Rare Vintage Creative Kokeshi By Kahei Katase (1922-2015)

This refined kokeshi doll by Kahei Katase features a classic cylindrical form with a tall, slender body and a proportionally large head. The body is decorated with finely painted horizontal stripes in black and red, creating a rhythmic and balanced pattern.

The face is delicately expressed, with narrow, gently curved eyes, soft eyebrows, and a small red mouth, conveying a calm and introspective mood. The simple yet precise detailing reflects the traditional aesthetic of Narugo kokeshi, emphasizing harmony, craftsmanship, and understated elegance.

Born in the town of Hakone, Katase-san won the first Prime Minister’s Award in 1954 at the ‘All Nippon Kokeshi Competition’. Along with many of his fellow Sosaku artists, Katase-san was a soldier, and perhaps turned to creative Kokeshi-making to assuage the rigors of a long war.

Height: 27,5cm

Weight: 360g

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