One off a kind Sosaku kokeshi by Megumi Nozawa

“Plum Grove” by Megumi Nozawa is a delicate and poetic sosaku kokeshi that celebrates the beauty of early spring in Japan. The doll is adorned with an intricate kimono covered in blooming plum blossoms, rendered in soft shades of pink, crimson, coral, and ivory against a warm cream background. The densely layered floral design evokes the image of a tranquil plum orchard in full bloom, capturing both elegance and seasonal renewal.

Nozawa’s signature style is immediately recognizable in the figure’s peaceful expression — gently closed eyes, rosy cheeks, and a faint smile that conveys serenity and quiet happiness. The smooth black bob hairstyle frames the face with graceful simplicity, allowing the richly decorated kimono to remain the focal point of the piece.

The title “Plum Grove” reflects the symbolic meaning of plum blossoms in Japanese culture: resilience, hope, and the arrival of spring after winter. Through meticulous hand-painted detail and harmonious composition, this kokeshi embodies warmth, refinement, and timeless Japanese aesthetic sensibility. As with many of Megumi Nozawa’s works, the piece balances traditional craftsmanship with a modern artistic softness, making it both a collectible artwork and a deeply comforting presence.

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.