Kokeshi doll vintage creative by master Sekiguchi Sansaku (1925-2018). Her titled is “Semi no koe” (蝉の声) which means “Chirping of Cicadas”. She’s wearing a simple yukata (summer kimono) with red decorations and a red obi (kimono belt) as well as a matching hat with a red ribbon. She’s carrying a small bamboo box which is used for the cicadas that she and the boy version of this doll will pick together. Catching cicadas is a common summer pastime for kids in Japan.

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 signs of age and use. Comes with the original wooden sign. Please note the hat is not removable.

Height: 21cm/ 8.2 inches