Vintage sosaku Kokeshi doll created by renowned Japanese artist Katase Kahei (片瀬快平), a respected figure in the Sosaku (creative) Kokeshi movement. He was a distinguished Japanese artisan renowned for his contributions to the Sosaku Kokeshi movement—a post-war artistic revival that emphasized individuality and creative expression in traditional Kokeshi doll-making.
Born in Kanazawa Prefecture in 1921, Katase hailed from a lineage of woodworkers (kijishi), which profoundly influenced his craftsmanship. He began creating Sosaku Kokeshi in 1946, channeling his experiences as a soldier into his art. His work gained national recognition when he received the first Prime Minister’s Award at the All Nippon Kokeshi Competition in 1954. In 1955, one of his pieces was presented to Her Majesty the Empress, further cementing his status in the Japanese art community. By 1962, he was serving as a judge at national Kokeshi contests, and in 1970, he was honored as a holder of Excellent Technique and became a member of Meiko-Kai. His international acclaim grew when he directed an overseas exhibition in St. Louis in 1973, where he was introduced through a television program at Missouri State University.
Katase's Kokeshi are celebrated for their harmonious blend of traditional Japanese aesthetics and modern design elements. He often utilized natural wood finishes, allowing the material's inherent beauty to shine through.
