This elegant vintage Sōsaku / Shingata Kokeshi 創作・新型こけし was created by Sasaki Katsumi 佐々木克己 / 佐々木克巳, a kokeshi maker associated with Shiroishi City, Miyagi Prefecture, an important centre for modern and creative kokeshi production.
Sasaki began learning woodturning and painting in 1948, later establishing his own workshop in Shiroishi. He founded what is now known as Sasaki Kokeshi Studio 佐々木こけし工房, a family workshop that continues the tradition today under the second generation, Sasaki Isao 佐々木功, together with his wife Miho. The founder’s name appears with both the characters 克己 and 克巳 in different sources.
This piece is a particularly striking example of his work, with a tall, slender silhouette and a beautifully balanced combination of red, black, and natural wood tones. The rounded head features a soft, cheerful expression, stylised black hair, and delicate floral details at the sides, while the body is decorated with fine horizontal bands that create a rhythmic, almost textile-like effect.
The lower section is especially decorative, featuring a bold floral branch motif painted against the deep black ground. The restrained palette and elongated proportions give the doll a refined, modern presence while still retaining the warmth and hand-crafted character associated with Japanese folk woodwork.
Size: 8 x 8 x 30cm
