Large 17” Vintage Japanese Kokeshi Doll by Kanō Hiroshi

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A striking vintage Japanese kokeshi doll measuring an impressive 17 inches tall, hand-turned from wood and signed by noted artisan … Read more A striking vintage Japanese kokeshi doll measuring an impressive 17 inches tall, hand-turned from wood and signed by noted artisan Kanō Hiroshi (加納 博). Hiroshi is a recognized craftsman in the Sakunami style, known for its cylindrical form, brightly painted floral decoration, and refined hand-painted features. This example displays bold chrysanthemum motifs in vivid red, black, and yellow against a natural wood ground. The doll’s serene face is rendered with minimal yet expressive brushwork, typical of traditional kokeshi artistry.
Signed in calligraphy “Hiroshi” (博し) with his red seal on the base, affirming its authenticity. Large, signed examples of this caliber are increasingly sought after by collectors of Japanese folk art and mid-century design.
Base Diameter: 4 ½", Head Diameter: 4 ¾"

ABOUT THE ARTIST
Kanō Hiroshi (加納 博, b. 1954) is a recognized kokeshi craftsman from the Sakunami region of Miyagi Prefecture, Japan. Trained in the 1970s under masters of the Sakunami lineage, Hiroshi is admired for his tall, cylindrical forms and vivid chrysanthemum decorations. He typically signs his dolls “Hiroshi” (博し) with a red hanko seal.
As a successor in one of Japan’s eleven traditional kokeshi schools, Kanō Hiroshi continues the folk tradition of hand-turned wood dolls, each painted individually to embody both artistry and regional heritage. His signed works are valued internationally by collectors of Japanese folk art and design.

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