Ginza Ippodo Salon is pleased to announce the first solo exhibition of Kamo dolls by Chisui Sakiyama, from Thursday, June 17 to Sunday, June 27, 2010

Sakiyama encountered Kamo dolls four years ago, when he exhibited his graduation work at the museum of Kyoto and started to carve his dolls. Kamo dolls are small woodcarvings initially created in 19th century Edo Period at Kamo Shrine in Kyoto. The small willow-made dolls are about 1/2-2 inches tall and many of them are associated with "Kissho", god of glory and wealth.

Sakiyama says he wants to produce dolls that evoke people feelings of joy and happiness. Since the early 20th century, living Kamo doll artists has not exist but he revived the tradition and now he is the only artist for it. Committed to the protection of original nuance, he keeps carving lively and humorous face Kamo dolls.