{"title":"Hajime Miyashita 宮下はじめ","description":null,"products":[{"product_id":"k20048-sosaku-kokeshi-by-hajime-miyashita-宮下はじめ","title":"K20048 - Sosaku kokeshi by Hajime Miyashita 宮下はじめ","description":"\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eA sōsaku kokeshi doll titled 「わらべ」(Warabe) meaning “child” in Japanese, was created by renowned kokeshi artist Hajime Miyashita (宮下はじめ), a two-time recipient of the Prime Minister’s Award (1977 and 2000). Miyashita is widely celebrated for his emotionally expressive works, which blend innocence with elegance, and this piece is a wonderful testament to his artistic vision.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eThe doll features a softly rounded head with delicate facial features—closed eyes, a sweet smile, and gentle blushing cheeks—capturing the gentle purity of childhood. Her hair is gracefully painted in smooth strokes, adorned with small pink floral motifs on both sides, emphasizing her youthful charm.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eShe wears a beautifully hand-painted kimono in soft earthy tones with accents of crimson red, and a detailed panel featuring traditional Japanese textile patterns in black, yellow, and red. The minimalist yet sophisticated form reflects Miyashita’s keen sense of proportion and attention to fine detailing.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eHajime Miyashita is one of the most highly respected figures in the world of creative kokeshi. He is a multiple award-winner at national competitions in Japan, including two Prime Minister’s Awards, and his dolls are highly sought-after by collectors for their serene expressions and exceptional craftsmanship. His works often explore themes of childhood innocence, seasonal beauty, and emotional introspection, all rendered with refined carving and painterly elegance. \u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eSize: 10 x 10 x 19.5cm \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Maison Kyo","offers":[{"title":"≈20cm","offer_id":53302280945995,"sku":null,"price":45.0,"currency_code":"EUR","in_stock":false}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0964\/9746\/7723\/files\/Untitled-1_0026_Layer1.jpg?v=1756708695"},{"product_id":"sosaku-kokeshi-doll-by-miyashita-hajime","title":"K15046 - Sosaku kokeshi doll by Miyashita Hajime 宮下 はじめ","description":"\u003cp\u003eVintage Japanese Kokeshi doll “Cute plum hairpin\" by Miyashita Hajime.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eMiyashita-san, born in Yonezawa City, Iwate, studied traditional kokeshi making under Yamagata-Sakunami master artist Kobayashi Kichitaro. He began his Sosaku career in 1959 and won many awards, including the Prime Minister's Award in 1977. Crown Prince Naruhito and Princess Masako purchased his culturally sensitive dolls in 1969. His studio was located in the city of Maebashi in Gunma Prefecture, but after it was consumed by fire in 2006, Miyashita-san retired.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eSize: 13cm tall\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Maison Kyo","offers":[{"title":"≈15cm","offer_id":53378750120267,"sku":"K15046","price":38.0,"currency_code":"EUR","in_stock":false}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0964\/9746\/7723\/files\/temple_2b99fa33-4cdb-4993-923f-6a82c878845e.jpg?v=1757778828"},{"product_id":"k20081-sosaku-kokeshi-by-hajime-miyashita-宮下はじめ","title":"K20081 - Sosaku kokeshi by Hajime Miyashita 宮下はじめ","description":"\u003cp\u003eThis charming and delicately crafted Sōsaku Kokeshi is the work of Hajime Miyashita (宮下はじめ), a highly acclaimed artist who earned deep respect in the kokeshi community.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThis kokeshi full of gentle elegance, is a wonderful example of Miyashita-san’s signature aesthetic. The doll features a pale wood finish with minimal pigment, allowing the natural grain of the wood to enhance its beauty. Her expression is one of calm serenity, with finely painted eyes and subtle accents such as the delicate red bows by her ears.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe kimono is beautifully detailed with soft red and orange ume (plum blossom) motifs—symbols of hope, renewal, and inner strength in Japanese culture, often associated with early spring. A stylized obi and headdress complete her look, adding to her quiet charm and seasonal symbolism.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eHajime Miyashita is one of the most highly respected figures in the world of creative kokeshi. He is a multiple award-winner at national competitions in Japan, including two Prime Minister’s Awards, and his dolls are highly sought-after by collectors for their serene expressions and exceptional craftsmanship. His works often explore themes of childhood innocence, seasonal beauty, and emotional introspection, all rendered with refined carving and painterly elegance.