Shozan Shido is considered one of the most influential kokeshi Master so far. His kokeshi are arguably amongst the most popular, and sought by collectors all over the world making them highly expensive.  

Shido Shozan was born in Oita prefecture in 1932 and graduated later from Chuo University in Tokyo with a law degree. Originally, Shido was a traditional Yamagata kokeshi artist. He started making sosaku kokeshi in 1959. He moved to Yonezawa which greatly influenced some of his designs to depict Yonezawa motifs. His keen sense of design, minimal use of color, and simple elegant shapes set him apart from his peers, making him one of the most collectible artists emerging from the creative period of the ‘60s winning various awards since 1961. Shido won numerous awards including the prestigious Prime Minister Award. Shido passed away in 1995.

Available Kokeshi Art by Shozan Shido: