A vintage Sosaku Kokeshi doll blending traditional craftsmanship with artistic individuality. Hand-carved from wood and polished to a smooth, natural finish, the doll features a large rounded head with a serene, childlike expression. Its facial features are delicately painted of narrow eyes, a small red mouth, and stylized black hair with distinctive tufts on top, capturing the gentle and minimalist aesthetic typical of Sosaku Kokeshi.
The body is cylindrical and slightly tapered, painted to resemble a traditional kimono in soft tones of beige, black, and red, with elegant wave-like and vertical lines. Tied with a dark obi, the kimono’s simple yet refined pattern gives the doll a graceful, composed appearance. What makes this piece particularly special is the hand-drawn figure at the bottom of the doll: a small, detailed illustration of a maiko, an apprentice geisha from Kyoto, identifiable by her traditional hairstyle and attire. This little drawing adds a touch of narrative and cultural specificity, tying the piece to Kyoto’s rich artistic heritage.
