Very old vintage kokeshi over 60 years olds. From 1955. Master Hiroshi Abe (1898-1984).
Hiroshi Abe was born in Tsuchiyu, Fukushim a Prefecture, as the eldest son of Kinzo Abe in 1898. His father, Kinzo, ran an inn called Matsuya Honten, but was forced to close the inn due to flooding and turned to woodworking full-time.
Abe Kinzo passed away in 1932, but a considerable number of kokeshi dolls under the name of Kinzo up until around 1930 were also made by Hiroshi. However, the style of the dolls is very similar between Kinzo and Hiroshi, and although the fringe, hairline, and eyes are said to be different, it may be quite difficult to tell them apart.
In 1954, a large fire occurred in Tsuchiyu, and the old culture that had been passed down in the area was lost. However, taking advantage of the opportunity for reconstruction, people switched from foot-operated potter's wheels to electric potter's wheels, and worked hard to revive Tsuchiyu.
Abe Hiroshi is highly regarded for his achievements as a craftsman who supported Tsuchiyu-style Kokeshi dolls after the war, along with Sato Sashima.
The Kinzo-style kokeshi dolls, passed down from Abe Kinzo and Hiroshi, were passed down to Hiroshi's eldest son, Abe Kazuhide, but Hiroshi passed away in 1984 and Kazuhide passed away in 2017.
Size: 19cm tall
