This Yajiro kokeshi by Keimi Niiyama (新山慶美, 1925–2003) is a refined and quietly dignified example of postwar Yajiro craftsmanship, deeply rooted in family lineage and regional tradition.
The doll features a broad, rounded head topped with a smooth black lacquered hairstyle, a hallmark of the Yajiro style. The face is gently expressive, with finely arched brows, narrow almond-shaped eyes, and a small pursed mouth accented in red. The expression conveys calm introspection and warmth, characteristic of Keimi’s interpretation of his father Keiji’s style. Subtle red cheek accents softly enliven the otherwise restrained facial design.
The body is elegantly turned with a graceful taper, displaying the natural beauty of the wood grain. Unlike more heavily decorated Yajiro pieces, this example emphasizes simplicity: faint red undertones and soft gradations in the wood create a warm, organic surface. The minimal ornamentation reflects the traditional aesthetic of Yajiro kokeshi, where form, balance, and wood quality take precedence over elaborate painting.
Born on August 3, 1925, as the eldest son of Keiji Niiyama (later Sato), Keimi inherited a complex but distinguished woodworking lineage connected to both the Niiyama and Sato families of Yajiro. After wartime service and working in toy production, he returned to woodworking and produced kokeshi in his father’s style. Following Keiji’s death in 1960, Keimi assumed leadership of the family workshop and souvenir shop, later modernizing operations with a powered lathe in 1963. Under guidance from his uncle Shunji Sato of Atsushio, he continued to refine his technique while preserving Yajiro traditions.