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eSize: 9 x 9 x 20cm\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Maison Kyo","offers":[{"title":"≈20cm","offer_id":53396147994955,"sku":null,"price":55.0,"currency_code":"EUR","in_stock":false}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0964\/9746\/7723\/files\/1758030217.jpg?v=1758030333"},{"product_id":"k25062-rare-sosaku-kokeshi-by-hajime-miyashita-宮下はじめ","title":"K25062 - RARE Sōsaku Kokeshi by Hajime Miyashita 宮下はじめ","description":"\u003cp\u003eThis exceptionally rare and early work titled 「薫風」(Kunpū, meaning “Fragrant Breeze” or “Early Summer Wind”) by Miyashita Hajime (宮下はじめ) is a stunning example of the artist’s refined aesthetic and poetic sensibility. Unlike his later, more widely recognized pieces, this doll represents a transitional period in Miyashita’s career, when his brushwork and form were still deeply rooted in natural observation and gentle human expression.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe figure stands gracefully with a slight forward tilt, embodying humility and calm introspection. The artist’s hallmark elongated head and smooth, tapered body are complemented by delicate, flowing lines that evoke the movement of wind through summer foliage. Subtle watercolor tones of soft blue and muted green form a vine motif wrapping around the body, punctuated by tender pink blossoms, giving the impression of wind-borne petals drifting through the air.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eEvery element from the serene, closed-eyed expression to the finely engraved hairlines, it reflects Miyashita’s mastery of restraint and natural harmony. The piece bears his early hand-signed signature, a rarity among his works, as later pieces often featured stamp seals instead.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe title Kunpū carries a poetic resonance in Japanese culture, symbolizing the fresh, fragrant wind of early summer — a metaphor for purity, renewal, and the transient beauty of life. This philosophical depth is quietly embodied in the doll’s simple yet deeply evocative form.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eAbout the Artist:\u003cbr\u003eBorn in Nagano Prefecture, Hajime Miyashita (宮下はじめ) began producing Sōsaku Kokeshi in the postwar period and became known for his elegant, modern designs inspired by traditional Japanese aesthetics. His dolls often feature subdued palettes, minimal expression, and themes drawn from nature, making them highly sought after by collectors worldwide.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThis early piece, titled “Kunpū,” is a one-of-a-kind treasure — a rare glimpse into Miyashita’s formative artistic vision. It stands as a delicate harmony of form, emotion, and poetry, whispering the quiet beauty of a summer breeze captured in wood.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eSize: 9 x 9 x 25cm\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Maison Kyo","offers":[{"title":"≈25cm","offer_id":53679571009867,"sku":null,"price":90.0,"currency_code":"EUR","in_stock":false}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0964\/9746\/7723\/files\/template_1_c5842771-79eb-41d1-b2fd-176faaddacf2.jpg?v=1760950069"},{"product_id":"k18122-sosaku-kokeshi-by-hajime-miyashita-宮下はじめ-oshin","title":"K18122 - Sosaku Kokeshi by Hajime Miyashita 宮下はじめ – “Oshin”","description":"\u003cp\u003eThis sosaku kokeshi by Hajime Miyashita (宮下はじめ) beautifully portrays the beloved image of Oshin (おしん)—the resilient, hardworking girl from the iconic 1983 NHK drama Oshin, whose story of perseverance touched audiences across Japan and the world. The doll captures the humble strength and quiet determination associated with Oshin’s character, depicted here carrying a small child on her back.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe gentle face is rendered with Miyashita’s signature warmth: soft downcast eyes, a slight blush, and a tender expression that reflects Oshin’s enduring spirit and compassion. Her hair is styled in a traditional topknot and wrapped with a patterned headband, a familiar detail symbolizing the hardworking rural life Oshin represents.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eHer kimono is decorated in earthy, muted tones overlaid with Miyashita’s distinctive white and red brushwork, evoking the look of handwoven sashiko or rustic kasuri textiles—reinforcing the piece’s connection to traditional Japanese rural culture. The vertical pink stripes on the lower section add a gentle contrast, grounding the doll with a sense of simplicity and everyday beauty.