Usaburo Okamoto | 初代岡本卯三郎

1917 - 2009 Shinto, Gunma Prefecture

About👤

Following the war, in Shibukawa, Gunma Prefecture, Usaburo Okamoto, the founder of Usaburo Kokeshi, began by crafting inkstones and stone plates using a unique artificial stone of his own invention. He also produced metal crafts, including pieces made from antimony (a metalloid element used in soldering).

In 1950, his creative focus shifted: he turned to Kokeshi-making. Unconstrained by conventional methods and ideals, Usaburo introduced specialized machinery to aid in production. He pioneered a technique using Nichrome wire to carve and burn designs, transforming the painting process, which had traditionally relied solely on brushwork.

Curious about materials, he explored the use of richly grained woods like keyaki and chestnut, moving beyond the standard table dogwood. After considerable experimentation, he succeeded in crafting Kokeshi dolls and flower vases that revealed a distinctive aesthetic, blending modern craftsmanship with a deeply personal sensibility.

Usaburo became a multi-award-winning artisan and was widely recognized as one of the leading figures in the sōsaku movement of the 1950s, pushing the boundaries of tradition while shaping a new artistic legacy until his passing in 2009.

Awards🏅

1967 All-Gunma Modern Kokeshi Competition; Gunma Prefectural Governor's Award
1969 All-Japan Kokeshi Competition; Chairman's Award
1974 All-Japan Kokeshi Competition; Gunma Prefectural Governor's Award
1977 All-Japan Kokeshi Competition; Forestry Agency Commissioner's Award
1978 All-Japan Kokeshi Competition; Minister of International Trade and Industry Award
1984 All-Gunma Modern Kokeshi Competition; Minister of International Trade and Industry Award
1985 All-Gunma Modern Kokeshi Competition; Minister of International Trade and Industry Award
1987 All-Japan Kokeshi Competition; Minister of Transport Award
1989 International Art and Culture Award
2002 All-Gunma Modern Kokeshi Competition; Gunma Prefecture Merit Award

Exhibitions

1979 Exhibited at the 3rd Japan-China Art Exchange Exhibition
1985 Exhibited at the 9th Japan-China Art Exchange Exhibition

Other📑

Sources

Admin. (2024, February 21). 卯三郎こけし公式オンラインストア. 卯三郎こけし公式オンラインストア. Usaburo Kokeshi Official Online Store https://usaburokokeshi.com/en/#founder Photo Credit: Usaburo.com