Created by the acclaimed artist Hideo Ishihara 日出男石原 (1925–1999), this very rare kokeshi is titled Henso shōjo (Braided Girl). This piece is part of Ishihara’s celebrated series of "pigtail" dolls, showcasing his unique ability to turn wood into a playful, expressive character. The doll features a distinctive hairstyle with two thick, hand-formed braids. The body is smooth and unpainted with visible natural warmth and grain of the wood. With her slightly tilted head and charmingly expressive face, this doll perfectly captures the artistic freedom and modern creativity that Ishihara brought to the kokeshi world.
Size:
Height (approx.): 29,5 cm
Weight (approx.): 500 g
Condition: Very good vintage condition with no major scratches or signs of age. Some glue visible in attachment spots (see images for details).
Artisan Note
Hideo Ishihara was a visionary leader in the Sosaku (creative) kokeshi movement. Despite a career cut short by illness, he earned over 60 awards, including the prestigious Prime Minister’s Award. His work, influenced by his background in science and painting, gained international fame. Today, he is remembered as a founder of the Nippon Kokeshi Artistic Handicraft Association and a master of blending nature-inspired motifs with clean, graphic aesthetics.
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.
