This Sōsaku Kokeshi by Masae Fujikawa 藤川正衛 is titled 「童心」 (Dōshin – “Child’s Heart” or “Innocent Spirit”), a poetic work that embodies purity, gentleness, and quiet joy. The artist is a distinguished recipient of the Prime Minister’s Award (内閣総理大臣賞) —one of the highest honors in Japanese craft—affirming the exceptional artistic merit of his creations.
The doll features a beautifully balanced form, crowned with a smooth, rounded black coiffure that frames the face like a protective halo. The hair’s deep lacquered sheen contrasts elegantly with the soft natural tone of the face, drawing attention to the delicately painted expression: slender, closed eyes, a tiny red mouth, and a serene, almost meditative smile. The expression conveys the essence of “童心”—a return to pure, unguarded feeling.
The kimono is richly decorated in layered tones of muted rose, lavender, and soft earth hues. Across the surface bloom finely detailed red and white flowers, rendered with careful brushwork and subtle dimensionality. The blossoms appear to float gently over abstract landscape-like washes of color, evoking the changing seasons and the quiet beauty of nature. A slender painted line suggests the kimono’s overlapping collar, adding compositional grace.
Fujikawa’s mastery is evident in the harmony between sculptural form and painterly surface. The proportions are gentle and rounded, yet dignified. The floral motifs are lively but restrained, never overwhelming the tranquil expression of the figure. Every element—from the smooth curvature of the head to the soft transitions of color—reflects refined craftsmanship and artistic sensitivity.
As an award-winning work by a Prime Minister’s Prize recipient, 「童心」 stands as a distinguished example of Sōsaku Kokeshi artistry: personal, expressive, and deeply rooted in Japanese aesthetic values of simplicity, balance, and emotional subtlety. It is both a celebration of innocence and a testament to the enduring elegance of modern kokeshi design.
Size: 11 x 11 x 27cm
