Takashi Kamata / 鎌田孝市
Bunji Kamata / 鎌田文市
Kinichiro Sasaki / 佐々木金一郎
Zenji Satō / 佐藤善二
Teizō Hiraga 平賀貞蔵
This kokeshi doll was handcrafted by Teizo Hiraga 平賀貞蔵 (1897-1986) in December 1971 at the age of 74, as confirmed by the handwritten signature on its base 作並 平賀 貞蔵 74才 (46年12月). Structurally, the doll showcases the sturdy, thicker cylindrical body shape that came to define his post-war Sakunami-strain pieces. The clean, concentric lathe rings on the bottom highlight his decades of mastery as a woodturner, while the bold, alternating horizontal bands of red and dark green painted on the torso perfectly illustrate his evolution toward a thicker, heavier, and rounder brush style later in life.
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Heigt: ca. 15 cm
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Weight: ca. 154 gram
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Condition: very good vintage condition.
The Sakunami strain (Sakunami-kei) is one of the distinct traditional lineages of Japanese kokeshi dolls, originating from the Sakunami hot spring (onsen) resort area in Miyagi Prefecture. Historically, these dolls were crafted by local woodturners (kiji-shi) who produced them alongside everyday wooden household items like trays and bowls.
Classic Sakunami kokeshi are traditionally recognized by their highly stylized, slender shapes and elegant proportions, which historically allowed them to be easily held by children. The dolls traditionally feature a small head attached to a body that often tapers down significantly toward a very narrow waist, resting on a small, flared base. Over the decades, especially during the post-World War II period to accommodate the booming tourist trade, artisans within this lineage—such as Teizo Hiraga and his contemporaries—evolved the design to feature thicker, sturdier cylindrical bodies and a broader, heavier brushwork style. The torso decoration typically includes bold, concentric bands of traditional red and green rings painted directly onto the turned wood.
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.
