“Ume no Sato” – Creative Kokeshi by Yoshio Otani | 21 cm

This creative kokeshi by Yoshio Otani is entitled "Ume no Sato", meaning "village of plum blossoms."

Its full, rounded form and long hair give the piece a soft and calm presence. The kimono is richly decorated with large plum blossoms (ume), rendered through burned linework and subtle red-pink accents.

The floral design extends across most of the body, adding texture and visual depth without disturbing the restrained character of the figure. The small face with closed eyes and a gentle blush forms a beautiful contrast with the more elaborate kimono decoration.

The title relates directly to the motif. Ume, the Japanese plum blossom, blooms towards the end of winter and is traditionally associated with resilience, perseverance and the coming of spring.

The underside bears a faded red maker's mark together with an original gold-coloured Japanese label.

Dimensions
Height: 21 cm
Weight: 1,110 g
Signature: faded red maker's mark on the underside
Original label: gold-coloured Japanese sticker 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.