{"product_id":"k30039-tsuchiyu-kokeshi-by-hitoshi-watanabe-渡辺等","title":"K30039 - Tsuchiyu Kokeshi by Hitoshi Watanabe 渡辺等","description":"\u003cp\u003eThis Tsuchiyu-style kokeshi by Hitoshi Watanabe \u003cmeta charset=\"utf-8\"\u003e渡辺等 (1923–1982) is a refined and quietly expressive work, embodying the slender elegance and rhythmic decoration characteristic of the Tsuchiyu tradition.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe body is decorated with horizontal bands in red and muted green, a defining feature of Tsuchiyu kokeshi. These rings vary in tone and spacing, creating a layered, almost textile-like rhythm across the surface. A bold red circular brush motif at the center adds visual emphasis, while the natural wood grain remains clearly visible beneath the pigments, enhancing the warmth and organic character of the piece.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eHitoshi Watanabe was born in 1923 in Kaminomachi, Tsuchiyu Onsen, Fukushima Prefecture, the fifth son of a farming family. After graduating from Tsuchiyu Elementary School, he operated a souvenir shop called Sakaeya, where he would later display his own kokeshi. In 1966, he formally trained in woodworking under Saito Hiromichi and Nishiyama Kenichi, and from the outset, he produced kokeshi that reflected both technical discipline and personal sensitivity. He also contributed to the continuation of the craft by teaching his older brother Sadami, taking on apprentices such as Abe Shinichi in 1975, and later training his son-in-law Takashi from 1981. Known as a man of small stature and gentle character, his personality is often felt in the quiet refinement of his work.\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eSize: 7 x 7 x 30cm\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Maison Kyo","offers":[{"title":"≈30cm","offer_id":57092616290635,"sku":"K30039","price":30.0,"currency_code":"EUR","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0964\/9746\/7723\/files\/temple_fcaa6233-242c-4e42-ba4c-5eef1cde33c2.jpg?v=1776866354","url":"https:\/\/maisonkyo.be\/es\/products\/k30039-tsuchiyu-kokeshi-by-hitoshi-watanabe-%e6%b8%a1%e8%be%ba%e7%ad%89","provider":"Maison Kyo","version":"1.0","type":"link"}