A vintage sōsaku kokeshi. Elegant woman with earrings and painted landscape. Depicting an elegant, modern woman with graceful features and a refined, slender silhouette. Unlike traditional kokeshi styles, this doll showcases the creativity and artistic freedom that defines the Sōsaku (creative) kokeshi movement.
The doll features a delicate, hand-painted face with softly closed eyes, a small red dot on the nose (possibly referencing bindi-like ornamentation), and a serene expression, evoking grace and calmness. The top of the head is painted in rich black with a smooth finish, styled to resemble an elegant updo or short bob.
A rare and eye-catching detail, the doll wears small metal earrings, adding a playful and contemporary touch to the traditional wooden form. The torso features a rustic, textured woodgrain with a beautifully painted landscape—white clouds and brushstrokes resembling trees or calligraphy, evoking a poetic natural scene. The brushwork feels distinctly Japanese, capturing the fleeting beauty of nature.
Small ropes with metallic beads are tied around the neck and waist, further enhancing the figure’s ornamental and sophisticated look. This kokeshi exemplifies the fusion of modern expression and traditional craft. It reflects the individuality of the artisan—possibly from the late Showa period—and the broader evolution of kokeshi from simple toys to collectible folk art pieces.
