Yusa Fukuju | 遊佐福寿

1930-2001 Miyagi Prefecture

About👤

Yusa Fukuju (1930–2001) was born into a distinguished family of Naruko Kokeshi artisans in Miyagi Prefecture. Trained under the esteemed master Takahashi Sakari, he initially followed the traditional path of dentō Kokeshi. However, by the late 1950s, Fukuju boldly broke from convention, becoming one of the early pioneers of the sōsaku (creative) Kokeshi movement, a shift that reflected both personal conviction and the evolving spirit of postwar Japan.

Though biographical records remain scarce, his legacy endures through his award-winning works and his role in shaping the expressive freedom of sōsaku Kokeshi. Today, Yusa Fukuju’s dolls are highly sought after by collectors for their quiet elegance, symbolic depth, and historical significance.

What we do know:

Family and Early Life: Though born into the Takahashi family of Naruko artisans, Fukuju was adopted by the Yusa family in 1957. This marked a symbolic and literal departure from his dentō roots, as he left behind both familial and stylistic traditions to pursue a more personal artistic vision

Recognitions:

In 1960, at the age of 30, he was awarded the prestigious Prime Minister’s Prize at the 8^th National Kokeshi Competition, held in Tokyo, for his work titled Hōju (宝珠), or “Jewel.” Often depicted as a round or teardrop-shaped object with a pointed top, sometimes surrounded by flames the piece is inspired by the mythical orb held by dragons, that symbolized wisdom, spiritual essence, and the fulfillment of wishes. The Kokeshis’ minimalist form and expressive sumi-e brushwork exemplified Fukuju’s signature style, plain yet profound, often featuring motifs like Daruma or children wrapped in kakumaki shawls.
In 1998, Fukuju was one of ten artists selected by the Sony Family Club to create a Daruma-themed Kokeshi. His submission won top honors, reaffirming his relevance and mastery even decades after his initial acclaim

Awards🏅

1960 National Kokeshi Competition; Prime Ministers Award
1998 Sony Family Club; Top honors for Daruma-themed Kokeshi.

Other📑

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