Master SUIGAI SATO Kokeshi Signed, Japan 1970s - 7.2\" 1.0 lb For Sale

Thank you forlooking. Please visit my other listings of contemporary and antique Japaneseart.

A lovely vintage work by Sato-san, the artistrevered for his innovative designs and as oneof the founders of the sōsaku kokeshi movement.

Height: 7.2\" / 18 cm
Diameter: 3.2\" / 8.1 cm
Weight: 1.0 lbs / 470 g

Suigei Sato 佐藤翠崕

Born Sato Sadahachi in Okubo, Yoshioka Village, GunmaPrefecture, Sato-san came from a family engaged in the silk trading business.Early in life, he studied Japanese painting under Suiun Komuro, an influentialmentor from whom he later adopted the pseudonym Suigai. His professionaljourney began in 1949 as a painter, though his path eventually led him to theexpressive world of creative kokeshi making.

Sato-san\'s talents were not confined to one discipline;over the years, he also explored careers in fashion design, engineering, andmechanics. His Kokeshi dolls garnered numerous accolades, including theprestigious Prime Minister’s Award. His artistry reached the highest circles ofJapanese society, earning recognition from Crown Prince Akihito (then EmperorAkihito). In 1970, he was officially recognized as a “Holder of ExcellentTechnique” for his exceptional woodworking skills.

Sato-san’s Kokeshi are distinctive for their fusion oftradition and innovation. His dolls often feature a unique yet classicalhairstyle and striking decorative motifs. He drew inspiration from nature,incorporating elements such as wheat, summer grass, bamboo (symbols ofprosperity, purity, and innocence), plum blossoms, and abstract foliage. One ofhis signature techniques was the use of an uncolored wood obi (fabric belt)against both monochrome and vividly patterned kimono.

He also favored motifs like stilt grass, commonly found inwetlands, and kyoho budō, or giant mountain grapes. On occasion, heembraced the symbolic trio of pine, plum, and bamboo (shō-chiku-bai), anauspicious motif in Japanese art.

His body of work ranged from elegantly simple forms tolarge-scale dolls adorned with family crests (mon), crafted in twojoined segments from a single piece of wood. These grand forms werethoughtfully constructed with dowel connections and remarkable cohesion. Acrossall his creations, Sato-san consistently conveyed a gentle, contemplativeexpression in each doll’s face, mirroring the tranquil rural landscapes thatinspired him.

Awards

Sato-san received dozens of awards, including the Ministerof Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries Award; the Gunma Prefectural Governor\'sAward; the Maebashi Mayor\'s Award; the Director-General of the InternationalTrade and Industry Bureau Award; the NHK Award; and various newspaper awards atthe All-Gunma Modern Kokeshi Competition. In 1966, he received the covetedPrime Minister award in the All-Japan kokeshi competition, the highest honorthat can be bestowed on a kokeshi artist:

• 1959 National Kokeshi Doll Exhibition; Chairman\'s Award
• 1960 National Kokeshi Doll Exhibition; Tokyo Governor\'s Award
• 1966 National Kokeshi Doll Exhibition; Prime Minister\'s Award
• 1968 National Kokeshi Doll Exhibition; Chrysanthemum Award

K1128