A Yamagata-style kokeshi by Eizo Kobayashi (小林栄蔵, 1907–1998) is a refined example of mid-century craftsmanship rooted in one of Japan’s most distinct regional kokeshi traditions. The doll features a soft, serene expression with upward-curving almond eyes, delicately arched brows, and a small, composed mouth. Her smooth cylindrical body is adorned with bright clusters of stylized red blossoms, arranged in a gentle diamond formation that adds liveliness to the otherwise minimalistic silhouette.
At the crown of her head, a large chrysanthemum motif blooms in vibrant red and black, radiating from a central hairline, a hallmark of Yamagata kokeshi. The proportions are perfectly balanced, with subtle red rings framing both neck and base. The piece carries a sense of timelessness and quiet strength an archetype of the Yamagata aesthetic with its neat, symmetrical design and restrained charm.
Eizo Kobayashi born on January 20, 1907, in Hatagocho, Yamagata City, Eizo Kobayashi was the fifth son of woodworker Kurayoshi Kobayashi, and the younger brother of famed kokeshi artisan Seizo Kobayashi. His early years were marked by hardship, including the family’s relocation after the devastating 1911 Yamagata fire. Eizo began training on the potter’s wheel under his father in 1920, initially crafting mint containers before transitioning to kokeshi dolls and toys in the early 1920s.
Eizo worked for many years at Seizo’s factory before establishing his own workshop in 1942. Post-war, he continued to use a traditional foot-operated wheel and later collaborated with his son Kotaro, painting and coloring his woodwork from 1955 onward. In 1963, he moved to Suzukikawa with Kotaro and began specializing in restoring old-style kokeshi. His work is known for its composure, fine detailing, and faithful adherence to Yamagata traditions, making him a beloved figure in the kokeshi world.
Size: 6 x 6 x 18cm
