Masao Watanabe – Expressive Sōsaku Kokeshi

Masao Watanabe (渡辺正雄, 1917–2007) was a Japanese kokeshi‑shi from Yonezawa, Yamagata Prefecture,
renowned for his Sōsaku (creative) kokeshi that combine expressive forms and friendly faces.
He is especially known for his "Oya to Ko / Mushin" parent‑and‑child series,
and received several national awards, including the Prime Minister's Award.

Style Highlights:

  • Rounded or pear‑shaped bodies with solid bases

  • Gentle faces with soft smiles and large eyes

  • Simple yet characterful decoration in red, black, and wood tones

  • Signature 渡辺正雄 on the base, sometimes with a stamp

His dolls are sought after by collectors,
especially signed parent‑child sets in good condition.

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