Usaburo Vintage Kokeshi Doll – Hanagokoro (24cm/9.4 inches)

Beautiful and large creative kokeshi doll by Master Usaburo. She’s titled 花心 (Hanagokoro) which means “Flower’s Heart”. She wearing a lovely pink kimono with sakura (cherry) flowers in white, silver and gold. Her hair is carved and flows naturally down her back.

Okamoto Usaburo, the founder of the famous Usaburo kokeshi was born in Gunma prefecture in 1917 and started making kokeshi dolls in 1950. He is considered to be a pioneer in the kokeshi world thanks to his original machines that he developed for kokeshi making and the way he revolutionized the carving and burning process by introducing new techniques.
He also explored using types of trees that haven’t been traditionally used before for kokeshi making, such as chestnut and keyaki (thanks to their wonderful grain). After a considerable effort he succeeded in creating marvelous dolls out of them as well as flower vases. He won many prizes for his works, including the prize of the Minister of International Trade and Industry.

In great condition with minor marks of age and use. Comes with the original box and wooden sign.

Height: 24cm / 9.4 inches
Width: 11.3cm / 4.4 inches
Weight: 1.5kg / 3.3 lbs