This vintage kokeshi doll was made & signed by Kenichi Murakami (1929 – 1991). She is titled 里の娘 (Sato no Musume) which means “Village Girl”. She’s made of dark enju wood and has a kimono curved on a lathe while the hair was carved by hand. Her obi (kimono belt) was left smooth revealing the lovely wood pattern. Her head is made of a separate piece of enju wood.

Born in 1929 Kenichi san started studying oil painting in his early teenager years but towards the mid 40’s he started creating kokeshi. His dolls are known to have very minimal design with an emphasize on the natural wood color and grain.

In great condition with minor signs of age and use.

Height: 16.5cm / 6.5 inches
Width: 11.5cm / 4.5
Weight: 0.68kg / 1.5 lbs