Vintage Creative Kokeshi Doll by Master Issetsu Kuribayashi (21 cm)

An Elegant Mid-Century Flora Masterpiece by a Founding Father of Sosaku Kokeshi

Add a prestigious piece of Japanese design history to your collection with this gorgeous vintage Creative (Sosaku) Kokeshi Doll, standing at 21 cm tall. This elegant figure is a verified work by the legendary, award-winning Kokeshi Master Issetsu Kuribayashi (1924–2011), universally celebrated as one of the founding fathers of the modern creative Kokeshi movement.

This doll is a stunning example of Kuribayashi's signature aesthetic—combining organic wood shapes, stylized representations of femininity, and beautiful fluid textures inspired by nature.

Artistry & Signature Design Traits

• The "Taregami" Hairstyle: True to Kuribayashi's iconic style, the doll features an elegant, un-bound hairstyle (taregami) carved seamlessly into the wood. The head is crowned by a unique, separate spherical wood bun element stacked cleanly on top, adding a beautiful sense of architectural height and balance.

• Humility in Expression: The face is a masterclass in minimalism. Two subtle, downward-curved ink lines evoke closed eyes reflecting quiet humility and serene introspection—a signature trademark of the artist's faces.

• The "Shunen / Flower Garden" Kimono: The slender, spindle-shaped body is enveloped in a breathtaking forest-green and sage kimono overlay. It features a large, stylized leaf or flower pattern (reminiscent of his acclaimed "Flower Garden" or "Chrysanthemum" series). The lines are etched directly into the wood before staining, allowing the raw, warm under-grain of the wood to peak through as the floral borders and overlapping V-neck collar.

• Authentic Hanko Stamp: The base features Kuribayashi's official red ink hanko (artisan seal/stamp) alongside his signature, serving as a definitive mark of authenticity for discerning collectors.

Collector's Notes

• Very Good Condition: The doll remains in very good vintage condition, exhibiting incredibly rich, deep green pigments with minimal fading. The wood preserves a smooth, lustrous finish with only light signs of aging that enhance its mid-century patina.

• Pedigree: Kuribayashi’s elite craftsmanship earned him the prestigious Prime Minister Award twice over his career. His groundbreaking mid-century designs are so culturally significant that they are permanently preserved in global institutions, including the Nuremberg Toy Museum in Germany.

Specifications

• Artisan: Issetsu Kuribayashi (1924–2011)

• Type: Creative / Modernist Kokeshi (Sosaku)

• Height: Approximately 21 cm tall

• Material: Hand-turned Japanese wood, rich organic stains, ink pigments

• Authentication: Authentic artist's hanko stamp on the bottom

• Condition: Very good vintage condition with superb color saturation