Exclusive vintage Sosaku kokeshi by Aoki Ryoka (1931-)

This is a beautiful creative (sōsaku) kokeshi doll by the renowned Japanese female artisan Aoki Ryoka (青木 寥華, born 1931 in Gunma Prefecture as Toshiko Aoki).

Detailed Description:

The doll features a tall, elegant, and smoothly turned body made from light natural wood (likely dogwood, a favorite material of the artist), with a warm, honey-toned finish that highlights the wood grain.

•  Head: It has a distinctive rounded, slightly oversized head with a short, bobbed hairstyle painted in a rich, glossy deep burgundy-red or wine color. The face is minimalist and serene in classic kokeshi style: simple arched eyebrows, closed or downcast slit eyes, and a tiny, delicate mouth with a subtle pink blush on the cheeks. The overall expression is calm, gentle, and introspective.

•  Body: The elongated, slightly tapered cylindrical body is mostly left in its natural wood state, allowing the beautiful grain to shine through. Delicately hand-painted on the lower half is a graceful motif of white flowers (resembling irises or similar slender blossoms) with long, flowing brown stems and leaves that curve elegantly upward. The painting uses soft earthy tones and fine detailing, giving a sense of delicate wildflowers swaying in the wind.

•  Overall Style: This is a fine example of modern creative kokeshi, where Aoki Ryoka blends traditional Japanese folk doll forms with her own artistic, painterly sensibility (influenced by her background in Japanese-style painting). The design feels poetic and nature-inspired, evoking simplicity, purity, and quiet beauty.

Height: 37,5cm

Weight: 740g

Please look carefully at the pictures to determine the condition of the kokeshi. She as little dents see last picture.