Doll portraits with soul – Gabriela Cichowska's paintings are inspired by Kokeshi and capture the grace and poetic charm of traditional Japanese wooden dolls, translated into a contemporary visual language. Each figure is imbued with a deeply human expression. Depicted in the present image is a Kokeshi doll made by Sato Bunkichi (1922–2008), together with two traditional Kijiyama Kokeshi.
The DADAKKO series is a multi-layered, playful yet profound exploration of the Kokeshi as an art form, where traditional aesthetics meet contemporary painting in unexpected ways. Every piece is a unique original, telling its own story – delicate, powerful, and full of symbolism – inviting us to rediscover the quiet expressive power of Japanese wooden artistry.
The piece comes professionally framed. The high-quality frame is made from Ayous – a light, durable tropical hardwood sourced sustainably – and lends the artwork a refined, timeless presence. Its careful craftsmanship highlights the painting's quality and offers lasting protection.
Materials
Acrylic painting on canvas – with selective glossy finish.
Award-winning Polish painter and illustrator Gabriela Cichowska combines the visual language of Kokeshi with contemporary painting in her DADAKKO series, created for Punkeshi. Her expressive figures move between poetry, quiet melancholy and a subtle sense of humour.
