The Doll Maker revisits the artisan theme with a slightly different compositional approach, emphasizing the relationship between maker and creation. Sekino printed every impression by hand in editions typically numbering 30-50 copies. Market prices generally fall between $250-$700.
The hyphenated title — "The Doll-maker" rather than "Doll Maker" — gives this print's craftsperson a slightly more archaic, fairy-tale quality that may be intentional. Sekino's depiction of this traditional artisan explores the peculiar relationship between maker and made: the doll-maker surrounded by faces that reflect or parody human expression, the craftsperson's skill measured by how convincingly the wooden or ceramic face approximates life.
Curated cross-cuts that include this print.
The Doll-maker was created by Jun'ichiro Sekino (関野準一郎).
The Doll-maker uses Nishiki-e, Moku-hanga, and Kento, on woodblock print.
The Doll-maker depicts craftspeople and daily life.
