A traditional kokeshi from Yamagata is the work of Chujiro Kobayashi, a master craftsman who carried forward the legacy of his father, Seizo Kobayashi, one of the foremost figures in the Yamagata lineage. Crafted with a graceful silhouette, the doll features a slender cylindrical body adorned with vivid hand-painted floral motifs, typical of the Yamagata tradition.
Chujiro Kobayashi was born on February 18, 1932, in Yamagata City, as the second son of woodcarver Kobayashi Seizo, a pioneering figure in Yamagata kokeshi. He began training in woodturning under his father during his junior high years, first mastering the foot-operated lathe before transitioning to a powered wheel in 1947. In his early years, he primarily produced toys and new-style crafts alongside his older brother Seitaro.
It wasn’t until 1969—after founding his own workshop in 1963—that Chujiro turned his full attention to traditional kokeshi. Thanks to his deep familiarity with Seizo’s early works, his own kokeshi emerged already mature in form and artistry, combining classic structure with delicate, elegant brushwork. His dolls reflect both reverence for tradition and a refined individual voice.
In 1989, he relocated and opened the souvenir shop Ippoan, continuing to create kokeshi and promote regional crafts until his passing in 1999. Today, Chujiro’s works are treasured for their balance of craftsmanship, emotion, and regional identity—a vital link in the lineage of Yamagata kokeshi.
Size: 8 x8 x 24.5cm
