Modern Creative Kokeshi, Suigai Sato, 12-3/4"

NAME: Modern creative Japanese kokeshi, original box

MAKER: Suigai Sato

SIZE: 12-3/4" (32.5cm)

CONDITION: It appears that this doll was never used (displayed). There is a 3/8" spot on the right side where the varnish and a little bit of wood is missing. Think it's bug trail. This can be a problem with long term storage. I have seen pictures of dolls that were literally half eaten up. There is a 1" round spot on the back of the head with the varnish worn. This is probably where the head rested against the box and the acid in the box disintegrated the varnish. The doll was not wrapped.

There are some larger areas on the back and at the neck in front that have slightly darkened with age. This is the natural aging process (oxidation) of wood. Eventually the whole doll will turn a rich honey color.

With a good magnifying glass, you see circular tool lines on some dolls. I think sometimes they are sanded smooth and sometimes not. This was not. My theory is that when it was varnished, not enough was used to cover all of the imperfections. If the wood isn't protected, oxidation occurs faster. On the head of this doll, you can see the dark spots run along the tool marks.

NOTES: Suigai Sato was born in 1920. Multiple award winner including the Prime Minister Award in 1966. (Information is to 1983 only).