This Shingata Kokeshi doll was handcrafted by the 7th-generation Matagorō (又五郎), a lineage of skilled woodworkers and doll makers rooted in traditional Japanese craftsmanship. What sets this doll apart is its expressive carving style—each chisel mark intentionally left visible, creating a raw, rustic aesthetic that celebrates the beauty of wood and the hand of the maker.
When the 7th-generation Matagorō was 60 years old, his works were already distinct: unlike typical lathe-turned kokeshi, he produced hand‑carved wood sculptures (one-off carved figurines) from natural Akita cedar logs, with a distinctive folk style. This suggests a hybrid approach between pure kokeshi and folk sculpture, leaning more toward carved character and individuality.
Signed on the back in bold kanji with the artist’s name, including a red seal (印), this doll is both a work of art and a cultural artifact. It embodies the unique blend of folk tradition and personal expression that defines Sosaku Kokeshi.
