This vintage Sosaku Kokeshi is a handcrafted work by the award-winning artist Sanpei Yamanaka (1926-1992), titled 'Doji'. These Creative Kokeshi figurines featuring a smooth, spherical design rather than the traditional cylindrical shape. They are are made of wood, highlighting a prominent natural grain, with minimalist facial features carved into a lighter, unpainted wood section. These modern dolls emphasize a simple, organic aesthetic through their rounded, egg-like forms and graduated sizes.
Yamanaka-san was born in Yonezawa, Yamagata Prefecturea and was a celebrated photographer, transitioned his artistic focus to the creative kokeshi, eventually winning the prestigious Prime Minister Award in 1979.
Height: ca. 8,3 cm (larger doll) and 6,7 cm (smaller doll)
Weight (both dolls): ca. 270 g
Condition: very good vintage condition with just minor signs of age (see images for details).
Signature: 三平 (Sanpei) at the bottom of the larger doll.
Please note that all items in my shop are vintage and may show signs of age, including scratches, tarnishing, and other imperfections that add to their character. Please refer to the photos for a detailed view of each item's condition. If you have any questions, feel free to reach out before purchasing. All images are of the actual product. However, please be aware that colors may appear slightly different on screen due to display settings.
