Yamanaka Sanpei

(1926-)

Bio & Awards

Yamanaka Sanpei (1926-2012) who won over 20 awards for his kokeshi dolls including the prestigious “Prime Minister Award” in 1979. Sanpei’s inspiration for kokeshi doll designs often come from children’s innocence and amazement of the world surrounding them. Besides making kokeshi dolls, Sanpei san is also a talented photographer and he has won multiple awards for his pictures in the 1960’s.

Awards

1962 – All Japan Kokeshi Contest Award
1964 – All Japan Kokeshi Contest Award
1964 -National Modern Kokeshi Exhibition Grand Award
1965 – All Japan Kokeshi Contest Award
1967 – All Japan Kokeshi Contest Miyagi Prefecture Governor Award
1972 – All Japan Kokeshi Contest Award
1972 – Touring Exhibition in the United States
1974 – National Modern Kokeshi Exhibition Award
1975 – All Japan Kokeshi Contest Award
1976 – All Japan Kokeshi Contest Federation Award
1977 – All Japan Kokeshi Contest Award
1977 – National Modern Kokeshi Exhibition Federation Award
1977 – All Japan Modern Kokeshi Exhibition Yearly Award
1978 – National Modern Kokeshi Exhibition Art Exchange Award
1979 – National Modern Kokeshi Contest Ministry of Education, Science and Culture Award
1979 – Prime Minister Award
1979 – West Germany October Exhibition
1980 – All Japan Kokeshi Contest Award
1983 – All Japan Kokeshi Contest Award
1984 – All Japan Kokeshi Contest Award
1986 – All Japan Kokeshi Contest Award