Vintage Kokeshi - Mid Century

Watanabe Masao stands among the luminaries of 20th-century sōsaku Kokeshi, celebrated for his lyrical depictions of innocence and his masterful blending of tradition with modern artistry. Born in Fukushima Prefecture and trained by Yajirō master Sato Tatsuo, Watanabe transitioned into sōsaku Kokeshi creation in the 1950s, bringing a poetic depth to the form.

Unlike dentō Kokeshi, which follow strict regional rules and inherited shapes, Watanabe’s creations are one-of-a-kind works of art, each reflecting his personal vision. His dolls are noted for their sculptural quality, bridging folk tradition with modern aesthetics, sometimes drawing visual influence from mid-century Japanese design. This particular piece is highly representative of Watanabe’s work and celebrates the natural beauty of the wood itself.

I am quite sure this is a Watanabe kokeshi but there is no signature. Watanabe subcontracted an artist named Sato Norio to reproduce large numbers of his Kokeshi in the 1960s because of an enormous number of orders for his award-winning dolls. This has all the characteristics of Watanabe's work.

This doll has an aged patina and is 24cm tall. With a signature the price would be 5 times more but because I can't definetly say it is Watanabe.