This vintage creative kokeshi doll was made by Watanabe Masao (1917-2007). She is titled 御きげん (gokigen) which means “In a Good Mood” or “In High Spirits”. The head and body were made to be separate and to allow you to tilt the head as you wish. By doing so the expression of the doll also changes.

Masao Watanabe was born in Fukushima prefecture and originally trained as a traditional kokeshi master before switching to creative kokeshi. He won the prestigious prime minster award and his dolls were presented to the Beatles in 1965. He’s one of the few artisans whose work is permanently exhibited at the Nuremberg Toy Museum in Germany and considered to be one of the most influential and prominent creative kokeshi artists ever. Today, his son Yuji Watanabe, and his Grandson Kunihiko Watanabe continue the family tradition of creating wonderful and unique kokeshi dolls.

In good condition, has one visible sign on the chin. Comes in the original box.

Height: 20.5cm / 8 inches