This 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.
Miyashita 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.
This 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.
The 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.
In 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.
Size: 7 x 7 x 32cm
