This Shingata Kokeshi by Hideko Takahashi (高橋英子), a Japanese kokeshi artisan known for her distinctive wooden doll designs, expressive forms, and delicate hand-painted decorations.
The doll features a generously rounded, slightly squared head with a gentle, smiling expression. Its delicately painted face is characterised by gracefully arched eyebrows, narrow eyes, a tiny red mouth, and traditional black hair adorned with vibrant red decorative brushstrokes
Hideko Takahashi is recognised for her creative approach to Shingata Kokeshi, a modern interpretation of traditional Japanese wooden dolls that allows artisans greater freedom in shape, decoration, and artistic expression.
Her works are particularly appreciated for their distinctive head profiles, which often depart from the strictly rounded forms of traditional kokeshi. Her designs frequently combine expressive facial features with carefully arranged floral patterns and an earthy colour palette inspired by Japanese folk art and the Mingei aesthetic.
