This kokeshi exemplifies the traditional Yajirō style as interpreted by master craftsman Hisashiro Niiyama, a third-generation maker who continued the distinguished Niiyama lineage of Yajirō artisans. Turned on the lathe from natural wood, the doll features the hallmark qualities of Niiyama’s work: a harmonious balance of form, restrained elegance, and skillful brushwork reflecting both heritage and personal refinement.
The doll displays the classic rounded head with a smooth, polished surface, its grain subtly visible beneath Niiyama’s delicate painted details. The face is rendered with minimal, lyrical strokes—arched eyebrows, gently closed eyes, and a small, refined mouth—creating an expression of calm serenity typical of Yajirō aesthetics.
The body tapers gracefully toward the base and is decorated with Niiyama’s characteristic stylized floral or grass motifs, brushed in warm browns and blacks. These motifs are arranged vertically, giving the figure an elongated, dignified presence. The natural tonal variations of the wood combine with the painterly accents to create a quiet but captivating visual depth.
This piece reflects Niiyama’s lineage and training: born in Yajirō in 1942 as the eldest son of woodcarver Niiyama Hisashi, he began learning woodturning and kokeshi making in his teens, guided by both his father and grandfather’s traditions. After his father’s death in 1969, he continued the family craft, later establishing his own workshop in 1981. Throughout his career he produced kokeshi while also farming, mentoring apprentices, and even serving a term on the city council. His work remained rooted in the authentic Yajirō idiom—clean lines, bold yet balanced painting, and an emphasis on the warmth of natural wood—until his passing in 2008.
Size: 8 x 8 x 19.5cm
