Aoki Ryoka | 青木寥華

b.1931

About👤

Aoki Ryoka, formerly known as Aoki Toshiko, was born in Setagun Akagimura, Gunma Prefecture. She attended Gunma Prefecture’s Shibukawa High School. Aoki-san is a Kokeshi Artisan by trade and enjoys Japanese painting and Buddhist painting as hobbies. She is also a member of the Japanese National Kyudo Archery Association and holds the title of Kyudo Master 6th dan.

In a previous interview by KokeshiTrends, Aoki-san explained that she received the name "Ryoka" while studying Japanese painting under Master Nozawa Ryoshu, a renowned Japanese painting master. He bestowed the name upon her. At the time, there were no active Kokeshi designers, making it difficult to earn a living from it. Aoki-san decided to officially establish a company and began creating and selling commercially available Kokeshi.Almost 80% of her Kokeshi are made from dogwood. She is a multi-award winner, having had the honor of being presented with the Prime Minister's Award on four separate occasions.

Awards🏅

1975 National Modern Kokeshi Exhibition; Received the Encouragement Award from the Minister of Education for “Hanatenshi”

1977 Japan-Taiwan Cultural Exchange Prize

1988 All Gunma Modern Kokeshi Contest; Won the Prime Ministers Award

1991 All Gunma Modern Kokeshi Contest; Won the Prime Ministers Award

2001 National Modern Kokeshi Exhibition; Grand Prize, Minister's Award

2002 All Gunma Modern Kokeshi Contest; Won the annual grand prize for “Prayer”

2003 All Gunma Modern Kokeshi Contest; Won the Prime Ministers Award

Received the Minister of International Trade and Industry Award and many other awards at the All Japan Kokeshi Contest

2013 Received the Minister of Health, Labor and Welfare Award as a modern master craftsman.

She was also awarded the "Medal with Yellow Ribbon" from the Japan Kokeshi Crafts Association for "Doujin" and many more awards.

Note: This is not an all inclusive list of awards

Other📑

1975-1983 Approximately 8 pieces of her work were selected and purchased by the Crown Prince and Crown Princess for their personal collection

Sources

National Creative Kokeshi Art Exhibition in Shibukawa Art Books 1994-1998, 2008, 2013, 2024