Vintage Kokeshi by Kuribayashi Issetsu

Kuribayashi Issetsu (1924–2011) was a celebrated kokeshi artist from Yonezawa City and is widely regarded as one of the founding figures of the Sosaku (Creative) Kokeshi movement. His work earned every major industry award throughout his career, which began in 1955, and he is prominently featured in the Nuremberg Toy Museum in Germany alongside fellow Sosaku master Watanabe Masao. Known for his exceptional craftsmanship, Kuribayashi often produced one-of-a-kind pieces, making his dolls highly sought after by collectors.

This rare doll is decorated with a floral theme on the Kimono of this doll. He utilized multiple types of wood, with natural base with the face and hair painted. It illustrates stylized hand painted clothing with expressive Chrysanthemum hand-paintings to define the characteristically blue Kimono.

As with this piece Kuribayashi enjoys long flowing traditional hairstyles, (taregami), and incorporates a topknot to further define the hair. This doll plays off of the natural color of the wood with a clear coat lacquer finish, with hand-painting to define the face and clothing. Shape and balance are important elements of this Japanese style and decoration. The piece is signed on the bottom of the doll.

A highly collectable kokeshi in excellent condition 37cm tall