Figure (3) - 3 vintage wooden Sosaku Kokeshi – Kishi Sadao and Fukurokuju – Japan

Interesting lot consisting of three vintage Japanese wooden kokeshi dolls from the Sosaku Kokeshi tradition, distinguished by creative forms, handcrafted workmanship, and decorations inspired by Japanese culture and folklore.

The first depicts Fukurokuju, one of Japan’s Seven Lucky Gods and a symbol of longevity, wisdom, and prosperity. It features a distinctive elongated head, a smiling face, a beard, and hand-painted details. The character 福 (Fuku), associated with good fortune, appears on the front. The base bears a signature in Japanese characters and a red seal; it may be attributed to Daikichi.

The second is a charming Sosaku Kokeshi depicting a young girl with sculpted bobbed hair, a spherical red hair ornament, and a kimono decorated with floral motifs. The base bears Japanese inscriptions and a red stamp. Artist unidentified.

The third is an elegant Sosaku Kokeshi made by Japanese artist Kishi Sadao (1932–1998), distinguished by its tall, articulated form, a serene expression, and finely carved and colored ears of wheat on the body. The design is reminiscent of the artist’s celebrated composition “Spirit of Wheat” (Seishin no Komugi), representative of his style. The base bears the artist’s distinctive circular red stamp.

Period: Shōwa period, second half of the 20th century.
Origin: Japan
Material: carved, engraved, and painted wood
Fukurokuju: height 25 cm, weight 634 g
Kokeshi with red kimono: height 19 cm, weight 360 g
Kokeshi with ears of wheat: height 27 cm, weight 313 g
Total weight: 1,307 g

Vintage condition, with signs of age and use, minor abrasions, color variations, and wear to the decorations, as visible in the photographs.

The photographs form an integral part of the description. Carefully protected, tracked, and insured shipping. Combined shipping available for multiple purchases.

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