1. Kiyoshi Kobayashi (Yamagata school) • Period: Late Showa to early Heisei (ca. 1970s–1990s) • Features: Neat facial expression, bold red floral patterns, multiple lathe rings at neck and base. Clear lacquer finish shows the wood grain. • Notes: Signed “山形 小林清” (Yamagata / Kiyoshi Kobayashi) on the base. ⸻ 2. Akihiro Sakurai (Naruko school) • Period: Heisei to early Reiwa (ca. 1990s–2010s) • Features: Classic Naruko style with stepped shoulders, multiple lathe rings, vivid floral decorations in red, green, and black. • Notes: Signed “桜井昭寛” (Akihiro Sakurai) on inset base. ⸻ 3. Shoji Sakurai (Yajirō school) • Period: Late Showa to early Heisei (ca. 1970s–1990s) • Features: Large bold chrysanthemum-style floral motifs in bright red, typical of Yajirō style. Gentle facial expression with strong use of color. • Notes: Signed “弥治郎型 桜井昭二” (Shoji Sakurai, Yajirō type) on the base. ⸻ 4. Sakurai family artisan (Naruko school, likely Shoji’s line) • Period: Heisei era (ca. 1990s) • Features: Naruko form with stepped shoulders and multiple lathe rings; floral decoration in red and black. • Notes: Base signed in flowing script resembling “桜井”. ⸻ 5. Other signed works (likely collectors’ items from 1970s–1990s) Several pieces in this collection are inscribed with artisans’ names or collection numbers, including: • Eikichi / Eimei (榮吉, 英雄) – bold brush signatures, typical of postwar artisans. • Yamagata-based artisans with flower motifs and lathe rings. • Some carry numeric or alphabetic marks (e.g., “F8”, “27173”), likely collection cataloguing rather than artist names. General Notes • Quantity: Multiple traditional kokeshi dolls (approx. 10+ pieces) • Schools represented: Yamagata, Naruko, Yajirō (three of the most iconic kokeshi traditions) • Period: Mostly Showa to Heisei (ca. 1970s–2000s) • Condition: Generally good vintage condition. Minor wear consistent with age. No major cracks. A fine collection of traditional Japanese kokeshi dolls, featuring works by noted artisans including Kiyoshi Kobayashi (Yamagata school), Akihiro Sakurai (Naruko school), and Shoji Sakurai (Yajirō school), along with other signed and catalogued examples from the Showa–Heisei period (ca. 1970s–2000s). Highlights include: – Kiyoshi Kobayashi: neat facial lines, bold floral decorations, Yamagata style. – Akihiro Sakurai: classic Naruko style with stepped shoulders and multiple lathe rings. – Shoji Sakurai: vibrant Yajirō type with large red chrysanthemum motifs. – Additional signed pieces by Sakurai family artisans and others, some with collector’s inscriptions. These kokeshi display the diversity of regional schools, from Yamagata’s floral elegance to Naruko’s structured form and Yajirō’s bold coloration. They represent authentic handcrafted works, each signed on the base by the artisan. Period: Showa–Heisei (1970s–2000s) Quantity: Approx. 10+ dolls Condition: Good vintage condition, minor wear consistent with age. No major cracks. A wonderful opportunity for collectors of Japanese folk art to acquire a varied set of authentic traditional kokeshi by recognized artisans.