Kokeshi doll plum blossom by master Sato Suigai (Japan 1920 - ?)

This doll is known as "ume" (plum blossom). The plum tree is considered auspicious, symbols announcing spring. The floral motifs stand out against a black background. The character is draped in his kimono, his head seeming to be posed. With her eyes downcast, she embodies, like all kokeshis, modesty and gentleness, or "mushin", innocence. The hairstyle evokes the buddha bun. Small shocks, wear. Oxidation of wood. Circa 1960. The artist: Born in 1920 in yoshioka, gunma prefecture. Coming from a silk merchant family, at the age of 18, he was trained by komuro suiun (1868-1912), a famous literate painter – he branched off into the manufacture of creative kokeshi in 1948. He also studied fashion design, engineering and mechanics. His kokeshi dolls have won many awards, including the highest prize: that of the prime minister in the 60s (who gave him the title of master). In the 70s, his artistic talent was recognized by the imperial family of japan. Prince akihito, the future emperor, collects his coins. ^----about kokeshis: They were toys for girls, or offered as a token of love or friendship; or symbolized the desire to have a healthy child. They would have a function of talisman, are modesty, softness. A certificate, a notice on the artist, as well as a detailed explanation on the art of kokeshis will be given to the purchaser.