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Vintage Hijiori Kokeshi by Sato Shoichi from the 1980s
€33Bid from €30
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Private sellerProduct description
Vintage Hijiori Kokeshi by Sato Shoichi from the 1980s. Sato Shoichi (1935–2023) was born on November 10, 1935, in Kitazaimokucho (Sendai, Miyagi Prefecture). He literally grew up among wood shavings. He was the eldest son of the renowned woodworkers and Kokeshi makers Sato Minosuke and Kikuno. His grandfather was the legendary master Sato Shusuke, one of the absolute founders of the Hijiori style. Shoichi graduated from Miyagi Technical High School (woodworking) and subsequently completed economics studies at Tohoku Gakuin University. In his early days, he was known in Japan as 'the only university student who makes Kokeshi dolls,' which attracted a great deal of media attention at the time. Although he was already woodturning during his studies, he officially apprenticed with his father after graduation. From July 1963, he began producing Kokeshi independently. He moved the family studio from the traditional mountain village of Hijiori Onsen to urban Sendai. This created a unique signature in his work: his dolls retained the rough, rustic soul of the Hijiori style, while simultaneously acquiring a modern and refined character. From 1973 onwards, he devoted himself intensively to faithfully reconstructing the historical, classic designs of his legendary grandfather Shusuke. For his exceptional skills, he received the prestigious Outstanding Skills Medal (卓越技能章) from the Japanese government during his career. Sato Shoichi remained active until a ripe old age and passed away in 2023 at the age of 87. The date 57.8.16 is inscribed on the base. This refers to the Japanese calendar (Shōwa period). Shōwa 57 corresponds to the Western year 1982, meaning that this doll was made or purchased on August 16, 1982.
The height is 23 cm; please view the photos for the condition. Note: the kokeshi dolls are not new, so there will always be scratches, discoloration, and cracks present to a greater or lesser extent.
Specifications
ConditionGoodColorsMulti ColorMaterialWoodNumber of items1Height23 cmWidth6 cmDepth4 cmSigns of usageScratches, Stains, Discoloring
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Private sellerKerkrade, NetherlandsOn Whoppah since April 2023 • 0 sales