This shingata (new-style) kokeshi by Shōichi (莊一) exemplifies the charm of early creative kokeshi design, blending simplicity with bold artistry. The doll features a classic rounded head with softly shaded hair and expressive, almond-shaped eyes—an understated facial expression that conveys quiet calmness, a hallmark of many mid-century shingata works.
The body is adorned with striking horizontal bands in deep red and black, an iconic color pairing in postwar kokeshi aesthetics. Within these bands, Shōichi incorporates delicate stylized plum blossom motifs, rendered in soft golden tones. These blossoms—symbols of resilience, renewal, and early spring—add both warmth and movement to the otherwise structured design.
At the lower body, the artist uses carved and painted strokes to create an abstract form that hints at cascading petals or natural textures, adding dimension to the piece. The balance of minimal facial detailing with an ornamented body is characteristic of Shōichi’s subtle yet expressive style.
Overall, this kokeshi stands as a beautiful example of early shingata creativity: modern, refined, and deeply rooted in traditional Japanese aesthetics. It reflects the artist’s talent for distilling emotion and seasonal imagery into clean, artful forms—making it both a charming display piece and a small work of woodcraft poetry.
