Beautiful vintage kokeshi 'Kantsubaki' (winter camellia) by a famous maker, 29.8 cm - Wood - Watanabe Masao - Japan - Shōwa period (1926-1989)

This colorful kokeshi is titled "Kantsubaki" (Winter Camellia). The doll is characterized by a deep red camellia flower pattern that beautifully contrasts with a black wooden base.

The maker is the famous Watanabe Masao (1917–2007), one of the most esteemed creative kokeshi artists in Japan. Watanabe-san was born in Fukushima and learned the craft from the traditional Yajirou master Sato Tatsuo. He won several prizes for his remarkable works, in which his distinctive hand is often unmistakably expressed.

This is a vintage kokeshi in exceptionally beautiful condition, which nevertheless may bear light signs of time. Please study the photos carefully so you know what you are buying!