Misui | 美水作

Year of Birth: TBD production period appears to date from 1950s-

About👤

It is believed that ‘Misui’ may have been a pseudonym or business name, rather than the actual artisan responsible for the work. Several well-known Kokeshi designs bearing the "Misui" stamp are attributed to other recognized makers, suggesting that "Misui" functioned as a reseller applying their own stamp, a practice that was not uncommon at the time.

Translation and Interpretation of 美水作

Characters & Meaning:

美 (bi) – beauty
水 (mizu) – water
作 (saku) – made by, creation, or work

Interpretations:

“Beautiful Water Creation”
“Made by Beautiful Water”
Possibly symbolic or poetic, aligning with the gō (art name) tradition among Sosaku Kokeshi artisans.

Usage Context

Observed as a stamped signature on a Sosaku Kokeshi doll, not listed in major artisan directories.
Likely represents a studio name, art pseudonym, or gō, which was commonly used by sōsaku artisans for branding and poetic self-expression.
Not identified in auction records or published registries, suggesting:

A lesser-known or independent artisan
A studio with limited production
Regional sale focus or direct-to-collector market

Awards🏅

N/A

Other📑

Sources

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