Shido Shozan Vintage Kokeshi Doll Set – Cranes & Clouds

This kokeshi doll set was made by the award winning master Shido Shozan (1932-1995). Their title is 鶴雲 (Kaku-un) which means “Cranes & Clouds”. They are designed as calligraphy brushes and combined together the calligraphy on them creates a poetic inscription:

「鶴雲」
行雲流水
白雲万里

「Cranes & Clouds」
“Clouds drift, water flows
White clouds stretch for ten thousand miles”

It describes a serene and auspicious scenery of cranes flying through the sky among drifting clouds that stretch beyond the horizon. It is traditionally associated with longevity, elegance and the world beyond ordinary life. The first sentence also related to Zen since clouds drift without effort and water flows similarly, hence a person who practice Zen should act naturally and without clinginess.

Master Shido Shozan was born in Oita prefecture in 1932. He’s known for his delicate and subtle designs which emphasize the wood tone and grain. His dolls often have a simple facial features and his dolls are very popular and sought after among collectors. He has won many awards as well as the most prestigious prime minister award.

In great condition with signs of age and use. Please inspect all the pictures.

Height: 60cm, 47cm, 35cm / 23.6 inches, 18.5 inches, 13.7 inches
Width: 5.5cm, 3.5cm, 3cm / 2.1 inches, 1.3 inches, 1.1 inches
Weight (combined): 1.22kg / 2.6 lbs