{"product_id":"vintage-sasayaki-kokeshi-by-sugisaki-64960","title":"Vintage Sasayaki Kokeshi by Sugisaki Taizan","description":"\u003cp\u003eA striking vintage Japanese creative kokeshi titled “Sasayaki” (ささやき \/ “Whisper”) by Sugisaki Taizan (杉崎泰山).\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eDating to approximately the 1960s–1970s, this sculptural work depicts two elongated figures brought together within a series of circular wooden forms.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eStanding approximately 30 cm \/ 11.81 in tall, its extraordinary proportions and minimalist construction make it feel as much like a piece of postwar Japanese sculpture as a kokeshi.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eSASAYAKI — “WHISPER”\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe work is titled “Sasayaki” (ささやき), meaning “Whisper.”\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eTwo slender figures in contrasting tones stand closely together, connected and surrounded by circular wooden elements.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eDepending on the viewing angle, the figures can appear to be whispering, walking together, embracing, or simply standing quietly beside one another.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThis ambiguity is one of the most compelling aspects of the design.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eSUGISAKI TAIZAN\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThis work was created by Japanese creative kokeshi artist Sugisaki Taizan (杉崎泰山).\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eExamples of “Sasayaki” are documented in multiple sizes, with this approximately 30 cm version representing the smaller format.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe design is associated with the development of modern creative kokeshi during the postwar period and is generally dated to around the 1960s–1970s.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eDESIGN\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe composition is remarkably minimal.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eTwo elongated wooden figures are reduced almost entirely to oval heads and narrow vertical bodies.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eRather than painted facial features or elaborate decoration, the design relies on proportion, contrasting wood tones, curved wooden rings, negative space, and the natural surface of the material.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe circular elements bring the two figures together visually and create a sense of movement around an otherwise extremely restrained composition.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eViewed today, the work has a distinctly modernist quality.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eSCULPTURAL OBJECT\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eAlthough created within the tradition of creative kokeshi, “Sasayaki” works particularly well as an abstract wooden sculpture.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eIts height, narrow footprint, contrasting tones, and strong vertical silhouette make it particularly suitable for a contemporary interior.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eIt can be displayed as a standalone object or alongside Japanese ceramics, baskets, lacquerware, and other collected works.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eSIZE\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eHeight:\u003cbr\u003e\nApprox. 30 cm \/ 11.81 in\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eWidth:\u003cbr\u003e\nApprox. 5 cm \/ 1.97 in\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eArtist:\u003cbr\u003e\nSugisaki Taizan (杉崎泰山)\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eTitle:\u003cbr\u003e\nSasayaki (ささやき \/ “Whisper”)\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eType:\u003cbr\u003e\nModern \/ Creative Kokeshi\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eMaterial:\u003cbr\u003e\nWood\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eOrigin:\u003cbr\u003e\nJapan\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eEstimated period:\u003cbr\u003e\nCirca 1960s–1970s\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eCONDITION\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eGood vintage condition.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThere are some areas of discoloration or staining, along with minor surface wear consistent with age.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eNo major structural damage has been noted.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003ePlease refer carefully to the photographs for the exact condition, including the areas of discoloration.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eNatural variations in the wood grain, coloration, and surface are part of the character of this vintage wooden work.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThis is a one-of-a-kind vintage piece. The photographs show the actual item you will receive.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"WabiSabi Kitchen","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":53965908181299,"sku":null,"price":155.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0975\/7130\/7827\/files\/Photoroom_20260831_125420.jpg?v=1788148983","url":"https:\/\/wabisabikitchen.net\/products\/vintage-sasayaki-kokeshi-by-sugisaki-64960","provider":"WabiSabi Kitchen","version":"1.0","type":"link"}