Traditional Kokeshi by Kyutaro Ogura 1970s — Living National Treasure | Kijiyama Style | 18.5cm (7.3")

【Description】

【Vintage Kokeshi by Kyutaro Ogura】
This is not just a doll — it’s a piece of Japan’s living history.

Handcrafted by Kyutaro Ogura, a master of Kijiyama-style kokeshi and officially recognized as a Living National Treasure of Japan, this vintage wooden doll reflects generations of artistry and soul.

🔸 Artist: Kyutaro Ogura (小椋久太郎)
🔸 Style: Kijiyama-kei (木地山系)
🔸 Height: 18.5 cm / 7.3 in
🔸 Weight: 190 g / 6.7 oz
🔸 Diameter (Base): 4.6 cm / 1.8 in
🔸 Material: Natural wood, hand-painted
🔸 Condition: Vintage, excellent condition for its age
🔸 Signed: Yes (on the back)
🔸 Date of production: 1970s

From the minimal yet expressive facial features to the elegant red patterns flowing down the body, every detail captures the gentle, nostalgic charm unique to the Tohoku region.

This kokeshi is more than a decorative piece — it’s a curated story from Japan's folk art legacy.

【Shipping & Packaging】

Carefully packed with soft protective materials to ensure safe delivery. Ships from Japan with tracking.

💡Tip: Ideal for collectors of Japanese folk crafts, interior designers, or anyone seeking a meaningful cultural piece for their home.

Features of Kijiyama-style Kokeshi

Origin: Kijiyama district, Yuzawa City, Akita Prefecture, Japan
Background: One of the traditional Kokeshi lineages from the hot spring regions of Tohoku, northern Japan

 Design Characteristics

• Integrated head and body (single-piece carving): The head does not turn. The entire doll is carved from one solid piece of wood.
• Sturdy, cylindrical form: A bold and charming silhouette with a rustic appeal.
• Distinct "M-shaped" bangs: A bold, symmetrical pattern painted on the forehead.
• Narrow, downcast eyes: Giving the doll a calm, gentle, and introspective expression.
• Radiating red lines on the shoulders: A traditional design motif called katabeni.
• Decorative floral or geometric patterns on the body: Often featuring motifs like peonies, chrysanthemums, or maple leaves.

Color Scheme

• Primarily red and black: Minimal yet striking color palette.
• Emphasis on natural wood grain: The finish retains the warmth and texture of the wood, giving it an organic feel.

Cultural Context

• The Kijiyama style developed from mountain-dwelling woodworkers known as kijishi.
• The aesthetic is rooted in utilitarian beauty—tools made with care, possessing raw simplicity and functional elegance.
• Kyutaro Ogura, a Living National Treasure, is one of the most celebrated artisans of this style.

This lineage of Kokeshi represents a unique blend of "crafted utility" and "folk simplicity", making each piece feel both timeless and soulful.
International collectors often describe them as “raw yet refined”, expressing a kind of quiet dignity rarely found in mass-produced art.

Who is Kyutaro Ogura (小椋久太郎)?

Kyutaro Ogura (1916–1998) was a renowned kokeshi artisan from Kijiyama, a mountainous area in Yuzawa City, Akita Prefecture.
He is considered a master of the Kijiyama-style kokeshi and was designated as a Living National Treasure (Holder of Important Intangible Cultural Property) in Japan.

Key Features & Achievements

• Carried on the traditional Kijiyama style, where the head and body are carved from a single piece of wood, while adding his own refined aesthetic and expressive brushwork.
• Known for his precision in woodturning and meticulous hand-painting, Ogura's work has captivated collectors both in Japan and internationally.
• Often described as "art within folk craft", his creations elevated kokeshi from simple toys to true art objects.

Recommended for:

• Enthusiasts of traditional Japanese crafts
• Collectors seeking authentic and historically significant kokeshi
• Those who appreciate the serene elegance of Japanese aesthetics

📖 More about Kyutaro Ogura:
→ Kokeshi Wiki - Kyutaro Ogura