Tsuda Jirō – Subtle Elegance in Sōsaku Kokeshi

Tsuda Jirō (津田次郎, 1923–2013) was a Japanese kokeshi-shi from Miyagi Prefecture, respected within the Sōsaku (creative) Kokeshi movement for his restrained, elegant style and precise control of form and brushwork.

His work is characterized by calmness, balance, and a strong sense of wabi-sabi. Tsuda's Kokeshi appear quiet and understated, yet convey a deep poetic presence and inner tension.

Throughout his career, he received several national awards, confirming his standing as a highly regarded craftsman within the creative Kokeshi tradition.

Stylistic characteristics

• Slender, simple forms with soft, flowing contours

• Serene faces, often with closed eyes or an extremely subtle smile

• Minimalist decoration with floral accents and natural wood tones

• Great attention to proportion, finish, and brush control

• Signature: 津田次郎, brush-signed on the base, sometimes accompanied by a stamp

Collectability

Works by Tsuda Jirō are appreciated by collectors for their quiet elegance and timeless quality.
Well-preserved pieces with a clear signature remain especially sought after among admirers of refined Sōsaku Kokeshi.