Vintage Sosaku Kokeshi by Yamanaka, Sanpei

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Dimensions: 6-0”h

Here we see a decorative treatment of the head of this beautiful kokeshi that is quite unique, playing off of the hairstyle of the day with a more traditional ‘Mage’ look. She has simple understated eyes and a red dot for a nose. The unusual feature is the horizontal red and green striations of ‘Rokuro- moyo’, a manner in which the colors encircle the body, suggesting the garment being worn. On top of the stripes and only on the front of the doll are yellow spring flowers. The body is accentuated with a red Obi.

Yamanaka-san is known for his warm, soft colors, always with a child-like sense of wonder about them. These represent a sense of the typical rural areas. There is an inscription on the bottom of the doll identifying Yamanaka as the maker.

Condition: Excellent meaning that the piece retains its original craft/workmanship showing a wonderful-developed patina commensurate which suggests a degree of wear that corresponds to its vintage. It is void of damage, cracks, breakage, or repairs and meets all the standards of the collectible Sosaku Kokeshi.