This vintage creative kokeshi doll was made & signed by master Sekiguchi Sansaku. She is titled あじさい (Ajisai) which means Hydrangea. Her kimono and hair are beautifully decorated with colorful hydrangea flowers and she has the most adorable pigtails.
Ajisai in Japanese means Hydrangea – a type of a flowering planet that blossom in the rainy summer months in various stunning colors. In Japan Ajisai viewing is very popular and famous viewing spots get crowded with people who want to enjoy the blossom while it lasts.
Sekiguchi Sansaku (1925-2018) is perhaps the most renowned kokeshi master. He’s the only artisan who has ever been certified by the Japanese government as “master of creative kokeshi”. He has a museum in his birth city of Shibukawa in Gunma prefecture and it’s being managed and maintained by his daughter Izumi who is a kokeshi artist in her own right. He has won the prestigious prime minister award three times for his beautiful and unique dolls.
In mint condition, comes with the original box and the wooden sign.
Height: 16.5cm / 6.5 inches