Fujikawa Masae | 藤川正衛
b.1942
About👤
🧐 Note on Name Signature Nuance
His real name is Fujikawa Masae, as published in many Kokeshi exhibition books. But for his sōsaku Kokeshi he uses the pen name (or what we westerners call a pseudonym), Fujikawa Shōei as written in his website. The kanji is the same, just a different reading. He prefers to use the pen name Shōei (昭栄) for his artistic work. Interestingly, both names share the same kanji characters, but are read differently, a common practice among Japanese artists who adopt alternate readings as part of their artistic identity. On his official website and in correspondence with collectors, he has expressed a clear preference for being referred to as Shōei when discussing his kokeshi creations. Additionally, some online sources use the spelling Syoei instead of using the long ō as it's easier to type. This nuanced detail was researched and confirmed by Andy Combs on behalf of KokeshiVillage.com, helping collectors and enthusiasts honor the artisan’s chosen name and legacy.
Born in Gunma prefecture, he started to make Kokeshi in 1959 under sensei Ishida Kanji. Ishida Kanji is a member of the first board of trustees of "Gunma Pref Kokeshi doll cooperative association".
Fujikawa-san established the Fujikawa Craft Corporation in 1991. He received numerous accolades for his Kokeshi, including the Prime Minister's Prize in 1996 and 2002, one awarded for his work Michi Ko (“Rain Child”). He was also honored with the Minister of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries Prize in both 1995 and 1996. His brother, Fujikawa Kazumi, apprenticed under him.
An early practitioner of vintage Sosaku Kokeshi, he distinguished his work through expressive illustrations and vivid coloration. His later creations are characterized by black bobbed hairstyles, compact rounded forms, and bold color palettes. Each figure is adorned in a traditional Michiyuki—a short overcoat worn atop a kimono—typically embellished with seasonal floral motifs, reflecting his primary artistic interest. The facial renderings consistently depict young girls with stylized, slanting eyes.
The family continue in the Kokeshi business as of 07/27/2021. Which includes brother Fujikawa Kazumi (y. 1951) and Fujikawa Eiichi (y. 1970).
