This is a traditional Yamagata-style kokeshi created by Hayasaka Denkichi (早坂伝吉, 1926–1999), an artisan known for his quiet dedication to the craft and his deep connection to the Sakunami and Yamagata traditions.
The doll features a tall, slender body decorated with dark red floral motifs and wide lathe-turned bands, giving it a rustic elegance. The head is finished in a deep black with sharply defined hairline edges, a signature look of the Yamagata lineage. Its softly expressive face is rendered with simple, fine brushwork — a calm and subtle smile paired with upward-curving eyes.
Hayasaka Denkichi began his career in woodcraft in 1950 and started producing kokeshi dolls from 1967, drawing inspiration from his mentor Hiraga Sadazo. Though not a prolific producer, Denkichi’s works are admired for their thoughtful simplicity and quiet presence, reflecting his reserved personality. This kokeshi stands as a graceful example of the Yamagata aesthetic — refined, balanced, and imbued with personal warmth.
