-san also created several large forms decorated with the family crests, (Mon) that are very tall, made in two separate sections from the same piece of wood, and joined with a connecting dowel. He regularly captures a peaceful nature in his doll's faces, complementing the serene nature that fills the countryside.