Daisy Princess, Hinagiku Kokeshi, Aoki Ryoka, Japan.

This adorable kokeshi, 'Hinagiku' style, is created by the renowned artist Aoki Ryoka.

Dimensions: height 18 cm, diameter 8 cm.

This particular piece, named 'Daisy Princess,' is the original version with a pink fabric bow.

Subsequent versions feature a red wooden bow. Daisy Princess is inspired by the kimono of Princess Michiko.

Aoki-san is a prominent female kokeshi artist who runs her own kokeshi company, primarily employing female artisans.

Signed at the bottom. In excellent vintage condition.

Kokeshi are traditional Japanese wooden dolls with a simple cylindrical shape, a round head, often adorned with hand-painted floral motifs. Originating in northern Japan, they are crafted from fruit trees, typically cherry wood. The charm of kokeshi lies in their simplicity, making them valuable representations of folk art, cherished as collectibles and decorative items. Each region in Japan has its unique style, resulting in a variety of designs and color schemes.

Kokeshi dolls carry symbolic meanings and are often given as gifts, contributing to their enduring popularity in Japanese culture and beyond.