This post WWII Kokeshi doll was carved from a 1-inch tree limb. It is signed by the artist, Minoru Otawa.
Origin: Ichinoseki Japan
This hand-painted and carved Kokeshi comes with a story about the doll by the artist
A professional translation of the artist's story appears below. The artist's story is a lovely account of what inspired his art.
The foil sticker reads: "Recommend" by "Iwate Prefecture Visitors Bureau." This doll is thought to have been carved and created years ago as a souvenir; not mass produced but rather individually handcrafted, commisioned and duplicated for sales.
Translation:
It was before Showa era that I saw a young lady who was wearing a Okoso veil and a shawl with snow pants and snow boots on in a village at the bottom of a mountain where famous Sukawa winter wind was blowing down snow.
Sukawa Kokeshi is something I carved from raw wood with bark of the image of the pure and lovely figure that is left inside my eye lids.
Minoru Otawa
Miscellaneous links to the specifics of this Kokeshi:
Kokeship Dolls (post WWII) Book recommendation:
"Wooden Treasures of Japan," writtern by Michael Evans and Robert Woff