Vintage Sosaku Kokeshi by Kuribayashi Issetsu
Product details
Dimensions: 20cm H
This very old vintage Kokeshi by Kuribayashi Issetsu combines multiple types of wood, using their natural colors alongside hand-painted details to define the face and clothing, creating a harmonious and elegant aesthetic.
True to his style, this piece displays a long, flowing traditional hairstyle (taregami) with a topknot to define the hair. The face is subtly expressive, with eyes conveying humility and a faint red spot marking the nose—a signature touch in his work. In keeping with classic Japanese design principles, the doll emphasizes shape, balance, and proportion. The base bears Kuribayashi's signature, confirming its authenticity.
Condition: Worn, “as is,” with natural effects from aging, use, and soiling. The piece has not been restored, preserving the original patina and character that only decades of age can give.
About the Artist: Kuribayashi Issetsu (1924–2011) of Yonezawa City is regarded as one of the founding fathers of the Sosaku-Creative Kokeshi movement. Beginning his career in 1955, his dolls have won every major award and are featured internationally, including the Nuremberg Toy Museum in Germany, alongside fellow Sosaku master Watanabe Masao. Many of his works are one-of-a-kind creations, highly prized by collectors.
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