Latest Additions to our Inventory
Traditional Nakanosawa Kokeshi Tsuchiyu Doll by Seya Juji
Gallery
This is a very unique sub-strain of the traditional family of Tsuchiyu kokeshi. These large-eyed and rosy-cheeked dolls with big noses are now considered a separate class of Kokeshi within the Tsuchiyu group. Almost always decorated with bright, colorful chrysanthemums (kiku), their faces are based on a story of a street dancer who used a pillow with a hand painted clown-like expression in Inawashiro, Fukushima Prefecture. The doll is in excellent condition for its age (approximately 1950) and signed by the artist Setya Juji (born in 1924). The artist has signed this piece on the base. Dimensions: 9-1/2”h
Traditional Kokeshi with ‘Kiku’ Motif by Kuribayashi Issetsu
Gallery
Here is a wonderful ‘creative’ Kokeshi doll decorated with stylized chrysanthemum, (kiku) flowers, in celebration of the Kiku-Matsuri (festival) held in November each year. The artist is Kuribayashi, Issetsu, who was born in 1924. Known primarily for his painted ‘kiku’, and always integrating some carving in the design on the body, his dolls are very popular with collectors. Issetsu-san has won many awards through the years, including the prestigious Prime Minister’s Award. The piece is stamped on the underside. Dimensions: 6-0”h
Creative Yuzawa Kijiyama style Kokeshi by Shibuya Shinraku
Gallery
This is a wonderful, large example of a Kokeshi with peony motif by Shibuya Shinruku, a prolific doll maker who is considered a ‘transitional’ Kokeshi artist. While he is from Akita Prefecture, where traditional Kijiyama Kokeshi originated, he is based in the Yuzawa area of Akita, and is a ‘creative’ (sosaku) artist due to his use of large, brightly painted Peonies and other designs not found on traditional Kijiyama dolls. The doll has a Shinraku’s signature and doll identification is included on the back. Dimensions: 13-1/2”h
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