复古日本创意こけし玩偶——六件套，主角为岸貞夫（岸貞夫 / 岸貞男） - 木 - 日本 - Shōwa period (1926-1989)

# Vintage Japanese Creative Kokeshi Dolls – Set of 6 – Featuring Sadao Kishi, Prime Minister's Award-Winning Artist – 12–33.5 cm

## Item Description

A charming and beautifully varied collection of **six vintage Japanese Sosaku Kokeshi (Creative Kokeshi) wooden dolls**, showcasing the artistic imagination, craftsmanship, and distinctive beauty of Japan's modern folk art tradition.

At the heart of this collection stands an elegant, exceptionally tall kokeshi by **Sadao Kishi (岸貞夫 / 岸貞男, 1932–1998)**, a celebrated Japanese woodcraft artist and multiple recipient of the prestigious **Prime Minister's Award**.

The six dolls offer a delightful contrast of artistic styles, from refined minimalist forms and peaceful expressions to playful, colorful designs decorated with traditional Japanese motifs.

**Highlights of the Collection**

**1. Elegant Tall Kokeshi by Sadao Kishi**

The centerpiece of the collection, measuring approximately 33.5 cm in height, displays the graceful simplicity and refined aesthetic associated with Kishi's celebrated creations.

Its beautifully rounded head, delicately painted closed eyes, subtle rosy cheeks, and small topknot create an expression of extraordinary serenity.

The elongated, natural wood-colored body is decorated with delicate yellow and gray floral motifs, suggesting chrysanthemums, together with soft horizontal brushstrokes.

Its understated elegance, harmonious proportions, and gentle expression embody the contemplative beauty of Japanese craftsmanship.

**The original paper presentation box accompanying this Kishi doll is included.**

**2. Dark Wooden Kokeshi with Golden Wheat Motifs**

A sophisticated figure with a deep brown finish, a distinctive bob hairstyle, and finely rendered golden wheat designs.

The slender silhouette and subtle facial expression create a striking balance between traditional Japanese aesthetics and modern sculptural simplicity.

**3. Petite Dark Kokeshi with Orange Floral Decorations**

A charming smaller doll featuring a rounded hairstyle, a peaceful face, and delicate orange floral patterns against a dark wooden body.

Its compact proportions and understated decoration give it a particularly gentle character.

**4. Playful Kokeshi with a Tilted Head and Colorful Flowers**

One of the most expressive pieces in the collection.

Its oversized, dramatically tilted head, cheerful closed-eye expression, and richly decorated floral body create a delightful sense of movement and personality.

The vibrant red blossoms, green leaves, and warm reddish-brown wood tones make this doll especially eye-catching.

**5. Colorful Kokeshi with Mount Fuji Landscape**

A delightful figure featuring a rounded head, a playful hairstyle, and a beautifully painted landscape incorporating Mount Fuji, trees, and traditional Japanese scenery.

The combination of cheerful facial features and scenic decoration captures the warmth and charm of Japanese folk art.

**6. Dark Kokeshi with Red Floral Motifs and Hair Ornament**

A graceful wooden doll featuring a distinctive carved hairstyle, a small red ornament, and bright red floral decorations on its dark body.

Its restrained facial expression and bold floral patterns create a lovely contrast.

Together, these six kokeshi form a visually captivating collection, celebrating the diversity of Japanese creative woodcraft.

The combination of natural wood tones, rich dark finishes, colorful floral designs, and individually expressive faces makes this set particularly appealing to collectors of Japanese folk art, vintage wooden sculptures, and mid-century modern design.

Displayed together, they create a beautiful arrangement of contrasting heights, shapes, and artistic personalities.

## Size

**Set of 6 wooden kokeshi dolls**

- Height: Approximately 12–33.5 cm
- Width: Approximately 5.5–11 cm
- Depth: Approximately 5.5–9 cm

Please refer to the photographs showing the dolls alongside measuring tapes for additional size information.

## Weight

- Total weight of 6 dolls: Approximately **1,610 g**
- Total weight including Sadao Kishi's original paper box: Approximately **1,710 g**

## Condition

Vintage condition with signs of age and previous handling.

