This delightful Sōsaku Kokeshi represents Daikokuten (大黒天), one of Japan’s Seven Lucky Gods (Shichifukujin), and the deity associated with wealth, abundance, and household fortune. The figure is skillfully carved and hand-painted by Shinkichi Matsutani, a respected kokeshi artist trained in the traditional Naruko style.
Rendered in a charming round form, this piece captures Daikokuten’s joyful spirit with his signature features — a smiling face, stylized beard, and symbols of prosperity: the lucky mallet (uchide no kozuchi) and rice bales, all beautifully illustrated on richly grained natural wood. The bold and warm tones of the paintwork reflect Matsutani’s distinct approach that bridges tradition and playful creativity.
Shinkichi Matsutani (松谷伸吉) was born in 1956 in Shimane Prefecture, and began his path as a woodworker after being inspired by a newspaper article about the master Sakurai Ko. He trained under Jinji Okazaki, a Naruko kokeshi master, and began making kokeshi dolls in the 1980s.
While he initially produced traditional Naruko kokeshi, over time Matsutani developed a more personal and artistic style. Today, he runs his own workshop in Shimane near the sacred Izumo Taisha Shrine, producing original wooden dolls and toys under the shop name “Yoshiya.” His works are well-loved for their warmth, humorous expression, and connection to Japanese folk beliefs.
Size: 10 x 10 x 9cm
