This sōsaku kokeshi is the work of Sato Kouson 佐藤香村, one of the relatively few female creative kokeshi makers to be recognized as a fully accomplished artist within the sōsaku kokeshi movement. Kōson worked from her studio in Fukushima Prefecture, a region that would later become tragically known as one of the hardest-hit areas during the 2011 Great East Japan Earthquake and tsunami.
The body is finished in a deep, lacquer-like black, serving as a dramatic backdrop for hand-painted momiji (maple leaves) in shades of crimson, vermilion, and warm ochre. The leaves appear to drift across the surface, their painterly brushstrokes evoking falling foliage and the fleeting nature of the season.
Subtle variations in tone allow the wood grain to remain visible beneath the dark finish, adding warmth and depth to the composition. The contrast between the somber surface and the glowing reds and ochres of the foliage evokes impermanence, reflection, and seasonal passage. The gentle facial expression and asymmetrical hairstyle further reinforce the contemplative mood.
This piece reflects Sato Kōson’s sensitivity to seasonal themes and his ability to balance bold color with quiet elegance. It stands as a contemplative example of mid-to-late Shōwa–era sōsaku kokeshi, where traditional symbolism and modern artistic expression meet in a timeless, emotionally resonant form.
