One off a kind Sosaku kokeshi by Megumi Nozawa

“Best Clothes” by Megumi Nozawa is a charming and expressive sosaku kokeshi that beautifully captures elegance, craftsmanship, and quiet joy. The doll features Nozawa’s signature serene facial expression, with softly closed eyes and a subtle smile that radiates warmth and contentment. Dressed in an exquisitely detailed kimono, the piece showcases an intricate floral pattern in shades of blue, red, gold, pink, and white, creating a rich tapestry of seasonal blossoms and traditional Japanese motifs.

The glossy finish and finely painted details emphasize the artistry of the garment — fitting the title “Best Clothes” perfectly. Her sleek black hair frames the face in a classic bob style, adding balance and simplicity to the elaborate kimono design. The overall composition conveys refinement and celebration, as if the figure is proudly wearing her most treasured attire for a special occasion.

Like many of Nozawa’s award-winning creations, this kokeshi blends traditional Japanese aesthetics with a modern, highly personal artistic touch. The result is a collectible piece that feels both sophisticated and deeply comforting.  

Height: 12cm

Weight: 290g 

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.