Vintage Creative Kokeshi Doll by Masao Watanabe – Kanoko (23cm/9 inches)

This beautiful kokeshi doll was made by Masao Watanabe (1917-2007) who was a prominent creative kokeshi artist and one of the leading figures in the movement that drifted away from traditional kokeshi dolls.

Her title is かのこ (Kanoko) which can mean “Flower Child” (if written as 花の子). Her body has a lovely dotted asanoha pattern with a base black and red gradient.

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: 23cm / 9 inches