I purchased this new and have carefully stored it in a dark place on a shelf (*^^*) There is a signature by Tadao Noji, dated Heisei 16, on the bottom. This is a "Noji Smile" work, characteristic of craftsman Tadao Noji (*^^*) There is some slight bleeding in the paint on the body, but this was present from the time of purchase. Tadao Noji (1931-2012) Lineage: Tsuchiyu Teacher: Kazuo Watanabe Disciple: Mikiko Noji [Biography] Born on September 1, 1931, as the sixth son of Hanzo Noji in Niwasaka, Fukushima City. After graduating from school, he worked as a company employee for 30 years before retiring. From June 1972, he studied woodturning under Kazuo Watanabe of Tsuchiyu. He began making kokeshi dolls in June 1974. From June 1977, he began making molds of Yoshikichi Sakuma. Died on May 2, 2012, at the age of 82. [Works] The following is the first one distributed by the Nagoya Kokeshi Association in July 1978, a work from a time not long after his first creation. The body follows Yoshikichi's style, but the facial features are unique, and the owner, Keiichi Kofuda, named it the "Noji Smile." #kokeshi #traditionalkokeshi #TadaoNoji #KazuoWatanabe #MikikoNoji #YoshikichiSakuma #TsuchiyuLineage #MinatoyaLineage #traditionalcrafts #traditionalcraft