This Sōsaku Kokeshi titled “Kosode” is the work of Ishida Tomio (石田とみお), an artist admired for his gentle modern sensibility and exceptional craftsmanship. The title refers to the kosode (小袖)—literally “small sleeves”—the short-sleeved garment that served as the direct predecessor of the modern kimono, anchoring this piece firmly in Japan’s clothing and cultural history.
What sets this work apart is its complex, multi-part construction. Rather than being turned from a single block of wood, the hair, kimono, and body are carved and painted separately, then carefully assembled one by one. This meticulous process allows for greater sculptural depth and precision, particularly in the flowing hairline and the layered folds of the garment, giving the figure a quiet elegance and a sense of movement rarely seen in simpler forms.
Ishida Tomio was known for reinterpreting traditional kokeshi styles through a modern, almost lyrical lens. His figures often possess a soft charm—cute yet dignified—balancing childlike warmth with refined restraint. In Kosode, this balance is especially evident: the understated facial expression and compact silhouette evoke serenity, while the garment’s form subtly celebrates historical fashion and craftsmanship.
Highly regarded among collectors, Ishida’s works are prized for their original construction techniques, thoughtful themes, and polished finish. Kosode stands as a beautiful example of sōsaku kokeshi as fine art—where tradition, innovation, and quiet storytelling meet in wood.
