Kokeshi doll – rare award winning Mushin design by Watanabe Masao – large (30cm)

This rare and collectable Sosaku (Creative) Kokeshi doll is a highly sought-after design by renowned master Kokeshi creator Masao Watanabe (1917-2007) from Fukushima prefecture. Masao won over 8 major awards at the All Japan Kokeshi Competition.

This Mushin (meaning “Innocence”) design is one of his most well-known pieces and can be found with this texture or in plain wooden/grain form.

This is a hand-made folk art piece and has the artists stamp on the base.

Kokeshi are simple wooden toys that have been crafted for more than 150 years as children’s dolls, mementos and good luck charms. These simple but very decorative gems originate from Tohoku-chiho region of North-East Japan. Due to the many different sizes, shapes and designs available, they look great as a collection.

Period: post 1980s
Dimensions: H: 30cm | W: base 8cm | W: head 11cm
Condition: Good – no cracks, only minor scuffs. Natural age related wear.
Weight: 1.01kg