Vintage Sosaku Kokeshi by Yajima Suihou

A charming vintage Japanese Sosaku Kokeshi by Yajima Suihou (矢島翠峰), a documented artist associated with Japan’s postwar creative kokeshi movement.

Measuring only approximately 8.5 cm / 3.35 in tall, this is a particularly compact and expressive mother-and-child composition.

YAJIMA SUIHOU

Yajima Suihou (矢島翠峰) was an artist active in the development of Sosaku Kokeshi, or creative kokeshi, in postwar Japan.

Unlike traditional regional kokeshi, Sosaku Kokeshi gave individual artists greater freedom to experiment with form, carving, decoration, and personal expression.

This piece bears the artist’s signature on the reverse.

MOTHER & CHILD

The composition depicts a mother with a tiny child appearing beside her shoulder.

The mother’s large rounded head, elongated side hair, narrow neck, and extremely compact body create a playful and highly distinctive silhouette.

The tiny child emerging from one side adds an unexpected narrative element to the piece.

DESIGN

The body combines exposed wood texture with painted brown, white, green, and black decoration.

Rather than following the familiar cylindrical structure of traditional kokeshi, the figure has been conceived as a small sculptural composition.

Despite measuring only 8.5 cm tall, the exaggerated proportions and projecting hair give the piece a surprisingly strong visual presence.

DISPLAY

A wonderful small-scale object for a collection of Japanese folk art, Sosaku Kokeshi, or vintage wooden sculpture.

Its compact size makes it particularly suitable for a shelf, desk, cabinet, or display alongside ceramics, lacquerware, baskets, and other Japanese objects.

SIZE

Height:
Approx. 8.5 cm / 3.35 in

Body width excluding the projecting hair:
Approx. 2.2 cm / 0.87 in

Artist:
Yajima Suihou (矢島翠峰)

Type:
Sosaku / Creative Kokeshi

Material:
Wood

Marking:
Artist signature on reverse

Origin:
Japan

Period:
Vintage

CONDITION

Good vintage condition.

There are some light scratches, surface rubs, and minor signs of age and use.

There is no noticeable major structural damage, and the piece displays beautifully.

Please refer carefully to the photographs for the exact condition.

Natural variations in the wood grain, painted decoration, surface, and finish are part of the character of this vintage handcrafted work.

This is a one-of-a-kind vintage piece. The photographs show the actual item you will receive.