Extra Large Creative Kokeshi by Tōa Sekiguchi | 43 cm

This extra large creative kokeshi was made by Tōa Sekiguchi (関口東亜, born 1942), a Japanese sōsaku kokeshi artist from Gunma and son of the influential kokeshi maker Sansaku Sekiguchi.

At 43 cm tall, this piece has an exceptionally slender and monumental form. Much of the wood has been left natural, allowing the pronounced grain and warm tonal variations to remain visible.

Small red floral motifs are scattered across the long body. The restrained decoration emphasises the verticality of the form, while the rounded head features an extremely minimal expression and is topped by a separately turned wooden finial.

The combination of simple lines, warm wood tones and sparse decoration gives the piece a distinctly sculptural quality. It is a fine example of how sōsaku kokeshi moved beyond traditional regional forms and developed into an independent form of Japanese wood art.

The underside bears a heavily faded handwritten maker's signature. The model and overall design closely correspond with documented large works by Tōa Sekiguchi, including examples of around 40 cm offered by specialist Japanese dealers.

Dimensions
Height: 43 cm
Weight: 1,007 g
Signature: heavily faded on the underside

Discover more about the meaning and history of Creative Kokeshi in our Tamashii Guide.

Every vintage piece in our collection has its own story and bears the marks of its past. Please examine the photographs carefully for an honest impression of its condition and any signs of age or use.