Vintage Sōsaku Kokeshi with Floral Decoration, ca. 1960–1980

Dimensions: height 25 cm, diameter 4.5 cm.

An elegant Japanese sōsaku kokeshi with a distinctive elongated silhouette and refined, wood-burned decoration.

The doll consists of a rounded body, a slender neck and a strikingly large head topped with a small circular hair bun. Its restrained face is expressed through only a few delicate lines, giving the kokeshi a calm and almost meditative presence.

A stylised leaf motif runs along the neck, while the lower section is decorated with roses, foliage and geometric lines. The decoration appears to have been burned or incised directly into the wood, highlighting its warm colour, natural grain and subtle irregularities.

The strongly simplified form and free interpretation of the human figure are characteristic of sōsaku kokeshi, the creative Japanese kokeshi that became especially popular from the mid-20th century onwards. Unlike traditional regional kokeshi, these works allowed greater freedom for the individual artistic vision of their maker.

With its slender proportions, this kokeshi creates a refined decorative accent on a cabinet, shelf or display. It is beautiful as an individual object and combines equally well with other Japanese wooden sculptures and ceramics.

In attractive vintage condition, with light signs of use and natural irregularities consistent with its age, wooden material and handcrafted production.

A characterful Japanese kokeshi in which simplicity, graphic decoration and the natural beauty of wood come together harmoniously.