Vintage Nakanosawa kokeshi dolls
This iconic form was created by Iwamoto Zenkichi in the early 20th century and revived in the 1950s by his son Yoshizō, who trained a new generation of artisans.
Both Sanpei Haruo and Fukuchi Yoshio were direct disciples of Yoshizō, and these dolls carry the imprint of that lineage.
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The taller doll (30 cm) is signed Sanpei Haruo (三瓶春男, 1929–1987). According to tradition, he once received seven punches from his master when his work didn’t meet expectations — a lesson in craftsmanship and resilience.
His name appears under the base, along with what may be a date from the Shōwa era, possibly placing the piece in the early 1970s.
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The smaller one (27 cm) is by Fukuchi Yoshio (福地芳雄, 1927–1985), who moved from the Tsuchiyu style to fully embrace the Tako-bōzu tradition under Yoshizō’s guidance. He later became a founding member of the “Tako-bōzu no Kai” group.
Two different hands, one shared legacy. A small diptych of tradition, character, and craft.
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