Kurasawa Toshie | 倉澤敏恵

1938-2011

About👤

Kurasawa Toshie had a distinguished painting career that spanned more than five decades, during which she played a significant role in shaping the sōsaku Kokeshi scene. Her artworks, known for their diverse subject matter, featured not only the famous Kokeshi dolls but also tea caddies and various household items. Using oil paints, she often portrayed intricate floral arrangements, robust oak trees, delicate wildlife, and the serene landscapes of rural Japan. A hallmark of her Kokeshi dolls is the meticulously rendered and finely detailed hair ornaments, called mizuhiki, demonstrating her unparalleled attention to detail and technical skill.

Awards🏅

All Japan Kokeshi Competition

1985, 1987, 1989, 1990, 1992, 1993 and 1994 All Japan Kokeshi Competition; Japan External Trade Organization Chairman's Award, Competition Chairman's Award, Sendai Broadcasting Award, Kokeshi Competition Chairman's Award (twice), Shiroishi Tourism Association Chairman's Award, Shiroishi Chamber of Commerce and Industry Chairman's Award

National Modern Kokeshi Exhibition

1987, 1988 National Modern Kokeshi Exhibition; Tokyo Shimbun Award
1989, 1990, 1991, 1993 National Modern Kokeshi Exhibition; Japan Kokeshi Crafts-Association Encouragement Award
1992 National Modern Kokeshi Exhibition; Japan Kokeshi Crafts Association Honorable Mention Award
1994 National Modern Kokeshi Exhibition; Minister of Education Award
1998 Approximately 100 pieces were submitted to the Nagano Olympic Culture and Arts Festival

Other📑

Sources

1994-1998 Kokeshi Art: National Creative Kokeshi Art Exhibition in Shibukawa, 5th Anniversary Magazine.

Molina, M. (2024, October). Folk art: Celebrating women artisans. Kokeshi Trends, 11. https://www.soulportals.com/kokeshi/KokeshiTrends/Downloads/2024/index.html