This Yajirō kokeshi by Fukuo Niiyama 新山福雄 (1922–1987) is a refined example of the restrained elegance characteristic of the Niiyama family tradition.
The doll features a rounded head crowned with a distinctive flat, cap-like top—an identifying trait of Yajirō style. A dark ring encircles the upper head, creating a gentle contrast against the warm, aged wood tone. The face is delicately rendered with fine, understated lines: narrow eyes, softly arched brows, a small nose, and faint rosy cheeks that give the expression a quiet, contemplative warmth. The overall mood is calm and dignified rather than decorative.
Born on June 19, 1922, in Yajirō, Fukuoka Village, Miyagi Prefecture, Fukuo Niiyama was the eldest son of woodcarver Niiyama Fukutaro. After graduating from elementary school in 1935, he began training under his father and was already actively producing kokeshi and toys by the late 1930s. Following military service in Manchuria (1941–1947), he resumed woodworking and became one of the key figures supporting Yajirō kokeshi during the postwar boom. Alongside the sons of the Niiyama brothers Hisashi and Sakyo, he helped sustain and promote the tradition, frequently participating in department store exhibitions in Tokyo, much to the delight of collectors.
This piece reflects his steady hand and deep grounding in family lineage—a quietly powerful work from one of the craftsmen who carried Yajirō kokeshi through the crucial postwar revival period.
