Vintage Creative Kokeshi By Takahashi Akinori (1957-)

This is a beautiful third example of a Sosaku (creative) kokeshi by the renowned artist Takahashi Akinori (1957-), featuring a delicate floral theme.

Artistic Characteristics

• The Lily (Yuri) Motif: This doll is decorated with a hand-painted lily, possibly a Tiger Lily, climbing the body. Hashime’s background in silk painting is evident here; the use of orange and red tones for the petals, combined with the slender green leaves, creates a graceful, vertical flow that complements the doll's shape.

• Signature Face: It features his unmistakable facial style—minimalist, narrow "v" shaped eyes and a tiny, subtle mouth. This gives the doll a gentle, almost dreaming expression.

• Hairstyle Details: Notice the delicate red hair ornaments (kanzashi) painted on the sides of the head. These small pops of color are a hallmark of Hashime's work, adding a touch of traditional femininity to the modern design.

• Natural Aesthetic: The wood has a warm, natural patina, and the slender, tall cylindrical body is a classic silhouette for Hashime’s "floral series."

Takahashi Hashime began his career as a fine artist and painter, known for his colorful designs and distinctive brushwork. He was born in Sendai, Miyagi Prefecture—the birthplace of traditional Kokeshi. His artistic background also includes work as a Yuzen silk–kimono dyeing craftsman, which explains why kimono motifs feature so prominently in all of his dolls.

He received multiple awards in annual Kokeshi competitions, including the prestigious Prime Minister’s Award, the highest honor given to Sosaku Kokeshi artists. His work is instantly recognizable for its unique forms and meticulous details.

Height: 18,5cm

Weight: 180g

Please always take a close look to the pictures to determine the condition of the kokeshi.