This pair of sōsaku kokeshi originates from Kurobe Dam (黒部ダム), located in Toyama Prefecture within the Northern Japan Alps. Created as regional souvenir works, these dolls embody the postwar spirit in which local craftsmanship, tourism, and contemporary design came together.
Each figure features a softly rounded, horizontal head with minimal facial expression—simple dot eyes, a small red nose, and faintly blushed cheeks—conveying a quiet warmth and childlike innocence. The white-painted heads contrast gently with the natural wood bodies, while the small colored accents at the neck (blue and red) subtly differentiate the pair, suggesting harmony and balance. Their compact, cylindrical forms reflect the modernist sensibility often seen in mid-20th-century creative kokeshi.
This work is recognized as an award-winning piece, having received the prestigious 通産大臣賞 (Minister of International Trade and Industry Award). This honor underscores the high level of craftsmanship and design excellence, as well as the cultural value placed on regional folk art during Japan’s era of rapid economic growth.
Souvenir kokeshi from sites such as Kurobe Dam were more than simple keepsakes. They symbolized pride in modern achievement while remaining rooted in traditional materials and handcraft. As such, this pair stands as both a collectible work of sōsaku kokeshi and a historical artifact—capturing a moment when Japanese folk art, national progress, and everyday life intersected beautifully.
