Vintage Sosaku Kokeshi by Kishi, Sadao Entitled: “Seishin Komugi no | Spirit of Wheat”
Kishi-san was born in Maebashi, Gunma Prefecture in 1932 and produced hundreds of creative Kokeshi dolls until his passing. During his career, he received numerous awards, winning the Prime Minister’s Award and the Minister of Economy, Trade and Industry Award (METI).
The Wheat Festival in Korobe Gorge inspired the most popular dolls by this artist, for which wheat is one of his central motifs. He additionally incorporated simple flowers and subjects related to mothers and children as both form-giving and decoration on the bodies. All of his creations are beautifully proportioned dolls, found in many sizes, and celebrate nature and its connection to everyday life. An emphasis on simple turned wood gives focus to the subject of his work.
