UH30107 Japanese Zao Kokeshi, Tendo, Atsumi Onsen, Yamagata prefecture, by Mito Hiroshi (b.1933), a hard wood columnar body, tapering at the shoulder, oversized oval head with flattened top, facial features on the upper portion of the head, (tegara) red chrysanthemum painting on the top of the head as a bow for the the pony tail and bangs, arched double lidded open eyes, teardrop nose, red dot lips, side locks with radial red petal lines, the body decorated in bands top and bottom and a set of four red stacked blossoms (kasanegiku) on the shaft. Ink signature on the base “Mito Hiroshi”. Minor signs of wear otherwise fine condition. 14-1/2" high x 4" in diameter. 20th Century.
For other examples by Mito Hiroshi see: Kokeshi: Wooden Treasures of Japan, p.82, 85 & 90.
$280.