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

Dimensions: height 30 cm, diameter 6 cm.

A particularly elegant Japanese sōsaku kokeshi by Masashi Takeda, born in 1930 in Yamagata Prefecture and known for his refined woodworking and restrained use of colour.

The kokeshi has a tall, slender body and a strikingly large rounded head, beautifully displaying the continuous natural grain of the wood. Its serene face is formed with finely incised eyes, a small red mouth and subtle details around the hairstyle. This understated expression gives the doll a calm and almost meditative presence.

The body is decorated with carefully carved flowers in warm shades of red and yellow, complemented by deep blue and green accents. The decoration is deliberately restrained, allowing the rich dark-brown tone, visible grain and natural variations of the wood to remain central to the design.

Masashi Takeda developed a distinctive style combining sculptural simplicity, refined carving and a deep respect for the natural beauty of wood. His kokeshi received several awards and are now highly appreciated by collectors of modern Japanese folk art.

With its generous height and strong silhouette, this kokeshi makes a beautiful individual art object on a cabinet, shelf or display. It is equally attractive as part of a collection of Japanese kokeshi, wooden sculpture or mid-century design.

In attractive vintage condition, with natural variations in colour and grain and light signs of use consistent with its age and handcrafted production.

A refined and characterful sōsaku kokeshi in which natural materials, sculptural form and subtle floral decoration come together harmoniously.