This elegant Yajirō-style kokeshi is the work of Yukiko Inoue (井上ゆき子, 1932–2010), a notable female artisan who brought a deep artistic sensibility and passion for tradition into the world of kokeshi.
Born into a folk craft family in Fukushima Prefecture, Yukiko began her journey in 1949 under the guidance of her father, Yoshiharu Inoue, painting Nozawa-style kokeshi. Her early career centered on creative and original styles, but after observing the strong popularity of traditional Naruko dolls in the early 1960s, she was drawn into the world of dentō kokeshi (traditional-style dolls). With her husband Shiro Kobayashi, a woodturner, she gradually shifted her focus toward traditional craftsmanship.
By the late 1960s, under the mentorship of Shikama Tokio and later apprenticing with Sato Shunji of Atsushio, she refined her painting techniques, adopting the Shunji-style Yajirō form, characterized by tall, slender bodies, bright striping, and serene facial features.
This kokeshi doll by Yukiko is a beautiful example of her mature work. The face is delicately painted with soft, curved eyebrows, gently smiling lips, and warm expression—hallmarks of her steady hand and artistic grace. The body features colorful horizontal bands in vivid reds, greens, and purples, an iconic Yajirō design motif that balances tradition and joyful playfulness.
Size: 7 x 7 x 28cm
