This is a beautifully crafted omiyage kokeshi doll from Nakanosawa (中の沢), made by the renowned kokeshi artisan by Usaburō Okamoto (岡本卯三郎, 1917–2009)
Usaburō Okamoto born in a Shinto village, Okamoto moved to Tokyo at the age of 15 to train in metalworking before returning to his hometown post-war. With this technical background, he introduced mechanical techniques and innovative aesthetics into kokeshi craftsmanship, departing from the constraints of traditional forms. He often used chestnut and other rare woods, and developed a unique pyro-engraving technique using heated wire to burn intricate patterns into the wood.
He won the Minister of International Trade and Industry Award at the 20th All-Japan Kokeshi Competition in 1978. Okamoto’s dolls, including this storage case, continue to captivate collectors with their fusion of rustic warmth and thoughtful design.
What sets this kokeshi apart is the landscape painting on the torso — a tranquil rural scene depicting a traditional Japanese thatched house nestled among trees, with distant mountains and birds overhead. The body is finished in a combination of natural and dark lacquered wood, highlighting the contrast in texture and color. The use of natural wood grain enhances the rustic elegance of the piece.
