This beautiful Japanese Kokeshi is a significant work by the famous Usaburo workshop. It features a striking dark-grained wooden body adorned with delicately plum blossoms (Ume). With her elegant closed eyes, detailed bob hairstyle, and a traditional red hair ornament, she brings a serene, minimalist touch to any space.
In Japanese tradition, the plum blossom (ume – うめ), being the first flower to bloom, symbolizes the beginning of spring, a period corresponding to the first days of February. It represents strength, tenacity, and resilience, as it blooms during the still-cold months despite harsh weather, often under the snow. In this sense, it is also linked to the birth of love and its transformations. The name of this kokeshi is "Koigokoro", which in Japanese means "Awakening of Love".
The Usaburo workshop was founded by the celebrated master woodworker Okamoto Usaburo (1917–2009). Starting in 1950, Okamoto revolutionized kokeshi making by introducing new woods and carving techniques, eventually winning the prestigious Prime Minister’s Award. Today, the Usaburo studio remains Japan’s most prominent lineage in modern doll artistry
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Size: approx. 32,5 cm
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Weight: approx. 702 gram
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Condition: good vintage condition with minor signs of wear including small cracks at the top of the head (please see images for details).
Please note that all items in my shop are vintage and may show signs of age, including scratches, tarnishing, and other imperfections that add to their character. Please refer to the photos for a detailed view of each item's condition. If you have any questions, feel free to reach out before purchasing. All images are of the actual product. However, please be aware that colors may appear slightly different on screen due to display settings.
