Artisan | Woodturner: Kanou Chiyomatsu | 狩野千代松

About👤

Year of Birth: 1935

Location: Shikishima Village, Gunma Prefecture

Master: Unavailable

Style: Sōsaku Kokeshi

Around 1953, he began creating sōsaku (creative) Kokeshi. Over the years, he became a highly respected, award-winning artisan, receiving the prestigious Prime Minister’s Award twice. In 1981 and 1982, his works were presented to the Crown Prince and Princess. His Kokeshi have a peaceful, elegant charm that evokes the warmth of an old hometown. Often featuring floral motifs in a wide range of styles, his dolls are a true visual delight.

Awards🏅

1978 All Gunma Modern Kokeshi Contest Prime Minister's Award
1979 All Japan Kokeshi Contest Prime Minister's Award
1982 Received the Minister of International Trade and Industry Award eight times, the Minister of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries Award seven times, the Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry Award four times, the Minister of Education, Culture, Sports, Science and Technology Award twice, and over 130 other awards.
1986 Award for Achievement in Citizen Activities
1992 Gumma Prefecture Lifelong Learning Instructor
1993 Works published in the Junior High School Art Materials "Expression and Appreciation" (until 2001)
1994 Maebashi City Landscape Award Council member
2000 Gunma Prefecture Furusato Traditional Craftsman
2003 Maebashi City Skill Merit Award

Other📑

Community gallery: Link

Soulportals gallery: Link

Known signatures: Link

Sources📰

Shibukawa City Board of Education, Lifelong Learning Division. (1998). Creative Kokeshi Doll Exhibition in Shibukawa City: 20th & 5th catalogue, 1994–1998 (Ishihara, Ed.). Shibukawa City & Shibukawa City Board of Education.
Creative KOKESHI Artistic Handicraft Directory. Supervised by Daizo Nishide, directed by Kazuo Izumi, Nippon Kokeshi Artistic Handicraft Association, July 1983