K25058 - Sosaku kokeshi by Shozan Shido 志藤尚山

This striking sōsaku kokeshi by legendary artist Shozan Shido (志藤尚山) is a perfect example of his minimalist yet deeply expressive style. Carved in an elongated, almost architectural form, the figure stands tall with a cloak-like silhouette in a rich black tone, accented with delicate facial features and a subtle sash around the waist. Its smooth, sleek design captures both serenity and strength, reflecting Shido’s mastery in using simplicity to evoke deep emotion and poise. Crafted from fine wood and finished with a dark lacquer-like tone, this piece demonstrates Shozan’s refined aesthetic: clean lines, minimal color, and a modern sensibility rooted in traditional Japanese beauty. Shozan Shido 志藤尚山 born in Ōita Prefecture in 1932, Shozan Shido initially studied law and graduated from Chuo University in Tokyo. However, his passion led him down the path of craftsmanship. Originally trained in the traditional Yamagata kokeshi school, he began to explore the creative freedom of sōsaku (creative) kokeshi in 1959. After relocating to Yonezawa, a region rich in historical and cultural motifs, his style evolved further, often integrating subtle nods to local heritage in highly stylized and modernist forms. Shozan’s dolls became instantly recognizable for their sleek shapes, minimalist design, and almost sculptural presence. Throughout his career, Shido won numerous awards, including the coveted Prime Minister Award, and is widely considered one of the most influential and collectible kokeshi artists of the 20th century. His works remain highly sought after by collectors worldwide and are prized for their timeless elegance and refined craftsmanship. Size: 7.5 x 7.5 x 26cm#K25058#SosakuKYO· · ──── ✨𝘼𝙘𝙘𝙚𝙨𝙨 𝙊𝙪𝙧 𝘿𝙖𝙩𝙖𝙗𝙖𝙨𝙚✨ ──── · · 𝐸𝑣𝑒𝑟𝑦 𝑖𝑡𝑒𝑚 𝑠𝑜𝑙𝑑 𝑛𝑜𝑤 𝑐𝑜𝑚𝑒𝑠 𝑤𝑖𝑡ℎ 𝑎 𝑐𝑒𝑟𝑡𝑖𝑓𝑖𝑐𝑎𝑡𝑒 𝑓𝑒𝑎𝑡𝑢𝑟𝑖𝑛𝑔 𝑎 𝑢𝑛𝑖𝑞𝑢𝑒 𝑄𝑅 𝑐𝑜𝑑𝑒 𝑎𝑛𝑑 𝑆𝐾𝑈 𝑛𝑢𝑚𝑏𝑒𝑟. 𝑆𝑖𝑚𝑝𝑙𝑦 𝑠𝑐𝑎𝑛 𝑜𝑟 𝑒𝑛𝑡𝑒𝑟 𝑖𝑡 𝑡𝑜 𝑎𝑐𝑐𝑒𝑠𝑠 𝑡ℎ𝑒 𝑝𝑟𝑜𝑑𝑢𝑐𝑡 𝑖𝑛𝑓𝑜𝑟𝑚𝑎𝑡𝑖𝑜𝑛 𝑎𝑛𝑦𝑡𝑖𝑚𝑒.