Yajima Suiho | 矢島翠峰

b.1915

About👤

Yajima-san Graduated from a private art school. He was a ceremaics art teacher and began creating sōsaku Kokeshi in the 50s, winning numerous awards including the Prime Minister’s Award.

Author Yamanaka Noboru regarded his work as highly refined and noted that it held considerable appeal among collectors. He attributed this appeal, at least in part, to his simple living and the kindness demonstrated by Yajima-san in caring for his ailing and elderly mother-in-law, an act of compassion that, according to Yamanaka, found subtle expression in the quality of the work produced by the artisan.

Additionally, Yamanaka shared that Yajima-san was affectionately known among his peers by the nickname "Little Tanuki." This moniker, he explained, did not stem from any association with deceit or misconduct, but rather from Yajima-san's talent for engaging conversation. His tendency to make light-hearted, harmless remarks that gently confused yet delighted others contributed to the origin of this endearing nickname.

Awards🏅

1954 5th National Kokeshi Competition; Prime Minister's Award (Shigeru Yoshida)

Other📑

Sources:

1. Wolf, R., & Evans, M. (n.d.). Artisan: Woodworker: Yajima, Suiho -1915. Mingei Arts. https://mingeiarts.com/collections/artisan-woodworker-yajima-shuiho-1915 With consent from Mingeiarts.com

2. Yamanaka, N. (1960). In Kokeshi Yearbook 1960 Edition (1960th ed., pp. 37, 38). Aogabo.