A charming kokeshi doll created by Kinichiro Sasaki 佐々木金一郎 (1918–1975). Sasaki was a Tsugaru-strain kokeshi artisan from Aomori who learned woodturning from his father, Kinjiro, in 1933. For decades, the family followed a strict division of labor: Kinichiro only turned the wooden bodies, while the painting was done by Tatsuo Hasegawa before the war and by his sister, Yashiko, after the war. Consequently, any dolls bearing Kinichiro's name prior to 1964 were painted by his sister. Encouraged by a collector, Kinichiro finally began painting his own dolls in 1964, a practice he maintained for just ten years until his death.
About the Tsugaru Style
Established around 1914, the Tsugaru-kei is the youngest of the eleven traditional kokeshi strains. Originating in the hot-spring resorts of Aomori, these dolls are often recognized by their diverse shapes and the frequent use of Daruma faces or native Ainu-inspired designs on the body. While the strain is relatively young, it is celebrated for its realistic painting of flowers such as peonies and irises, often set against the backdrop of solid, lathe-turned wood.
Heigt: ca. 18,2 cm
Weight: ca. 130 gram
Condition: Very good vintage condition with no major signs of wear (see images for details). Nice vivid colours.
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.
