This is an award-winning Kokeshi design from 1965, created by Watanabe Masao. Born in Fukushima, Watanabe studied under traditional Yajirou master Tatsuo Sato from Miyagi Prefecture. After moving to America, Masao Watanabe was imprisoned during World War II. While still in camp, he made the decision to volunteer for the 442nd Regimental Combat Team and served in Europe. Arguably one of the most popular and prolific of the Sosaku-Kokeshi artists, he began his craft in the early 1950s. A multiple winner of Kokeshi competitions around the world, his works are on permanent display at the Nuremberg Toy Museum. This type of Kokeshi was given as a gift to the Beatles during their 1965 tour of Japan, as shown in the last two photos. These photos are only indicative and not part of the auction. The doll is 36 cm high and signed by the artist on the bottom. Her original box is included.