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eOn her back rests the small child, painted with delicate features, peeking softly from the cloth wrap. This detail echoes one of the most memorable and tender aspects of Oshin’s story: the image of a young girl caring for others even while enduring hardship herself.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eHajime Miyashita’s kokeshi are cherished for their human warmth, narrative depth, and gentle humor, and this particular work stands as a heartfelt homage to Oshin’s enduring symbolism—resilience, humility, kindness, and the quiet strength of women and children in rural Japan.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eSize: 8 x 8 x 17.5cm\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Maison Kyo","offers":[{"title":"≈18cm","offer_id":56018462638411,"sku":null,"price":49.0,"currency_code":"EUR","in_stock":false}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0964\/9746\/7723\/files\/temple_906837d7-2aa3-4596-95a0-18bfe08650d3.jpg?v=1764577668"},{"product_id":"k20115-sosaku-kokeshi-by-hajime-miyashita-宮下はじめ","title":"K20115 - Sosaku kokeshi by Hajime Miyashita 宮下はじめ","description":"\u003cp\u003eThis Sōsaku Kokeshi by Hajime Miyashita is a deeply evocative work that embodies the quiet emotional depth and refined craftsmanship for which the artist is celebrated. The figure stands with a gentle inward posture, her softly closed eyes conveying calm, humility, and introspection. Miyashita’s signature restraint is evident in the minimal facial features, allowing emotion to emerge through subtle form rather than explicit expression.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe sculptural composition is both tender and protective. The layered wooden construction suggests a child wrapped in a kimono, enhanced by the use of a braided cord with tassels at the front—an element that introduces texture, warmth, and a sense of lived humanity. The muted green body, adorned with plum blossoms floral motifs, contrasts beautifully with the natural wood tones of the face and base, while the rich brown outer layer frames the figure like a sheltering mantle. At the crown, a small red-painted accent adds a quiet focal point, lending warmth and symbolic vitality to the otherwise subdued palette.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eTrue to Miyashita’s artistic philosophy, this piece reflects themes of childhood innocence, emotional stillness, and inner strength. The slight wear and patina visible on the surface only deepen its presence, suggesting time, memory, and quiet endurance—qualities often central to his work. There is a sense of tenderness here, as if the figure is holding something unspoken within, inviting the viewer to pause and reflect.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eHajime Miyashita is one of the most highly respected figures in the world of creative kokeshi. A multiple award-winner at national competitions in Japan, including two Prime Minister’s Awards, he is renowned for works that balance technical excellence with profound emotional sensitivity. His kokeshi are especially prized by collectors for their serene expressions, masterful carving, and poetic atmosphere. This piece stands as a moving example of his ability to transform simple wood into a vessel of quiet feeling and timeless human presence.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eSize: 8 x 8 x 20cm\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Maison Kyo","offers":[{"title":"≈20cm","offer_id":56177794810187,"sku":null,"price":38.0,"currency_code":"EUR","in_stock":false}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0964\/9746\/7723\/files\/temple_19495411-9a42-46bc-b900-b7f077e04b5f.jpg?v=1766586207"},{"product_id":"k25125-sosaku-kokeshi-by-hajime-miyashita-宮下はじめ","title":"K25125 - Sosaku Kokeshi by Hajime Miyashita 宮下はじめ","description":"\u003cp\u003eThis Sōsaku Kokeshi is a sculptural interpretation of the poet Matsuo Bashō, created by Hajime Miyashita (宮下はじめ). The figure departs from the classic cylindrical kokeshi form and instead adopts a fully figurative presence, reflecting the creative freedom at the heart of the sōsaku kokeshi movement.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eBashō is depicted as a humble traveler: gently bowed, leaning on a walking staff, and dressed in simple robes. His face carries a warm, contemplative expression, with softly painted features that convey both age and quiet wisdom. The restrained color palette—natural wood tones accented with subtle black and white detailing—emphasizes the serenity and austerity associated with Bashō’s poetic life.