Vintage Japanese Kokeshi - Shingata style – signed Yanome Hachizō 矢ノ目八蔵 – 30cm

📐 Characteristics

• Origin: Japan, Shiroishi 白石 village, Miyagi prefecture 宮城, discovered in Fukushima prefecture.
• Period: Shōwa Era, date not specified (made at 71 years old by the artisan)
• Style: Shingata (新型), strongly influenced by the Yajirō-kei style
• Artisan: Yanome Hachizō 矢ノ目八蔵 
• Material: Turned wood, hand-painted
• Height: 30 cm
• Signature: Handwritten calligraphy under the base, with the artisan's age mentioned: 七十一才 (71 years old)
• Condition: Good vintage condition, natural patina, slight wear visible on the varnish in places (see photos)

📝 Description

This antique kokeshi was made by Yanome Hachizō 矢ノ目八蔵, an artisan from Shiroishi, a village in Miyagi Prefecture, birthplace of the traditional Yajirō style, among the most emblematic in Tōhoku.

Specifics of the Shingata style

Shingata kokeshi, which emerged after the war, are distinguished by their creative freedom. Unlike traditional regional styles (dentō kokeshi), they allow for a variety of shapes and patterns, designed to appeal to a wide audience, particularly the Japanese souvenir market.

This kokeshi bears some characteristics of the Yajirō style: slender silhouette, tight in the center, stylized floral motifs in vermilion red, and a downward-looking face, expressing softness and restraint.

Under the base, the artisan's handwritten inscription indicates that he was 七十一才 (71 years old) when he made it — a rare and touching detail, testament to carefully transmitted craftsmanship.

🦝 We love:

Its silhouette, halfway between tradition and creative style, typical of shingata (新型).
The red floral motifs, between chrysanthemums and stylized foliage, are beautifully painted.
You certainly won't come across a kokeshi like this every day!