This Kijiyama-style Kokeshi is the work of Kyutaro Ogura 小椋久太郎 (1906–1998), one of the most celebrated master craftsmen of the Kijiyama lineage. Dating from the late 1950s, the doll is an exquisite example of the "Maedare" type, named for the apron-like motif that flows down the front of the body.
Ogura’s design reflects a balance of structure and softness. The distinctive “inverted egg” shaped head, adorned with a red topknot and framed by thick, stylized bangs, gives the face a gentle realism. Her serene expression and refined hand-painted details are hallmarks of the Kijiyama tradition as redefined by Kyutaro himself.
The doll wears a boldly striped kimono bodice that transitions into an apron decorated with stylized chrysanthemums, a motif introduced by Ogura in the early 1950s. Rendered in red and black against the natural maple wood grain, the design celebrates seasonal elegance while showcasing the warmth of the wood’s chestnut hue. The doll is finished with traditional rosoku no ro (candle wax) for a soft, natural sheen.
Kyutaro Ogura was a revered master in the Kijiyama kokeshi lineage, often referred to as a Grand Kiji-ya Master. He trained under Hisashiro Ogura and went on to develop what would become the most iconic form of Kijiyama kokeshi: the “Maedare” style. Ogura’s dolls are instantly recognizable by their distinctive design, warm maple wood body, and stylized painting. In later years, his family supported the production process, but the most sought-after pieces, such as this one, are those fully crafted by his own hands.