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eOn the round wooden tablet he carries is inscribed 「おくの細道」(Oku no Hosomichi, The Narrow Road to the Deep North), Bashō’s most celebrated travel diary, anchoring the piece firmly in literary and cultural history. The weathered surface, visible brush marks, and hand-carved details give the doll a tactile, almost timeworn quality, echoing the long journeys and impermanence central to Bashō’s poetry.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eSize: 10 x 11 x 24cm\u003ca href=\"https:\/\/maisonkyo.be\/search?q=%E5%AE%AE%E4%B8%8B+%E3%81%AF%E3%81%98%E3%82%81\u0026amp;options%5Bprefix%5D=last\"\u003e\u003cspan\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/a\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Maison Kyo","offers":[{"title":"≈25cm","offer_id":56400010543435,"sku":null,"price":39.0,"currency_code":"EUR","in_stock":false}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0964\/9746\/7723\/files\/temple_dbd5b308-97af-4885-9ac1-17418f348a9e.jpg?v=1769527118"},{"product_id":"k15120-sosaku-kokeshi-by-hajime-miyashita-宮下はじめ","title":"K15120 - Sosaku kokeshi by Hajime Miyashita 宮下はじめ","description":"\u003cp\u003eThis sōsaku kokeshi by Hajime Miyashita is titled 「旅情」(Ryojō, “Travel Sentiment”), a name that perfectly captures the quiet, reflective mood of the piece. Carved with softly rounded proportions, the figure is dressed in a natural wood kimono adorned with delicate, understated floral motifs that allow the warmth and grain of the wood to remain central.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe doll’s serene expression—eyes gently closed and lips lightly tinted—suggests a moment of calm introspection, as if pausing mid-journey. The small black umbrella held at her side is a key narrative element, evoking rain, travel, and the gentle melancholy often associated with journeys in Japanese aesthetics. This subtle accessory transforms the figure from a simple form into a poetic scene, hinting at movement, weather, and passing time.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eHajime Miyashita is one of the most highly respected figures in the world of creative kokeshi. A multiple award-winner at national competitions in Japan, including two Prime Minister’s Awards, he is renowned for works that balance technical excellence with profound emotional sensitivity. His kokeshi are especially prized by collectors for their serene expressions, masterful carving, and poetic atmosphere. This piece stands as a moving example of his ability to transform simple wood into a vessel of quiet feeling and timeless human presence.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eSize: 6 x 6 x 15cm\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Maison Kyo","offers":[{"title":"≈15cm","offer_id":56469545288011,"sku":"K15120","price":38.0,"currency_code":"EUR","in_stock":false}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0964\/9746\/7723\/files\/temple_0fea40e0-79d7-43f7-8ea7-b4e32f89f421.jpg?v=1770293188"},{"product_id":"k30033-sosaku-kokeshi-by-hajime-miyashita-宮下はじめ","title":"K30033 - Sosaku kokeshi by Hajime Miyashita 宮下はじめ","description":"\u003cp\u003eThis Sōsaku Kokeshi by Hajime Miyashita 宮下はじめ is a refined and poetic example of the artist’s celebrated craftsmanship, embodying both sculptural elegance and quiet emotional depth.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eCarved from a single piece of wood, the figure presents a gently leaning posture, creating a subtle sense of movement and intimacy. The childlike figure is partially enclosed within a softly carved outer form, as if wrapped in a protective cloak or emerging from within—an evocative motif often associated with shelter, warmth, and introspection. The delicately incised hair frames a serene face with closed eyes and a small red mouth, expressing a calm, inward-looking emotion characteristic of Miyashita’s work.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe surface is left in a natural wood finish, enhanced by fine carving rather than bold coloration. Subtle engraved motifs of leaves and blossoms decorate the outer layer, while the inner figure gently holds a small, softly painted element resembling a flower or seasonal token. This restrained palette and tactile carving emphasize the beauty of the material itself, allowing light and grain to play across the surface.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eHajime Miyashita is widely regarded as one of the most important figures in modern creative kokeshi, having received numerous prestigious awards, including two Prime Minister’s Awards. His works are highly sought after for their ability to convey deep emotional nuance through minimal form, often exploring themes of childhood innocence, quiet solitude, and the passage of seasons.