Magdalena Kwapisz Grabowska

KO!keshka
Far East Insight

Hand-painted with decoupage techniques, they each carry a unique character and story.

Exploring Far Eastern philosophy through art

Stepping into the third dimension, this project translates Far Eastern philosophy into form, matter, and presence. The 'kokeshi' figures, my own take on Japanese dolls, embody ideas over objects.

Philosophy Form

Stepping into the third dimension, this project embodies Far Eastern philosophy through form and presence.

Kokeshi Interpretation

My interpretation of “kokeshi” figures, renamed “kokeshka,” symbolize ideas rather than mere objects.

Alder Sculpture

Crafted from alder wood, these figures are warm, organic, and responsive to touch and light.

Organic Presence

The adornments of 24-karat gold and natural stone add depth, light, and grounding to each figure.

Standing at around 30 centimeters, each figure serves as a sculpture, sign, and symbol.

Hand-painted with decoupage techniques, they each carry a unique character and story.

The adornments of 24-karat gold and natural stone add depth, light, and grounding to each figure.

Stepping into the third dimension, this project embodies Far Eastern philosophy through form and presence.

Translating ideas into tangible forms

Hand-Painted Symbol

My interpretation of “kokeshi” figures, renamed “kokeshka,” symbolize ideas rather than mere objects.

Gold Illumination

Crafted from alder wood, these figures are warm, organic, and responsive to touch and light.

Stone Weight

Standing at around 30 centimeters, each figure serves as a sculpture, sign, and symbol.

Decoupage Character

Crafted from alder wood, these figures are tactile and light-responsive, standing 30 centimeters tall. Each one serves as a sculpture, sign, and symbol, painted by hand to convey unique character.

Sculpted Beauty

Natural stone decoration of the figure brings timeless elegance and a touch of sophistication.

Individual Breath

Stepping into the third dimension, this project embodies Far Eastern philosophy through form and presence.

Kokeshka figures: carriers of profound concepts

Adorned with 24-karat gold and natural stone, the embellishments hold deeper meanings. Gold symbolizes illumination and insight, while stone grounds the figure in matter, adding weight and significance.

Alder wood sculptures embodying presence

Stepping into the third dimension, this project translates Far Eastern philosophy into form, matter, and presence. The 'kokeshi' figures, my own take on Japanese dolls, embody ideas over objects.

Crafting symbolic figures from organic materials

Crafted from alder wood, these figures are tactile and light-responsive, standing 30 centimeters tall. Each one serves as a sculpture, sign, and symbol, painted by hand to convey unique character.

伝統こけし

Kokeshi are traditional Japanese wooden dolls originating from the Tohoku region in northern Japan, crafted for over 150 years as simple children’s toys.

They feature a limbless design with a large spherical head and cylindrical body, handmade from wood like cherry or Mizu-nashi, adorned with painted floral patterns in red, black, and other colors, then sealed with wax.
Initially made by woodworkers for their kids near hot springs, kokeshi evolved into collectible folk art and symbols of health, happiness, or fertility, with distinct regional styles signed by artisans.