About This Piece The beautiful, flowing grain of natural wood harmonizes with delicate plum blossoms carved into a deep dark-brown sash, while the rounded bob hairstyle and gentle facial expression add warmth to this Sosaku Kokeshi (創作こけし) doll. Design and Craftsmanship This is “Sachi” (幸), a creative kokeshi doll produced by Usaburo Kokeshi (卯三郎 こけし). The kimono showcases the natural wood grain, with a dark-brown sash running diagonally across the body. The sash is created by burning its outline with a heated iron, applying dye and fixing the color, then carving the plum blossom designs. Plum blossoms of varying sizes decorate the sash, with finely detailed petals and branches. The flowing grain of the lighter wood contrasts beautifully with the dark sash. The face features delicately painted eyes and a small mouth, forming a gentle expression. Materials and Form The doll is made from natural wood, with mizuki wood used for the head and face and chestnut wood for the body. The head has a rounded bob hairstyle, while the body gradually widens toward the base. About Usaburo Kokeshi Usaburo Kokeshi is a Japanese creative kokeshi brand with a workshop in Shinto Village, Kitagunma District, Gunma Prefecture, Japan. Its founder, the first-generation Usaburo Okamoto (岡本卯三郎, 1917–2009), began producing kokeshi dolls in 1950. He developed distinctive techniques, including woodburning and carving, and advanced the art of creative kokeshi by incorporating the natural beauty of wood grain. He received numerous top awards at competitions, including the All Japan Kokeshi Competition, notably the Minister of International Trade and Industry Award, the Director-General of the Small and Medium Enterprise Agency Award, and the Director-General of the Forestry Agency Award. “Sachi” is one of Usaburo Kokeshi's representative works, carrying forward the exceptional craftsmanship and artistic sensibility of Usaburo Okamoto. Signature and Accompanying Items The doll comes with a wooden name plaque inscribed with “Usaburo Kokeshi” (卯三郎こけし) and “Sachi” (幸). The accompanying paper box bears the inscriptions “Sosaku Kokeshi” (創作こけし) and “Sachi” (幸), along with handwritten workshop information and a red seal. Provenance Consigned by a private collector. Condition The piece was consigned by a private collector as new. The accompanying paper box shows some scuffing and wear along its edges. Please refer to the photographs for details. Important Information 1. About the Interior Display Images Images showing the artwork displayed in an interior setting have been created virtually to illustrate how the piece may appear in a room. The artwork itself has not been edited or altered in these images. For the actual size of the artwork, please refer to the dimensions provided in the listing description. For its color and actual condition, please refer to the photographs taken directly of the artwork on its own. 2. Shipping to Italy Shipments to Italy may be subject to additional inspections at the discretion of the Italian customs authorities. Any costs associated with such inspections are the responsibility of the buyer. Additional inspections may also cause delays in customs clearance and delivery. Please be aware of these possibilities before making a purchase. 3. Shipping, Import Duties, and Customs Clearance The item will be carefully packaged and shipped via DHL or Japan Post. The usual delivery time is approximately 1–2 weeks, although customs procedures and local delivery conditions may cause delays. Import duties, taxes, customs clearance fees, and any other charges are not included in the item price or shipping costs. Any such charges incurred in the destination country are the responsibility of the buyer. If the item is returned due to refusal to pay import duties, taxes, or other customs-related charges, refusal to accept delivery, or failure to complete the necessary customs procedures, the buyer will be responsible for all costs associated with the return and reshipment. Thank you for your understanding.