This rare Sōsaku Kokeshi was crafted by 柳山 (Yanagiyama) of the 塩安漆器工房 (Shioyasu Lacquerware Studio), a workshop renowned for its refined lacquer artistry and its distinctive reinterpretation of traditional Japanese craft through modern forms.
The doll is immediately striking for its deep lacquer finish, a hallmark of Shioyasu’s craftsmanship. The face is delicately painted with long, elegant eyelashes and a small red mouth, expressing a calm, almost meditative beauty. A red lacquer ornament decorated with subtle floral motifs crowns the hairstyle, accented with a small spherical hairpin that adds a playful yet elegant touch.
The body is finished in a rich vermilion lacquer, its smooth surface glowing with depth and warmth. The composition is balanced by delicate decorative lines reminiscent of traditional textile patterns, evoking the refined aesthetic of classical Japanese kimono design.
What sets this piece apart is its origin from Shioyasu Lacquerware Studio, whose heritage is rooted in the prestigious lacquer traditions of Wajima-nuri and Kanazawa lacquer. Rather than limiting their work to bowls, trays, and household wares, the studio has expanded these sophisticated techniques into the realm of kokeshi dolls.
Under the hand of Yanagiyama, the result is a kokeshi that feels both traditional and modern—honoring centuries-old lacquer techniques while presenting them through the playful yet elegant form of a creative kokeshi. Rare and highly collectible, this piece stands as a beautiful example of how regional Japanese craftsmanship continues to evolve while preserving its cultural roots.
Size: 8 x 8 x 17cm
