Kokeshi Doll by Eiichirō Takasaki

Vintage kokeshi doll in the Yamagata-keistyle of Yamagata Prefecture.

• Height: 18cm
• Artisan: Made by Eiichirō Takasaki (1904 – 1997)
  

Eiichirō Takasaki (高崎栄一郎) was born in 1904 in Yamagata and trained under master Kobayashi Kichitarō. After early apprenticeship work in Yamagata City, he later moved to Yonezawa, where he continued to make kokeshi for several decades. His work is rooted in the Yamagata-kei lineage, known for its slender cylindrical body, gentle red and black painted floral motifs, and finely balanced facial expression. The underside of this piece bears his hand-painted signature “米沢 高崎栄一郎” together with his red seal.

The Yamagata-kei style is recognised for its refined brushwork and balanced proportions: a narrow body with evenly spaced red rings at the neck and base, minimalist floral patterns - often chrysanthemum or safflower - and a smooth natural wood finish that highlights the grain. The face is calm and symmetrical, framed by a delicate fringe and side hair arcs typical of the region’s understated aesthetic.

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. 

-----------------------------

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.