This sōsaku kokeshi by Tanaka Harumasa 田中治正 exemplifies the artist’s bold, modernist approach to wooden form. Harumasa, known for his minimalist carving and sculptural sensibility, often pushed kokeshi beyond traditional figurative boundaries—and this piece is a perfect example of his innovative spirit.
The doll is composed of three stacked cylindrical segments, each carved with simple but evocative angular cuts that suggest facial features. The top section, with two sharply incised diagonal lines, gives the impression of contemplative, downward-cast eyes. The middle section features a broad, crescent-shaped carving reminiscent of a closed or serene mouth, while the lower segment mirrors the same motif, creating visual rhythm and harmony throughout the figure.
Rather than relying on paint, Harumasa allows the natural wood grain to become an essential part of the expression. The soft sheen and warm patina emphasize the handmade quality of the sculpture, while subtle asymmetries—such as the angled top—add to its abstract, almost totem-like character.
Harumasa’s work is admired for its ability to condense emotion into the most minimal gestures. With only a few carved lines, this doll conveys a sense of quiet introspection and distilled humanity, making it a rare and compelling example of early post-war sōsaku kokeshi experimentation.
