This refined sōsaku kokeshi by Masae Fujikawa, titled 《靜愁》— “Quiet Melancholy” or “Serene Longing”, is a wonderful example of the artist’s poetic sensitivity and clean, sculptural style.
The doll features an elegant, elongated form with a gentle forward tilt, creating a feeling of introspection. Its large, softly rounded head—finished in warm chestnut tones—sits atop a delicately carved and tapered body. Fujikawa’s trademark minimalist facial expression, with closed crescent eyes and a slight, peaceful smile, enhances the impression of quiet contemplation suggested by the title.
The kimono is particularly striking: a rich gradient of auburn and deep brown, its surface subtly burnished to bring out the natural warmth of the wood. The front is decorated with finely carved botanical motifs, unpainted wood contrasts beautifully with the darker background. These natural elements evoke late autumn landscapes and the stillness of the transitional season, perfectly matching the mood of “靜愁.”
Fujikawa’s craftsmanship is evident in the clean carving lines, the balanced silhouette, and the harmonious blending of natural texture with soft coloration. The restrained palette and delicate engraving highlight the doll’s quiet emotional tone, a hallmark of his work.