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eSize: 11 x 7 x 28cm\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Maison Kyo","offers":[{"title":"≈30cm","offer_id":56858698907979,"sku":"K30033","price":60.0,"currency_code":"EUR","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0964\/9746\/7723\/files\/temple_b4a55490-ac6d-4b37-a2b4-8ea76f2b1e47.jpg?v=1774172344"},{"product_id":"k15149-sosaku-kokeshi-by-hajime-miyashita-宮下はじめ","title":"K15149 - Sosaku kokeshi by Hajime Miyashita 宮下はじめ","description":"\u003cp\u003eThis Sōsaku Kokeshi by Miyashita Hajime (宮下はじめ) reflects the quiet mastery and emotional depth for which the artist is so highly regarded. A multiple award-winner at national exhibitions—including two Prime Minister’s Awards—Miyashita is celebrated for his ability to unite technical precision with a deeply poetic sensibility.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe face is rendered with remarkable restraint: closed eyes with fine lashes and a subtle expression convey a sense of calm introspection, a hallmark of Miyashita’s work. The smooth, warm-toned wood is carefully finished, allowing the natural grain to enrich the overall presence.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe rounded body is adorned with delicately painted floral motifs, scattered in a quiet, almost whisper-like composition. A contrasting decorative band across the upper torso introduces a subtle visual rhythm, balancing the softness of the blossoms below. The muted palette and careful placement of each element create a harmonious, contemplative atmosphere.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eTrue to Miyashita’s artistic philosophy, this piece transforms a simple form into a vessel of emotion. Its serenity, warmth, and understated elegance invite a moment of pause, embodying a timeless human presence that resonates deeply with collectors and admirers of sōsaku kokeshi.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eSize: 10 x 6 x 14cm\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Maison Kyo","offers":[{"title":"≈15cm","offer_id":57030645481803,"sku":"K15149","price":45.0,"currency_code":"EUR","in_stock":false}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0964\/9746\/7723\/files\/temple_8876ce2c-25fa-4ca9-b58a-7c31bc98daa0.jpg?v=1776173693"},{"product_id":"k30098-sosaku-kokeshi-by-hajime-miyashita-宮下はじめ","title":"K30098 - Sosaku kokeshi by Hajime Miyashita 宮下はじめ","description":"\u003cp\u003eThis elegant vintage Sōsaku Kokeshi 創作こけし was created by Hajime Miyashita 宮下はじめ, one of the most respected artists of Japan’s modern creative kokeshi movement.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eMiyashita is widely regarded as an important figure in postwar Sōsaku Kokeshi and received numerous major awards during his career, including two Prime Minister’s Awards. His work is especially admired for its ability to express emotion through restrained form, often evoking themes such as childhood innocence, quiet solitude, femininity, and the changing seasons.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThis piece has a beautifully elongated and graceful silhouette. The large rounded head is topped with a simple high bun, while the face is painted with delicate downcast eyes and fine lashes, giving the figure a gentle, introspective expression.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe upper body is framed by a soft salmon-pink outer garment, while the long lower section is decorated with subtle painted details and plum blossom motifs 梅. The restrained use of red, green, and muted natural tones allows the warmth and grain of the wood to remain an essential part of the design.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eIn Japanese culture, the plum blossom (ume 梅) is one of the earliest flowers to appear at the end of winter, often blooming in the cold before spring fully arrives. It is therefore traditionally associated with perseverance, renewal, hope, and quiet strength—a particularly fitting motif for Miyashita’s meditative style.\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eSize: 7 x 7 x 32cm\u003ca href=\"https:\/\/maisonkyo.be\/search?q=%E5%AE%AE%E4%B8%8B+%E3%81%AF%E3%81%98%E3%82%81\u0026amp;options%5Bprefix%5D=last\"\u003e\u003cspan\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/a\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Maison Kyo","offers":[{"title":"≈30cm","offer_id":58483003916619,"sku":"K30098","price":39.0,"currency_code":"EUR","in_stock":false}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0964\/9746\/7723\/files\/Cover_cd6a7562-aa1b-431c-a3cc-ad4dbbafa768.jpg?v=1789503246"}],"url":"https:\/\/maisonkyo.be\/collections\/hajime-miyashita-%e5%ae%ae%e4%b8%8b%e3%81%af%e3%81%98%e3%82%81.oembed","provider":"Maison Kyo","version":"1.0","type":"link"}