{"product_id":"k30092-naruko-kokeshi-by-hiroshi-yusa-遊佐博志","title":"K30092 - Naruko kokeshi by Hiroshi Yusa 遊佐博志","description":"\u003cp\u003eThis beautiful vintage Naruko Kokeshi (鳴子系こけし) was handcrafted by Hiroshi Yusa (遊佐博志, 1953–1997), a traditional kokeshi craftsman from Naruko, Miyagi Prefecture, one of the most important historic centres of kokeshi production in northern Japan.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe doll features a substantial cylindrical body topped by a large rounded head, giving it the strong and well-balanced silhouette associated with Naruko kokeshi. Its decoration is particularly attractive: two large chrysanthemum-like flowers (菊模様) are painted vertically across the body in deep reddish-brown, accompanied by muted green foliage. Fine concentric lathe-painted rings in red and dark tones frame the shoulder and base.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe floral decoration continues onto the head, where stylized blossoms frame the traditional black hairstyle. The face is delicately rendered with sweeping eyebrows, narrow eyes, a fine nose and tiny mouth, producing a serene and restrained expression. The combination of warm natural wood, subdued pigments and confident brushwork gives the piece a particularly elegant vintage character.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eHiroshi Yusa was born on January 8, 1953, in Naruko, Miyagi Prefecture, as the sixth son of the kokeshi craftsman Seikichi Okazaki (岡崎斉吉). He began learning woodturning from his father while still a student, growing up directly within Naruko's established kokeshi-making tradition.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eAfter marrying Taeko, daughter of Kōzō Yusa, he entered the Yusa family and continued producing traditional kokeshi under the name Hiroshi Yusa. He also taught his wife, Taeko Yusa, the art of kokeshi painting, helping transmit the craft within the family. Another of his pupils was Yuichi Chiba.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eYusa was remembered as a devoted craftsman, but his career was unfortunately cut short when he passed away in January 1997 at the age of 44. Because of his relatively short working life, his surviving pieces represent a more limited chapter within the postwar Naruko tradition.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eSize: 8 x 8 x 30cm\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003e\u003ca href=\"https:\/\/maisonkyo.be\/search?q=%E9%81%8A%E4%BD%90%E5%8D%9A%E5%BF%97\u0026amp;options%5Bprefix%5D=last\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"text-decoration: underline;\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eMore works by Hiroshi Yusa 遊佐博志\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/a\u003e\u003c\/h3\u003e","brand":"Maison Kyo","offers":[{"title":"≈30cm","offer_id":58414691942731,"sku":"K30092","price":30.0,"currency_code":"EUR","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0964\/9746\/7723\/files\/Cover_46c0824b-7ea7-4cf9-8cdc-e5d1bc9dfe44.jpg?v=1788877621","url":"https:\/\/maisonkyo.be\/fr\/products\/k30092-naruko-kokeshi-by-hiroshi-yusa-%e9%81%8a%e4%bd%90%e5%8d%9a%e5%bf%97","provider":"Maison Kyo","version":"1.0","type":"link"}