Vintage kokeshi by sanpei yamanaka / with its shelf / massive / 20 cm

Vintage kokeshi “geishun” (welcome spring / welcome spring), made by sanpei yamanaka, born in 1926 in yonezawa. After studying chemistry, he eventually applied his artistic sense to photography as well as sosaku art. Known for his jovial character, he won numerous awards (around twenty) including the ministry of education prize at the all nippon modern kokeshi exhibition in 1979. It is in very good condition. Its former japanese owner bought it in 1988 (noted on the back of his tablet).