This sosaku kokeshi doll, titled “藤壺” (Fujitsubo), is a handcrafted wooden figure by renowned artisan 橫山よし子 (Yokoyama Yoshiko). The doll embodies a serene and graceful presence, with a delicately painted face featuring fine, minimal expressions that evoke quiet refinement.
Her cylindrical body is adorned in a vivid crimson kimono, accented with a vertical green stripe and decorated with hand-painted plum blossoms in black, white, and red hues — symbols of beauty, resilience, and renewal in Japanese culture. A soft sheen reveals the natural wood grain beneath the paint, adding warmth and texture to the figure.
The doll’s hair is painted in a traditional black coiffure, with a small gold ornament atop, suggesting an air of noble dignity, a nod to the aristocratic character “Lady Fujitsubo” from The Tale of Genji, whose name the piece shares.
Yokoyama’s signature attention to form and restrained elegance is evident in the smooth contours and harmonious balance between color and simplicity. “藤壺” captures both the timeless beauty and poetic subtlety that define the spirit of traditional creative kokeshi (創作こけし) art.
