This Sōsaku Kokeshi by Yamagishi Umeyoshi (山岸梅好) embodies a perfect balance of grace, craftsmanship, and quiet emotion, a hallmark of mid-century Japanese creative kokeshi art. The doll is beautifully proportioned, with a stylized form that highlights both the warmth of natural wood and the refinement of traditional Japanese aesthetics.
Her expression is serene and introspective, with eyes gently closed and a faint smile that suggests calm contentment. The artist has carved her hair into smooth, rounded layers framing her face, topped with a small wooden bow that adds a playful yet delicate charm. The cylindrical body is lacquered in a rich crimson tone and carved with a bamboo motif (竹) a symbol of strength, purity, and endurance in Japanese culture. The vertical lines of the bamboo pattern accentuate the doll’s slender form, while the red lacquer evokes vitality and auspicious energy.
Yamagishi Umeyoshi’s work is known for its thoughtful simplicity and gentle modernism. Unlike traditional kokeshi that adhere to regional forms, Sōsaku Kokeshi like this one express the individuality and artistic vision of the maker. Umeyoshi’s dolls often feature minimalist features paired with symbolic motifs, creating a poetic dialogue between material and spirit.
