A Yajirō kokeshi crafted by the late master Manabu Niiyama (新山学, 1930–2020). It reflects the distinctive simplicity and boldness that characterize the Yajirō tradition, one of the most recognizable of the eleven traditional kokeshi families.
The doll has a rounded head and a cylindrical body that tapers gently towards the base. The face is expressive yet minimalist, with arched eyebrows, double eyelids, and a faintly smiling mouth, giving it a warm and calm appearance. Her hair is painted in a traditional Yajiri bob.
The body is decorated with bold, horizontal red stripes, a common feature in Yajirō kokeshi design, evoking a sense of strength and stability. The brushwork is deliberate and traditional, with two thick bands flanked by thinner lines that highlight the artisan's control and precision. Manabu Niiyama, born in 1930 in the town of Shiroishi, Miyagi Prefecture, was a revered figure in the world of kokeshi. He studied under Tatsuo Niiyama, inheriting the Yajirō style and continuing the family legacy. Known for his devotion to preserving traditional techniques,
Manabu produced dolls with strong structural form and balanced, classic motifs. He was particularly respected for maintaining the unadorned purity of the Yajirō aesthetic while subtly refining it with his own touch. Manabu Niiyama passed away in 2020, leaving behind a body of work that is cherished by collectors and admired for its quiet elegance.
