Vintage kokeshi - Izumi Ueda - 1960s

I was so thrilled to find this fabulous c.1960s vintage kokeshi here in Wellington, New Zealand. It is a sosaku kokeshi, which are creative original kokeshi inspired by traditional kokeshi but not bound by the same strict regional forms.This kokeshi is by celebrated maker Izumi Ueda. It is showing its age with significant fading. The hair ornament is broken on one side. It could probably be fixed relatively easily but I don’t mind the signs of age so I have left it as found. I love the details on this piece - especially the red flower in her hair and her expression. These vintage kokeshi are highly prized by collectors and bring a lovely warmth to a space. It was found with the flautist kokeshi in the last picture by Sekiguchi Sansaku listed separately and I believe they have spent their lives together as companions. 

Please look closely at the photographs as they form part of the description. If you have any questions please get in touch.