This is a Yamagata Kokeshi by Hiratsuka Yasubei (平塚安兵衛, 1908–2015)—a rare and poignant work by one of the longest-lived traditional kokeshi artisans in history.
Born in Tendo, Yamagata Prefecture, Hiratsuka Yasubei began his journey in woodcraft in the 1920s. His early career was steeped in the production of everyday wooden goods—tops, buckets, and textile bobbins—before turning to kokeshi-making around 1940 as the weaving industry declined. Despite wartime interruptions and periods of manual labor, he returned fully to kokeshi-making in 1973, producing pieces into his 100s.
This doll is a fine example of Yamagata kokeshi, known for their slim, cylindrical bodies and refined minimalism. Yasubei's version features a tranquil face with straight, delicately arched eyebrows and almond-shaped eyes, crowned by a bold, black haircap with red radial patterns—hallmarks of his regional style. The body is adorned with stylized plum blossom motifs in soft red, accompanied by minimalist black grass patterns at the shoulder line, typical of Yamagata’s clean and restrained aesthetic.
As one of the last artisans to bridge the prewar and postwar generations of kokeshi-making, Hiratsuka Yasubei’s work captures the quiet elegance and resilience of this craft. This particular piece not only reflects regional character but also the lifelong dedication of a centenarian craftsman.
