Offered here is anexceptionally large 22.25-inch Creative / Sosaku Kokeshiby renowned Japanese artistMasao Watanabe (1917–2007).
At22.25 inches tall, this is an unusually substantial example of Japanese Creative Kokeshi, with an impressive elongated sculptural form, beautifully visible natural wood grain, and an extraordinarily detailed carved hairstyle.
The22.25-inch heightgives this kokeshi an entirely different presence from the small and medium-sized examples typically encountered by collectors.It is better appreciated as aJapanese wood sculptureas much as a collectible kokeshi doll.
MASAO WATANABE — IMPORTANT SOSAKU KOKESHI MASTERMasao Watanabe (渡辺正雄, 1917–2007)was one of the important artists of Japan’s postwarSosaku Kokeshi / Creative Kokeshimovement.
Watanabe studied woodturning under Yajiro kokeshi masterSato Tatsuoand established himself as an independent artist in the early 1950s. He became particularly known for his original Creative Kokeshi designs, emphasizing thenatural color and grain of the wood, sculptural form, texture, and expressive simplicity.
His career included numerous major awards at Japanese kokeshi exhibitions and competitions. His documented awards include multiplePrime Minister’s Awards, and specialist references specifically identify“Shojo” as a work associated with a Prime Minister’s prize in 1981.
Watanabe was also recognized in 1987 as aContemporary Master Craftsman (現代の名工), an important Japanese recognition of exceptional technical skill.
His work is also represented in the permanent collection of theNuremberg Toy Museum in Germany.
“SHOJO” — 少女The titleShojo (少女)translates approximately as“Girl” or “Young Girl.”
The design is particularly recognizable for its extraordinarily elongated proportions and distinctive treatment of the hair.
This example features:
- Extremely tall 22.25” sculptural proportions
- Deeply carved linear grooves defining the hair
- Large, highly dimensional twin-bun hairstyle
- Subtle red coloration within the carved hair
- Serene minimalist facial expression
- Long cylindrical body
- Natural wood grain prominently visible throughout
- Elegant, almost architectural vertical silhouette
The carved hair is particularly impressive. The numerous parallel grooves create an exceptionally rich surface that contrasts beautifully with the relatively restrained treatment of the face and body.
THE 1981 PRIME MINISTER’S AWARD CONNECTIONOne of the most interesting aspects of theShojoidentification is its connection to Watanabe’s award history.
Specialist documentation identifies“Shojo” as one of Watanabe Masao’s works associated with a Prime Minister’s Award in 1981. His earlier award-winning work“Chigozakura”received a Prime Minister’s prize in 1963.
Important:the 1981 date refers to the documented award associated with theShojowork/design,not necessarily the exact production date of this individual example.
For that reason, I recommend dating this example conservatively as:
Circa late 1970s–1980sunless we can establish a more precise date from the signature, base, original documentation, or a catalog/reference showing this exact form.
That is much safer—and more credible—than claiming definitively that yours was made in 1981.
WHY THIS EXAMPLE IS SPECIALThere are plenty of Watanabe Masao kokeshi on the market, butscale is what makes this example stand apart.
Current examples of Watanabe’s work commonly measure around 29–36 cm (approximately 11½–14¼”), while other examples are considerably smaller.
Your example measures approximately:
22.25 INCHES TALLThat is approximately56.5 cm.
The combination of:
Masao Watanabe + Shojo + Sosaku Kokeshi + 22.25” scale
is the story we need to sell.
COLLECTOR & DESIGN APPEALThis piece will appeal not only to traditional kokeshi collectors, but also to collectors of:
Japanese wood sculpture
Japanese folk art
Sosaku Kokeshi
Creative Kokeshi
Japanese modernist design
Mid-century Japanese craft
Asian decorative arts
Artist-signed Japanese woodwork
Its exceptionally tall proportions also make it particularly effective as astatement decorative objectin a contemporary, minimalist, Japanese, mid-century modern, or collected interior.
📏 DIMENSIONSHeight:22.25 inches
Maximum width:7 inches
Body diameter:approximately 4.5 inches
Condition:
Vintage collectible condition consistent with age and previous display.Please examine all photographs carefully, as they form an important part of the condition description.Natural variations in wood grain, tonal variation, minor surface marks, and evidence of age should be expected as part of the character of a vintage Japanese wooden sculpture.The underside retains the original handwritten artist signature and award notation.
