Kobayashi Inosuke Vintage Kokeshi – Yoimachizuki (44.5cm/17.5 inches)

This splendid vintage kokeshi doll was made and signed by Kobayashi Inosuke. She is titled 宵待月 (“Yoimachizuki”) which means “Waiting for the Evening Moon”. In Japan, especially in poetry and classics, different nights of the lunar cycle have their own names, because back in the old days people didn’t just celebrate or anticipate the full moon, but they also enjoyed and appreciated the waiting for it, hence this title refers to the moon the night before a full moon.

Her kimono is decorated with gourd (hyotan) that is climbing from the bottom of it to the top with the vine in curling throughout it. The gourd symbolizes growth, hope and abundance (since it has many seeds).

Kobayashi Inosuke was born in 1931 in Gunma prefecture and won multiple awards for his kokeshi dolls throughout his life, including winning the prestigious Prime Minister award in 1979. His dolls are usually tall and elegant featuring natural wood colors combined colorful kimonos.

In very good condition with visible signs on the back. Please inspect all the pictures.

Height: 44.5cm / 17.5 inches
Width: 11.5cm / 4.5 inches
Weight: 2.14kg / 4.7 lbs