{"product_id":"k30073-yamagata-by-kobayashi-kotaro-小林孝太郎","title":"K30073 - Yamagata by Kobayashi Kotaro 小林孝太郎","description":"\u003cp\u003eThis vintage Yamagata Kokeshi was handcrafted by Kobayashi Kōtarō (小林孝太郎, born 1936), a respected member of one of Yamagata's most distinguished kokeshi-making families. Born in Yamagata City as the eldest son of master woodturner Eizō Kobayashi, Kōtarō inherited generations of woodworking tradition. His grandfather was Kurakichi Kobayashi, while renowned craftsmen Seizō Kobayashi, Seitarō, and Chūjirō were all close members of his extended family. He began learning woodturning as a junior high school student on his father's foot-operated lathe before transitioning to a powered lathe in 1950. After formally apprenticing under his father and working alongside his uncle Seizō, he established his own workshop in 1963, where he dedicated himself to producing elegant kokeshi in the classic Yamagata style.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThis doll beautifully represents the quiet sophistication of the Yamagata tradition. The rounded head features a calm, contemplative expression with gently arched eyebrows, narrow smiling eyes, and a finely painted nose and mouth that radiate warmth and serenity. The traditional hairstyle is framed by soft crimson floral ornaments, creating a harmonious balance between simplicity and graceful decoration.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe cylindrical body showcases the understated elegance for which Yamagata kokeshi are admired. Fine lathe-turned rings accent the upper body, while a delicate vertical arrangement of stylized chrysanthemum blossoms decorates the front. Rather than relying on bold ornamentation, the design allows the warm natural grain of the wood to remain visible, reflecting the refined aesthetic of traditional Yamagata craftsmanship. The subtle turning marks left by the lathe further emphasize the handmade character of the piece.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eComing from one of Yamagata's longest-established woodworking lineages, Kobayashi Kōtarō devoted his career to preserving the region's classic forms while maintaining the high level of craftsmanship inherited from his father and uncle. His works are appreciated for their faithful interpretation of traditional designs, careful woodturning, and timeless elegance, making them highly regarded among collectors of authentic Japanese folk art.\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eSize: 8 x 8 x 30cm\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003e\u003ca href=\"https:\/\/maisonkyo.be\/search?q=%E5%B0%8F%E6%9E%97%E5%AD%9D%E5%A4%AA%E9%83%8E\u0026amp;options%5Bprefix%5D=last\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"text-decoration: underline;\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eMore works by Kobayashi Kotaro 小林孝太郎\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/a\u003e\u003c\/h3\u003e","brand":"Maison Kyo","offers":[{"title":"≈30cm","offer_id":57878655697227,"sku":"K30073","price":35.0,"currency_code":"EUR","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0964\/9746\/7723\/files\/Cover_ab1789b6-c8bd-46e9-98ca-8cf148a2d40a.jpg?v=1784212490","url":"https:\/\/fr.maisonkyo.be\/fr\/products\/k30073-yamagata-by-kobayashi-kotaro-%e5%b0%8f%e6%9e%97%e5%ad%9d%e5%a4%aa%e9%83%8e","provider":"Maison Kyo","version":"1.0","type":"link"}