This Yajiro kokeshi by 小関幸一 Koichi Kozeki (born 1953) reflects the quiet charm and balanced proportions characteristic of the Yajiro tradition.
The doll features a rounded head topped with the distinctive cap-like hairstyle typical of Yajiro kokeshi, painted in deep black with concentric decorative rings in red and yellow at the crown. The face is gently expressive, with softly arched brows, narrow smiling eyes, and a small red mouth that gives the figure a warm and peaceful presence. Delicate red leaf-like motifs decorate the sides of the head, adding subtle color and framing the serene expression.
The slender cylindrical body is decorated with bold horizontal bands of red, black, and natural wood tones, a hallmark of the Yajiro style that emphasizes the rhythm of the lathe-turned form. At the upper body, a simple V-shaped kimono collar is painted in red and black, giving the doll a graceful and human-like character while maintaining the minimalism typical of traditional kokeshi.
Koichi Koseki was born on October 22, 1953, in Takei, Kamigo-cho, Yonezawa City, Yamagata Prefecture, as the eldest son of farmer and woodworker Koseki Yukio. His uncle was Koseki Haruo, and he grew up helping with both the family’s agricultural work and woodworking activities. After graduating from Yonezawa Chuo High School in 1972, he assisted his father by transporting materials, cutting wood, and preparing lumber. Around 1979 he began using the wood lathe himself, and in April 1980 he started producing kokeshi dolls. Because farming remained his primary occupation, he typically created kokeshi during the agricultural off-season.
This piece embodies the straightforward beauty of Yajiro craftsmanship—clean turning, balanced decoration, and a gentle expression that reflects the enduring folk artistry of the region.
Price: 14.5cm
