山椿 (Yamatsubaki) “Mountain Camellia” by Sekiguchi Sansaku (1925-2018).

Her hair and body display Sansaku’s wonderful birikanna (tiny cuts in the wood as it turns on the lathe) creating a beautiful contrast with the dark leaf pattern and lush red mountain camellias.

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 very good condition with visible signs of age and use. Comes with the original wooden sign.

Height: 22.5cm (8.8 inches)