Vintage Chamekko Kokeshi Doll by Masao Watanabe, Japan, 1950s

Details

Description

This unique vintage Kokeshi doll was created by renowned Japanese artist Masao Watanabe in the 1950s.

The design is titled … Read more This unique vintage Kokeshi doll was created by renowned Japanese artist Masao Watanabe in the 1950s.

The design is titled ‘Chamekko’ (茶目っ子), which translates to “playful child” — a reflection of Watanabe’s deep fascination with children, who often served as inspiration for his charming figures.

Dimensions: Height 16 cm, base diameter 10 cm. In good condition with natural signs of age.

The doll's face is expressive and poetic, featuring large eyes, a gentle smile, wisps of hair across the forehead, and the remnants of a bow on either side of the head. Its simple elegance is characteristic of Watanabe’s distinctive style.

The figure is constructed from three parts: the head, the haori (a short, lightweight jacket), and the base. The body showcases the refined use of two types of wood — dark ebony (kokutan) and pale birch (kabanoki) — which subtly evoke the structure of traditional Japanese clothing. The surface is finished with a natural or tinted candle wax (rōsoku no rō), giving the piece a soft, warm sheen.

The bottom of the doll is hand-signed in Japanese script and stamped with Watanabe’s personal hanko seal — an authentic mark of authorship unique to his designs.

A refined and characterful collector’s item that pays tribute to Japanese folk art with understated elegance. Ideal for collectors of Kokeshi dolls or as a distinctive accent in a minimalist or Japan-inspired interior. This piece has an attribution mark,
I am sure that it is completely authentic and take full responsibility for any authenticity
issues arising from misattribution See less