This charming pair of Sōsaku Kokeshi by 山中三平 (Sanpei Yamanaka) is titled 「里の春」 (Sato no Haru – “Spring in the Village”), a poetic work that gently evokes the quiet warmth of rural springtime.
Carved in softly rounded, egg-like forms, the two figures sit low and grounded, their compact silhouettes suggesting stability and closeness to the earth. The natural wood has matured into a deep, warm brown patina, with visible grain patterns that enhance their rustic, village-inspired character.
Painted across their fronts are delicate red blossoms—simple yet vibrant—symbolizing the arrival of spring. The floral motifs are rendered with restrained brushwork, allowing the natural wood tones to dominate while providing just enough color to convey seasonal renewal.
Sanpei Yamanaka born in Yonezawa, Yamagata Prefecture, Sanpei Yamanaka was one of the leading figures of the Sōsaku Kokeshi movement, celebrated for his poetic and painterly approach to doll-making. His works are known for their soft abstraction, restrained color palette, and deeply emotive simplicity, often evoking the beauty of nature and the innocence of childhood.
Yamanaka began creating kokeshi after World War II, seeking to express emotional depth through minimal form — a philosophy closely aligned with Japanese modernist aesthetics. His dolls are often titled after seasonal landscapes or nostalgic rural imagery, reflecting a tender connection to his homeland.
Size: 5 x 5 x 6cm (L)
5 x 5 x 4.5cm (S)
