Vintage Kokeshi Doll by Torao Ishizawa
Vintage kokeshi doll in the Zao Takayu style of Yamagata Prefecture.
- Height: under 30cm
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Artisan: Made by Torao Ishizawa (1926 - 2009)
Torao Ishizawa studied under his father, Kakushiro Ishizawa, and while he made them on the side, he only seriously began to produce kokeshi dolls at age 43 after the death of his father. His style has similarities to the older Ishizawa and resides under the Zao Takayu style of traditional kokeshi. Ishizawa san passed away in 2009 at the age of 84.
The Zao Takayu style of kokeshi is a traditional type originating from the Takayu Onsen area in Yamagata Prefecture, within the broader Zao region. The style is characterized by a cylindrical body that is sometimes slightly wider at the base and a head that is proportionately large and round. The facial features on Zao Takayu kokeshi are minimalist, with small, almond-shaped eyes, thin arched eyebrows, and a simple mouth, while the body is decorated with simple, often floral patterns. The hair is typically depicted with a circular pattern around or on top of the the head, sometimes with an additional fringe or sideburns. The neck is distinct since the body tapers towards the head, creating a clear separation between the head and the body.
Note on vintage items: These items are sourced with care from Japan and only wiped down with soft cloth once received. They are sold as-is, so what you see in the pictures is what you will receive. There might be some fading or small scratches due to age, so please look carefully before buying.
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Kokeshi dolls are traditional Japanese wooden dolls that originated in the Tōhoku region of northern Japan in the 19th century. A kokeshi doll is characterised by a smooth, cylindrical body, a rounded head, and no arms or legs. Traditional kokeshi dolls have eleven major styles, each associated with a specific area or town in the Tōhoku region. Kokeshi dolls were initially made for children as toys, hence the smooth body for an easy grip, but over time they have become decorative items and collectibles.