Yamanaka Sanpei (also seen as Sampei or Sanpei Yamanaka) has a talent for simplicity. I enjoy the childlike quality many of his Kokeshi have. I only have two of his dolls so far and what I like the most about them is that he takes full advantage of the beautiful wood grain. The simple, organic patterns stimulate thoughts of autumn and nature, especially the one I think of as "acorn head". They are 8 1/4" and 8 3/4" high and signed on the bottom.

The website for Yamanaka Sanpei is: http://www5.omn.ne.jp/~sanpei/