This Sakunami-style kokeshi was crafted by master artisan Kenjiro Hiraga (平賀謙次郎, 1918–2012), one of the most respected figures in the traditional kokeshi world. The doll showcases the characteristic elegance and precision of the Sakunami tradition, which hails from Miyagi Prefecture.
Kenjiro Hiraga, born into a family of woodworkers, began his apprenticeship under his father, Kenzo, in 1930 and became a full-time craftsman by 1931. After returning from military service in the Sino-Japanese War, he continued the family legacy, eventually passing his skills down to his son Kenichi and grandson Teruyuki. Over a long and diligent career, Hiraga refined a style that emphasized balance, minimalism, and meticulous brushwork.
This particular kokeshi features a classic Sakunami-style head, with wide-set, arched eyebrows, fine-lined eyes, and a gently smiling mouth, framed by bold black hair and delicate red flower motifs. The elongated body, slightly curved and elegantly tapered, is adorned with flowing floral brushwork in deep black—a signature of Kenjiro’s mature work. The lower body is ringed with black lacquer-style horizontal bands, adding contrast and compositional strength to the form.
Hiraga’s use of a foot-operated potter’s wheel until 1955 imbued his early dolls with an artisanal touch, and even after switching to an electric lathe, he maintained the integrity of his handmade tradition. Known for his meticulous craftsmanship, this piece reflects his lifelong dedication to the art of kokeshi-making.
Today, Kenjiro Hiraga’s dolls are sought after for their graceful form, historical value, and the quiet dignity they exude—hallmarks of the Sakunami lineage and the enduring legacy of a master craftsman.
Size: 7 x 7 x 32.5cm
