Refined Kokeshi Princess by Oki Izumi

Original Japanese creative wooden kokeshi.

This is a refined work signed by Oki Izumi, daughter of the great Master Sansaku Sekiguchi (1925-2018), considered by many collectors to be the most important kokeshi artist.

Entirely engraved and hand-painted, this enchanting kokeshi is titled “Princess” (プリンセス Purinsesu), meaning “Princess”: a name that, from her hairstyle to her gaze and even her clothing, embodies an idea of refinement, attention to detail and stage presence.

She wears a bright ivory kimono, embellished with an elegant motif of tea roses in soft, powdery tones, somewhere between cream and pink, which are also repeated in her hair.

A splendid golden crown appears on the head: a point of light that completes the ensemble like a jewel, guides the gaze upwards and immediately defines the theme of the Princess.

This refined kokeshi doll stands out for its warm caramel-toned hairstyle, enhanced by soft curls: a truly unique detail in the world of kokeshi, where hair is most often straight and dark. The curls add a pleasant sensation of softness and “movement,” recalling sophisticated portrait hairstyles.

She also stands out for her blue eyes, another unusual detail in kokeshi: the light color gives immediate brightness and makes the expression more “open”, while the long, neat and well-defined eyelashes add depth to the look.

The high neck is another element that evokes an elegance from times gone by and gives the figure a more formal and “noble” air, as if dressed for an important occasion.