A vintage Sōsaku Kokeshi handcrafted by Kawamura Shōji (川村昭治), a Japanese creative kokeshi artisan from Sendai, Miyagi Prefecture.
This elegant wooden doll features a large, rounded head with delicately painted black hair, gently closed eyes, and a peaceful expression. Its slender cylindrical body is decorated with a striking red bamboo motif, complemented by fine black horizontal bands and delicate golden-brown bamboo leaves.
In Japanese culture, bamboo symbolises resilience, strength, and perseverance, as it bends without breaking. Its evergreen nature also represents longevity and vitality, making it a beloved motif in traditional Japanese art.
Kawamura Shōji born in 1927, Kawamura Shōji was a Japanese kokeshi artisan based in Sendai, Miyagi Prefecture, where he operated his workshop, Kawamura Kōgei (カワムラ工芸).
His creative kokeshi are recognised for their elegant proportions, expressive simplicity, and carefully balanced decorative patterns. His works were often identified by a distinctive red カワムラ seal or a handwritten signature on the base.
In 1976–1977, his Sendai Kokeshi received recognition as Miyagi Prefecture Superior Local Products (宮城県優良県産品), reflecting the quality of his craftsmanship. He passed away in 2015, leaving behind a legacy of beautifully designed Japanese wooden folk dolls.
Size: 9 x 9 x 35cm
