Vintage Sosaku Kokeshi Portrait of Chieko by Takayama Kotaro

This kokeshi doll is inspired by the poetic world of Kotaro Takamura, a Japanese artist renowned not only for his sculptures but also for his deeply emotional poetry. He is especially celebrated for his 1941 poetry collection Chiekosho, translated into English as Chieko’s Sky. The English title is derived from one of the poems in the collection, “Childlike Story,” in which Chieko expresses her longing for the sky of her childhood.

As reflected in the inscription on the kokeshi, Takamura speaks to his wife Chieko, describing the landscape of her hometown. He tells her that the mountain on the horizon is Mount Adatara, and that the glistening river is the Abukuma River, both located in Fukushima Prefecture. Through his poetry, he vividly evokes the scenery of the place she loved.

Chieko, who was diagnosed with schizophrenia, spent the remainder of her life in a hospital and was never able to return home. Takamura’s poems reflect his profound devotion to her, capturing both her fragile inner world and the enduring beauty of her memories. His collection remains widely read and deeply admired to this day.

Height: 26cm

Weight: 260g

Please look carefully at the pictures to determine the condition of the kokeshi. She as stains.