A Naruko-style kokeshi by master Seiji Okazaki embodies both warmth and precision, hallmarks of the Naruko lineage. The doll features a finely balanced silhouette with a gently flared base and signature shoulder groove, characteristic of the style. The face is delicately painted with a cheerful, contented expression and distinctive side-parted bangs.
The body is adorned with bold red and green chrysanthemum motifs, gracefully hand-brushed in a layered, symmetrical composition that highlights the skilled brushwork and the artist’s deep reverence for tradition. The natural patina of the wood adds a nostalgic glow, making this piece a treasure for collectors and lovers of vintage Japanese folk art.
Seiji Okazaki 岡崎斉司 was born on February 5, 1926, in Naruko Yumoto, Miyagi Prefecture, into a prominent kokeshi-making family. His father, Hitoshi Okazaki, was also a respected craftsman. Seiji began painting kokeshi as a child and trained in woodturning under his father from an early age. Even by 1941, he was gaining recognition for crafting his own kokeshi dolls.
In the postwar kokeshi boom, Seiji became one of the “Five Young Artists” of Naruko, a group known for revitalizing traditional techniques and pushing artistic boundaries. He was an active member in kokeshi associations across Japan and served as chairman of the Bunnaruko Wood Toy Cooperative between 1965 and 1970, contributing significantly to the preservation and promotion of the Naruko tradition. Seiji Okazaki passed away on August 5, 2002, at the age of 77. His works remain admired for their balance of traditional craftsmanship and personal warmth—a testament to his lifelong dedication to the art of kokeshi.
Size: 5 x 5 x 18cm
