Rare. An unusual vintage Sōsaku Kokeshi (創作こけし) by renowned kokeshi artist Usaburō Okamoto (1917-2009) 岡本卯三郎, combining the refined simplicity of creative kokeshi with the playful character of a Japanese travel souvenir.
It distinctive is the large illustrated emblem on the front reading “BULLDOG TOUR – IBARAKI”. At its center is a humorous bulldog smoking a pipe. This kokeshi was produced as a commemorative piece connected with a group tour in Ibaraki Prefecture, making it an interesting intersection of Japanese folk craft, tourism culture, and graphic design.
Usaburō Okamoto (岡本卯三郎) was an important figure in the development of modern creative kokeshi. His work helped transform the traditional wooden doll into a more individual form of decorative art, emphasizing sculptural silhouettes, expressive use of natural wood, and restrained facial features. He was recognized as a 通産大臣賞作家, a recipient of the prestigious Minister of International Trade and Industry Award for his craftsmanship.
