Sekiguchi Sansaku Vintage Kokeshi Doll – Kanoko (29.1cm/11.4 inches)

This vintage creative kokeshi doll was made and signed by master Sekiguchi Sansaku. It’s the design that won Sansaku san one of his prime minister awards. She is titled かのこ (Kanoko) which is a fawn-spot pattern which resembles the spots on the back of a baby deer and her carved kimono is beautifully decorated with it. She’s also wearing a matching hair-ornament. Historically, kanoko-dyed garments were expensive status symbols.

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 great condition with minor signs of age and use. Comes with the original wooden sign.

Height: 29.1cm / 11.4 inches
Width: 16cm / 6.3 inches
Weight: 2.2kg / 4.8 lbs