A Yamagata-style kokeshi by Chujiro Kobayashi is a graceful and balanced example of the Shonai lineage. Crafted with precision, the doll features a rounded head with a gentle, knowing expression, slightly curved brows, narrow eyes, and a small, serene smile. The face is framed by classic black side bangs and a subtle floral hair motif. The cylindrical body is smooth and elegant, decorated with stylized chrysanthemum or plum-blossom motifs in soft, earthy tones typical of the Yamagata style. The floral patterns are vertically aligned and painted with confident brushwork, embodying both refinement and restraint. The entire form feels thoughtfully composed—neither overly ornate nor minimalist, but carefully balanced, as was characteristic of Chujiro’s work. Chujiro Kobayashi (小林忠次郎) was born on February 18, 1932, in Muikamachi, Yamagata City, as the second son of renowned woodcarver Kobayashi Seizo. He began his training under his father while still in junior high school, mastering both foot-operated and powered potter’s wheels by the late 1940s. Having studied Seizo’s earlier works in great detail before producing his own, Chujiro developed a distinct voice within the Yamagata kokeshi tradition—marked by precision, balance, and high-level brushwork from the very start of his career. In 1989, he relocated to Hankyo and opened a small souvenir shop named Ippoan, where he continued to produce and share his art. He passed away on November 1, 1999, at the age of 68, leaving behind a respected legacy within the Yamagata-kei tradition. His kokeshi remain sought-after for their refinement and historical continuity.
