美丽稀有的复古木制こけし人形 - 木材，The Emperor’s Choice – 皇帝购买的杰作，部长奖得主，大号 31 cm - Okamoto Usaburo - 日本 - 昭和(1926-1989)

Item Description
岡本卯三郎 Okamoto Usaburo（1917-2009）"Kantsubaki (寒椿/ Camellia in winter)" – The Emperor’s Choice: Legendary Masterpiece Purchased by Emperor Showa & Winner of the Minister’s Prize, LARGE 31 cm Creative Kokeshi

This piece showcases the signature technique of Okamoto Usaburo, the pioneer of creative kokeshi (創作こけし, sosaku kokeshi): traditional brush painting fused with carving and pyrography (焼き絵, yaki-e), giving the surface a rich, three-dimensional depth. Vivid red camellias, rendered in fine detail, wrap all the way around the body. As camellias bloom in the cold of winter, the girl is dressed in a red chanchanko (ちゃんちゃんこ), a traditional padded vest worn against the chill.

“Kantsubaki” is one of the most celebrated works in the history of creative kokeshi. It won the Minister of International Trade and Industry Prize (通産大臣賞) at the All Japan Kokeshi Competition (全日本こけしコンクール), and was purchased by Emperor Showa (昭和天皇) himself — an honor that few kokeshi works have ever received.

With her bobbed okappa (おかっぱ) hair, gently closed eyes and small, modest mouth, the girl conveys a touching sense of youthful shyness.

A rare LARGE size: standing 31 cm tall, 10 cm in diameter and weighing 1148 g, this piece has a commanding presence on any shelf or display. Usaburo kokeshi of this size are rarely found. It is a vintage work made in the Showa period, over 50 years ago.

The Usaburo branded mark (焼印) appears on the lower body. A gold sticker on the back reads “All Japan Kokeshi Competition, Minister of International Trade and Industry Prize, Usaburo Kokeshi,” and an “Usaburo Kokeshi” sticker is attached to the base. The piece comes with a wooden tag bearing the handwritten title “Kantsubaki,” the artist’s signature and seal.

Provenance: Private collection

Size
Height: 31 cm
Width: 10 cm
Depth: 10 cm

Weight: 1148 g

Include
Wooden tag with the handwritten title “Kantsubaki,” signed and sealed by the artist.

Condition
No damage or restoration. Minor knocks on the top of the head; good condition for a work over 50 years old.

Artist Profile
Okamoto Usaburo (1917-2009) is the visionary who transformed the kokeshi from a regional souvenir into a modern art form. Born in Shinto Village, Gunma Prefecture, he founded Usaburo Kokeshi (卯三郎こけし) in 1950. Breaking free from the strict conventions of traditional kokeshi, he introduced original designs and innovative techniques, fusing brush painting with carving and pyrography to create a bold, sculptural style that laid the foundation of creative kokeshi.

His achievements include the Prime Minister’s Award (内閣総理大臣賞), the Minister of Education’s Award (文部大臣賞) and the Director-General of the Forestry Agency’s Award (林野庁長官賞). His masterpiece “Kantsubaki” was purchased by Emperor Showa, and his works have also been acquired by the Imperial Household Agency (宮内庁).

Usaburo Kokeshi made Gunma the leading production center of creative kokeshi in Japan. Collaborations with contemporary artist Takashi Murakami (村上隆) and distribution to more than ten countries have firmly established the Usaburo Kokeshi name among collectors in Japan and abroad. He passed away in 2009 at the age of 91, leaving a legacy cherished around the world.

Signature and Seal

The side of the body bears the artist's signature and a red seal.

A label reading "Usaburō Kokeshi" (卯三郎こけし) is attached to the underside.

Condition

The piece has been stored for an extended period but remains in good overall condition.

There is some discoloration from long-term storage and a few minor scratches, but no major noticeable scratches or stains.

Please refer to the photographs for a detailed assessment of its condition.


Important Information

1. About the Interior Display Images

Images showing the piece displayed in an interior setting have been virtually created to illustrate how it may look when displayed indoors. The piece itself has not been edited or altered in these images.

For the actual size of the piece, please refer to the dimensions stated in the description. For its actual color and condition, please refer to the photographs taken directly of the piece 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 arising from such inspections are the responsibility of the buyer.

Additional inspections may also cause delays in customs clearance and delivery.

Please take these possibilities into consideration before purchasing.

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 result in longer delivery times.

Import duties, taxes, customs clearance fees, and any other related charges are not included in the item price or shipping cost. 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 required customs procedures, the buyer will be responsible for all costs associated with the return and reshipment of the item.

Please ensure that you understand and accept these conditions.