Artisan, Woodworker: Sekiguchi, Toa

Origin: Son of Sansaku, Toa was born in Shibukawa City, Gunma-ken, and still lives and works there with his family, all of whom create Sosaku Kokeshi. Winner of many awards, he received the Ministry of International Trade Industry Award in 1978. Since then he has won the Prime Minister’s Award, along with other respected commendations. Collector's note – descriptive qualities, standard characteristics & ornamentation styles: Toa-san often employs beatifully painted Mizuki (Dogwood), for his pieces. We see all types of motifs used, including festival elements representing fireworks, and natural elements such as abstracted Gingko leaves, (Ginkgo trees survived the atomic bomb dropped on Hiroshima in 1945, and are considered a “bearer of hope”). We additionally see wheat, plum flowers, cloud-filled skies, and evening sunsets. Many pieces illustrate long hair executed by deep carving to define the hair strands. Toa definitely

Artisan, Woodworker: Sekiguchi, Toshio

Dimensions: 5-1/2”h x 5-0”dia, This doll entitled: Haru no Hi | Spring Day won the Prime Minister’s Award and is made of beautifully painted Mizuki,

Vintage Japanese Sosaku Kokeshi by Sekiguchi, Toa

Dimensions: 3-1/2”h , This Kokeshi won the Prime Minister’s Award, and is made of beautifully painted Mizuki, (Dogwood). Here Toa-san depicts a doll

Vintage Sosaku Kokeshi entitled: “Hagi | Star” by Sekiguchi, Toa

Dimensions: 4-0” h, This Kokeshi was made to celebrate a folk tale about a young girl who was found inside a glowing bamboo shoot. She was believed to