As these are vintage wooden artworks, minor scratches, small surface marks, slight paint wear, and natural age-related changes may be present.

These characteristics reflect their history and contribute to the authentic vintage character of the collection.

Please carefully examine all photographs, as they form an important part of the description.

**The original paper presentation box for the Sadao Kishi doll is included.**

## Artist Profile – Sadao Kishi (1932–1998)

**Sadao Kishi (岸貞夫, also written 岸貞男)** was one of the notable pioneers of Japan's postwar Creative Kokeshi movement.

Born in Maebashi, Gunma Prefecture, in 1932, Kishi began creating kokeshi in 1950 and became recognized for transforming the traditional Japanese wooden doll into an expressive form of modern sculptural art.

His works are admired for their elegant proportions, harmonious silhouettes, peaceful facial expressions, and sensitive use of natural wood.

Rather than relying on elaborate ornamentation, Kishi often emphasized simplicity, balance, and the natural beauty of his materials, reflecting the Japanese appreciation of quietness and harmony.

Throughout his distinguished career, he received numerous honors, including multiple **Prime Minister's Awards**, among the most prestigious distinctions in Japanese kokeshi craftsmanship.

In 1968, his celebrated work *Mushin* ("A Mind Free from Distractions") received the Prime Minister's Award, demonstrating his exceptional artistic vision.

In 1969, his work *Spirit of Wheat* was purchased by Japan's then Crown Prince and Crown Princess, later Emperor Akihito and Empress Michiko.

In 1970, he also dedicated a work to Meiji Shrine, further reflecting the cultural recognition of his craftsmanship.

Kishi's artistic legacy continues to be appreciated by collectors of Japanese folk art and modern wooden sculpture.

**This collection offers an opportunity to own a work by this distinguished artist alongside five other charming examples of Japanese Creative Kokeshi craftsmanship.**

## Shipping Information

**Shipping from Japan with tracking.**

We use Japan Post, FedEx, Japan Post UGX, DHL, or Yamato Transport (UPS), depending on the destination, customs regulations, and shipping conditions.

**Shipping Costs & EU Countries**

Due to varying import regulations, customs procedures, and DDP/DAP conditions, shipping fees may be higher for certain countries.

Shipping fees may include import duties, handling charges, and other customs-related expenses prepaid by the seller.

**Important Notice for Italy**

According to Japan Post (November 9, 2026), postal deliveries to Italy are experiencing significant delays due to customs IT system changes and postal strikes. Full recovery may take some time.

**We will therefore temporarily prioritize DHL or FedEx for Italy, resulting in higher shipping fees.**

**If you prefer cheaper Japan Post shipping despite possible significant delays, please message us through Catawiki after your purchase.** If available, we will arrange Japan Post shipping and refund the applicable shipping cost difference through Catawiki's official refund system, based on actual shipping and customs-related expenses.

**Shipping Refunds**

**If actual shipping and customs-related costs are significantly lower than the amount paid, we may issue a partial refund through Catawiki's official refund system.**

This applies to EU countries and other destinations, including nearby Asian countries where shipping may be cheaper.

**Please check the shipping fee for your country before bidding.**

**Delivery Time**

Estimated delivery: **approximately 1–2 weeks**, depending on customs and local delivery conditions. Shipments to Italy, particularly via Japan Post, may take considerably longer.

**Import Duties & VAT**

VAT may be collected by Catawiki at checkout. Some import duties and customs fees may also be prepaid by the seller, depending on the shipping method.

**Any taxes, duties, or customs fees not collected by Catawiki or prepaid by the seller are the buyer's responsibility.**

**Packaging**

Items will be carefully packed for safe delivery. Recycled packaging materials and lightweight packaging may be used when appropriate.

**Additional Information**

Shipping methods are selected according to destination regulations and service availability.

**Please check the shipping rate table for your country or region.**

Due to changing EU customs requirements, shipping fees may be set higher than usual. Whenever possible, we will refund excess shipping costs through Catawiki's official system.

**Please note that refunds may not be possible if the final winning bid is exceptionally low.**

Thank you for your understanding and cooperation.