This Tsugaru-style kokeshi doll is the work of Senzo Mori 毛利専蔵, (1916–2003), who began his career in the late 1930s. The body is decorated with a large, vibrant red peony—a classic motif of the Mori family—accented with green leaves and precision lathe-painted bands in red, yellow, and purple. His work often incorporated aesthetics from the legendary Mori Hidetaro, and the delicate painting on his dolls was frequently a collaboration with his wife, Tama. A bob-style hairstyle and a serene, hand-painted facial expression with subtle red blushing on the cheeks.
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. 30,5 cm
Weight: ca. 560 gram
Condition: good vintage vondition (see images for details) with some discoloration/stains as seen at the last images. No visible cracks of scratches.
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.
