RARE. This sōsaku kokeshi doll from 作並温泉 Sakunami Onsen, it's a beautiful fusion of Japanese craftsmanship and Chinese cultural motifs. The doll features a stylized child figure dressed in traditional Chinese attire, complete with a dark indigo robe and a distinctive hairstyle with two side buns and a topknot, a look often associated with children from historic Chinese dynasties.
What sets this piece apart is the use of the golden 囍 (shuāngxǐ) character painted on the body, a traditional Chinese symbol meaning "double happiness." Commonly seen at weddings and joyous occasions, 囍 represents good fortune, harmony, and celebration. Its inclusion here suggests the doll may have been created as a gift or keepsake conveying blessings for happiness and prosperity.
Painted in deep blue and gold, the color palette adds richness and a sense of elegance, while the slightly abstracted form, with its slender waist and soft curves — reflects the artistic freedom of the sōsaku kokeshi movement, where individual expression takes precedence over traditional form.
This piece is a lovely example of cross-cultural artistry, blending Japanese folk doll traditions with Chinese symbolism. A joyful and auspicious doll, perfect for collectors who appreciate meaningful, multicultural craftsmanship.
