This refined Sōsaku Kokeshi set titled 「童女」 (Dōjo – “Young Maidens”) is the work of Takeda Daisuke 竹田大介, an artist from Yonezawa City in Yamagata Prefecture, a region long celebrated for its deep-rooted kokeshi traditions.
Carved from beautifully grained wood, each doll features Takeda’s signature architectural silhouette: a gently rounded body encased beneath a sculpted, hood-like outer form that frames the serene face within. The smooth, polished surfaces highlight the natural beauty of the wood grain, allowing material and craftsmanship to take center stage.
The faces are delicately rendered with narrow, contemplative eyes and small red lips, conveying innocence and quiet introspection. The simplicity of expression reflects the title “童女,” evoking youthful purity and calm dignity.
Each of the three figures represents one of the classical “Three Friends of Winter” (歳寒三友)—a revered motif in East Asian art symbolizing perseverance and integrity during adversity:
Pine (松) – painted in rich greens with textured brushwork, symbolizing longevity and steadfastness.
Bamboo (竹) – rendered in bold, rhythmic strokes of red, representing resilience and flexibility.
Plum (梅) – depicted with delicate blossoms against dark branches, symbolizing hope and renewal as it blooms in late winter.
Together, these three motifs create a harmonious seasonal narrative. Takeda’s brushwork balances traditional symbolism with the expressive freedom of the Sōsaku movement, blending painterly spontaneity with disciplined composition.
Size: 9 x 9 x 13cm
