One off a kind Sosaku kokeshi by Megumi Nozawa

September Sky by Megumi Nozawa is a captivating sosaku kokeshi that evokes the gentle beauty of early autumn in Japan. The title refers to the clear, luminous skies of September, a season when summer gradually gives way to autumn and nature is bathed in soft light and vibrant colour.

The doll features Nozawa’s signature rounded face with delicately closed eyes, rosy cheeks, and a serene smile that conveys a sense of quiet happiness and contentment. Her glossy black hair frames the face beautifully, creating a striking contrast with the vivid blue kimono.

The kimono is richly decorated with an abundance of colourful cosmos blossoms, a flower closely associated with September in Japan. Painted in shades of pink, white, red, yellow, and lavender, the flowers seem to dance across the deep sky-blue background, symbolising fields of cosmos swaying beneath a bright autumn sky. Fine carving and meticulous hand-painted details demonstrate Megumi Nozawa’s exceptional craftsmanship and her talent for combining traditional kokeshi aesthetics with a contemporary artistic sensibility.

The brilliant blue colour of the garment reflects the clear September heavens, while the profusion of blossoms celebrates the fleeting beauty of the season. Together, these elements create a work that radiates warmth, optimism, and harmony with nature.

Height: 15cm

Weight: 600g

Megumi Nozawa is a highly skilled and multi-award-winning sōsaku kokeshi artist whose work is celebrated for its warmth, elegance, and emotional expression. Born in 1949 in São Paulo, Brazil, she later moved to Japan, where she developed a deep appreciation for traditional Japanese craftsmanship and artistic culture.

Remarkably, Megumi Nozawa began creating kokeshi dolls only in her sixties, proving that artistic passion can flourish at any stage of life. She studied under renowned kokeshi artists including Yuko Yamazaki, Ichiko Yahagi, and Etsuko Tokumaru, refining her own distinctive style through years of dedication and experimentation.

Currently based in Minato Ward, Tokyo, Megumi Nozawa actively participates in kokeshi exhibitions throughout Japan and is recognized as a respected member of the Japanese kokeshi community. Her creations often reflect memories from childhood, everyday moments, and the quiet beauty of human emotion. Through carving, painting, and pyrography techniques, she produces dolls that radiate serenity, happiness, and contemplation.

Her kokeshi are especially admired for their:

• joyful facial expressions,
• colorful kimono designs,
• delicate floral motifs,
• refined wood carving,
• and harmonious artistic balance.

Awards & Recognition

Megumi Nozawa has received numerous prestigious awards at the National Modern Kokeshi Exhibitions, including:

• 2010 — Newcomer Award
• 2012 — Special Jury Award
• 2014 — Japan Kokeshi Crafts Association Award
• 2015 — Annual Grand Prize
• 2018 — Japan Kokeshi Crafts Association Award
• 2023 — Governor of Miyagi Prefecture Award

She is also a member of the Japan Kokeshi Crafts Association and continues to inspire collectors and fellow artists with her unique artistic vision and dedication to the craft.