A Yajirō-style kokeshi by Fukuo Niiyama showcases the bold charm and elegance of this popular kokeshi lineage. The doll features the distinct cylindrical body and slightly bulging head typical of Yajirō kokeshi. Painted in vivid reds, it bears a simple floral crown on the head and a three-stripe pattern at the shoulders. A striking ribbon-like motif at the base of the body adds a playful flair. The doll’s face is painted with precision, expressing a calm, confident gaze with minimal yet evocative brushwork.
A fine representation of the mid-20th-century Yajirō aesthetic, this piece reflects Niiyama’s mature style—confident in form, vibrant in color, and distinctly hand-crafted.
Fukuo Niiyama 新山福雄 (1922–1987) was born into a family of woodcarvers in Yajirō, Miyagi Prefecture. The eldest son of Niiyama Fukutaro, Fukuo began training in woodturning under his father right after elementary school in 1935. By the late 1930s, he was already producing kokeshi dolls and toys. After serving in the military during WWII, he returned to carving in 1947 and became a central figure in the Yajirō kokeshi revival during the postwar boom. Alongside his brothers and cousins, Fukuo’s work played a key role in preserving and promoting the Yajirō tradition through exhibitions and department store events, especially in Tokyo. He passed away in 1987, leaving behind a rich legacy of craftsmanship.
