Hana (Flower) Hand Carved Sōsaku Kokeshi by Issetsu Kuribayashi

This elegant sōsaku kokeshi is the work of celebrated Japanese artist Issetsu Kuribayashi, known for his tall, refined silhouettes and exquisitely carved surface designs. Hana or 花 (Flower) showcases Kuribayashi’s signature style: flowing, hand-engraved motifs that wrap gracefully around the body, highlighted with warm natural tones, soft reds, and deep charcoal accents. The delicate rounded head and lacquered topknot provide a beautiful contrast to the richly textured form below. A poetic, sculptural piece that blends traditional craftsmanship with modern artistic expression.

About the Artist – Issetsu Kuribayashi (栗林 一雪)

Born in 1924 in Yonezawa, Yamagata Prefecture, Issetsu Kuribayashi emerged in the mid-1950s as one of the formative figures of the Creative Kokeshi movement. Known for his tall, graceful forms and flowing carved motifs, he blended traditional wood-turning skill with a distinctly modern artistic sensibility. His dolls often feature serene, minimalist faces, expressive “taregami” hairstyles, and subtle lacquered accents that add depth and character.

Over his career, Kuribayashi received numerous awards at major national exhibitions, and his work was showcased at the 1970 Japan International Exposition in Osaka—an honour that helped cement kokeshi as a respected contemporary craft. As President of the Yonezawa Miyuki Association and a member of the Nippon Kokeshi Artistic Handicraft Association, he played a key role in advancing the art form. Kuribayashi continued creating until his passing in 2011, leaving behind a body of work treasured for its elegance, craftsmanship, and quiet poetic presence.