Age:Early 1970s

This figure is executed in dogwood and carved to support the Daruma motif. One is the standing type wearing the typical robe and the other is a seated version of this beloved figure. It is carved with the kanji for ‘Patience’, and the form of the robe give life to each piece. The doll is signed on the bottom. 

Height: 6 cm, 9 cm

Perfect condition

Artisan | Woodworker: Suizan, Shinobu (Yokusan, Shizan)

Origin:

Creative Kokeshi Transitional artist Suizan is known to be from the Tohoku region, but there is no other information found on this artist. Some of his Kokeshi are similar to the Traditional Tougatta-style dolls. His style of carving is called Harusame-bori.

Collector's note – descriptive qualities, standard characteristics & ornamentation styles:

Separating the subject from the background gives solidity and definition, which supports the carving on his lathe-turned dolls. Suizan works only in Kabanoki, (Birch) or Mizuki, (Dogwood), and never paints any of his dolls. Images range from Noh theatre images, Daruma, (folk diety), the devil, chrysanthemum, and autumn flowers. He often carves the kanji for ‘Patience” into his pieces. He is a unique artist whose work is unusual and seldom seen, and is one of only three artists who do not paint their dolls.

Artist's Signature: