This kokeshi displays the gentle, understated elegance characteristic of the Yamagata（山形系） tradition. The head is large and round, with a soft, serene expression typical of 清蔵’s painting style from the early Shōwa period. The eyebrows and eyes curve gently upward, creating a warm, slightly smiling look — a hallmark often noted in his “細筆かつ硬筆 (fine yet firm brush)” period.
At the crown of the head, a large red floral rosette radiates outward — a typical Yamagata feature, but painted in a style clearly matching 清蔵’s early, mid Shōwa work, where the top motif becomes more open and rhythmic.
Kobayashi Seizō (1895–1960) was a traditional woodcarver from Hatagocho, Yamagata City, born into a family of artisans. Trained by his father Kurayoshi, he initially focused on mint containers but began producing kokeshi dolls seriously after becoming independent in 1924. His grandfather Kuraji painted many of his early dolls, and Seizō’s style reflected the family’s artistic lineage. During the 1940s kokeshi boom, he exhibited widely, though he primarily made toys. In later years, his son Seitarō took over turning the dolls, with Seizō only painting. He passed away in 1960 at the age of 66.
Size: 7 x 7 x 26.5cm
