Yoshida Takashi | 吉田多加志

1948 - 2007 Kiryu, Gunma Prefecture

About👤

Curiously, little has been written about Yoshida Takashi despite his prolific presence in the world of Kokeshi. He studied design, chromatics, and related disciplines in the Wood Turning Department of Kiryu Prefectural Technical High School, an education that clearly informed his nuanced sense of form and color. In 1978, he began his journey in creative Kokeshi under the guidance of master artisan Inosuke Kobayashi, laying the foundation for a career that would shape the direction of the sōsaku movement.

A frequent exhibitor at major competitions, he earned over ten awards, including the Prime Ministers Award on three separate occassions, for his masterful craftsmanship. His dolls are celebrated for their exquisitely carved childlike faces and the sophisticated layering of wood chatter techniques and staining, which bring depth and richness to the kimono patterns and hair. Each piece carries a graceful balance of playfulness and lifelike detail, captivating collectors across the globe. Yoshida also mentored Yamazaki Yuko, herself a widely respected artisan in the Kokeshi community.

Awards🏅

1982 National Modern Kokeshi Exhibition; Minister of Education's Encouragement Award
1983 All Japan Kokeshi Competition; Minister of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries' Award
1985 Minister of Transport's Award; All Japan Kokeshi Competition
1986 All Japan Kokeshi Competition; Minister of Forestry Agency's Award
1988 All Gunma Modern Kokeshi Competition; Prime Minister's Award
1990 Minister of International Trade and Industry's Award at the All Gunma Modern Kokeshi Competition
1991 All Gunma Modern Kokeshi Competition; Mnister of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries' Award
1996 All Gunma Modern Kokeshi Competition; Prime Minister's Award
2001 All Gunma Modern Kokeshi Competition; Prime Minister's Award
2005 All Gunma Modern Kokeshi Competition; Minister of Economy, Trade and Industry's Award
2005 All Gunma Modern Kokeshi Competition; Minister of Small and Medium Enterprises' Agency's Award

Exhibitions | Memberships 🖼️

Member of Nippon KOKESHI Artistic Handicraft Association

Other📑

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.
National Creative Kokeshi Art Exhibition in Shibukawa Art Books 2008
admin. (2023a, October 18). 吉田多加志 / Yoshida Takashi | 創作こけしの杜 Wonderful life with Kokeshi. Kokeshi-Sousaku.com. https://kokeshi-sousaku.com/yoshida-takashi/