This Sōsaku-Shingata Kokeshi by Sasaki Katsumi (佐々木克己, 1928–2008) beautifully captures the evolution of postwar Japanese design, blending the warmth of traditional form with bold modern aesthetics. The doll radiates both elegance and character through its refined craftsmanship and rich color palette.
Sasaki’s work is instantly recognizable for its polished precision and his mastery of lacquer-like finishes that give depth and luminosity to his color compositions. The gold floral accents and geometric striping draw influence from both traditional kimono textile patterns and modern graphic design — a reflection of the Shingata Kokeshi (“new-style kokeshi”) movement, which emerged during Japan’s mid-20th-century modern craft renaissance.
Born in Yonezawa, Yamagata Prefecture, Sasaki Katsumi began creating Sōsaku and Shingata kokeshi in the postwar years, during a period of artistic redefinition. His dolls, while rooted in the folk tradition, are distinguished by their symmetry, fine finish, and painterly compositions that highlight natural wood beauty alongside vibrant color. Over his career, Sasaki received numerous awards in national craft exhibitions and became known for elevating the kokeshi from a regional souvenir into a refined object of art and design.
