Exclusive vintage Gumma kokeshi by Inosuke Kobayashi (1931-)

Vintage Japanese Creative Kokeshi by Inosuke Kobayashi – Chūji Kunisada

This striking, finely crafted vintage creative kokeshi doll is a masterful creation by the renowned artisan Inosuke Kobayashi. The doll features exceptional hand-engraved and hand-painted details, boasting a highly distinctive and three-dimensional design. It comes complete with its original wooden signature plaque (kofuda), which identifies both the subject and the maker.

Visual Features & Design

 Headwear: The figure wears a large, deeply textured, masterfully carved wooden traveler’s hat that beautifully frames its stern, expressive face.

 Expression: Featuring bold, thick eyebrows and a determined mouth, the face perfectly captures the rugged and authoritative persona of a historical outlaw.

 Attire: The body is beautifully contoured and adorned with a hand-carved, vertically striped traveling cloak (kappa) painted in rich shades of blue, green, and earth tones.

 The Sword: A standout feature of this piece is the prominent, three-dimensional wooden katana (sword) hilt and guard projecting from the front of the cloak, highlighting the character's background as a swordsman.

Historical Subject: The Robin Hood of the Edo Period

This kokeshi depicts the legendary historical figure Chūji Kunisada (1810–1851). Living during the late Edo period, Kunisada was a notorious yakuza (Japanese mafia) boss, an expert gambler, and a highly skilled swordsman.

Despite his outlaw status, he earned enduring fame and the deep affection of the common people for his remarkable generosity. During severe regional famines, Kunisada used his own wealth to secure food and rescue starving farmers. This noble defiance of the authorities transformed him into a beloved folk hero—frequently celebrated as the "Robin Hood" of his region.

This piece is not just a beautiful example of mid-century Japanese woodcraft, but a powerful representation of one of Japan's most famous romanticized folk heroes.

Inosuke was born in 1931 in Gunma prefecture and won multiple awards in his career for his kokeshi dolls, He also won the Prime Minister award in 1979. His dolls are usually tall and elegant featuring natural wood colors combined with colorful kimonos.

You can take the sword of, we will do so for the shipping. 

Height: 37,5cm

Weight: 2500g

Please look carefully at the pictures to determine the condition of the item.