Large Vintage 'Hemp Girl' Sosaku Kokeshi by Ryozo Tsujita - Japan, 1960s

An unusually large Sosaku Kokeshi doll by Ryozo Tsujita, an acclaimed Japanese artist known for his distinctive wooden dolls combining traditional craftsmanship with inventive forms and decoration.

Dating from the late 1960s, this design is known as Hemp Girl (Henpugāru), a reference to the long history of hemp (asa) in Japanese textile culture. Before cotton became widely available, hemp was an important fibre for clothing and everyday fabrics. Its distinctive leaves also inspired the traditional geometric asanoha pattern, seen here in silver and gold on the doll's painted obi.

With its serene, closed-eyed face and tall, dark-stained wooden body, this 33 cm kokeshi is a rare piece of Tsujita's work.

✦ Height 33 cm; base 10 × 14 cm
✦ Turned and hand-painted wood
✦ Designer: Ryozo Tsujita (辻田亮三)
✦ Origin: Japan
✦ Period: Late 1960s
✦ Good vintage condition with visible age-related wear, fading and minor losses to the painted finish

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NOTE ON KOKESHI DOLLS
Kokeshi dolls are Japanese wooden figures handcrafted by artisans and artists, with roots dating back to the Edo period (1603–1868). Originally simple folk crafts made as toys for children, they were also used as charms to ward off evil spirits and bad luck. Over time, they became popular souvenirs and symbols of Japanese culture, believed to bring good luck, health and happiness to their owners. Each kokeshi reflects the individual style of its maker and regional traditions. Today, vintage kokeshi dolls are treasured as collectible pieces of Japanese folk art.