This is a beautiful Kokeshi design, created by Watanabe Masao. Born in Fukushima, Watanabe-san studied under Traditional Yajirou Master Sato, Tatsuo of Miyagi Prefecture. After relocation to America, Masao Watanabe, was incarcerated during WWII. While still in camp, he made the decision to volunteer for the 442nd Regimental Combat Team and served in Europe. Arguably, the most popular and prolific of the Sosaku-Kokeshi artists, he began his craft in the early 1950s. A multiple award winner in Kokeshi competitions around the world, his works are permanently exhibited at the Nuremberg Toy Museum. The doll is signed by the artist on the bottom. It is 29 cm tall and in great shape considering its age.