Vintage Sosaku kokeshi by Ohtani Yoshio (1936-)

This is a charming Sosaku (Creative) Kokeshi doll crafted by the award-winning artist Ohtani Yoshio. His work is celebrated for its warm, rounded forms and delicate wood-carving techniques.

Design Features

• Form: The doll features a distinctive ovoid or "egg" shape, which is a signature style of Ohtani Yoshio, giving the piece a gentle and sturdy presence.

• Expression: The face is finely detailed with slender, closed eyes and a tiny red mouth, conveying a sense of peaceful happiness.

• Engraving & Color:

  • The hair is rendered with thin, vertical incised lines, creating a soft fringe across the forehead.

  • The body is decorated with large, hand-carved plum blossoms (ume) tinted in soft shades of terracotta and cream.

  • An intricate obi (sash) is featured in the center, decorated with a traditional geometric pattern in black, gold, and blue.

• Woodwork: The artist utilizes the natural light tone and subtle grain of the wood to enhance the doll's organic beauty, with a smooth, polished finish.

About the Artist

Ohtani Yoshio was a prominent figure in the post-war Sosaku kokeshi movement. He was known for his "Daruma-like" rounded designs and frequently won prizes at the All Japan Kokeshi Exhibition for his technical skill and whimsical style.

Height: 11cm

Weight: 470g

Please look carefully at the pictures to determine the condition of the item.