Perfect condition of a tradiotional yajiro kokeshi made by Chiyoko Hamatsu 浜津千代子 also known as Nidaime Tetsuen 二代目哲園 (1932–2007). She was the daughter of esteemed kokeshi artist Tetsuen Hamatsu (浜津哲園), and she succeeded him under the artist name Nidaime Tetsuen, meaning "Second Generation Tetsuen." Born in 1932, she dedicated her life to the craft of traditional kokeshi, carrying on the family legacy.
She is one of the few prominent female artists in the kokeshi-making world and worked within the Yajirō-kei (弥次郎系) tradition, a style known for its expressive floral patterns, vivid colors, and stylized forms. Nidaime Tetsuen was particularly recognized for her delicate, elegant painting style and her ability to maintain the traditional aesthetics while adding a personal touch. Her works often featured clean, balanced floral designs and serene facial expressions, which helped distinguish her creations.
Chiyoko continued to make kokeshi well into the late 20th century and was respected for both her craftsmanship and for preserving traditional techniques in an evolving art form. She passed away in 2007, but her work remains highly collectible among enthusiasts of traditional Japanese folk art.
