Kokeshi Doll

I posted this doll yesterday, but without it's story. If anyone can tell me more about this Kokeshi doll, I would love that.

I found it at a thrift store for 50 cents. I have seen these on the internet from $30.00 to $130.00. This looks like the lower end price scale to me, of the ones I have found, but I'm not sure. It has a signature on its base; I cannot read it, of course. Maybe someone can tell me the name of the artist who made it. I'm wondering if anyone knows how to date this, too.
Also, I'm wondering if anyone can tell me if it is a girl or boy figure. I am leaning towards male, but I'm not sure because of what looks to be Kanzashi painted in the hair. I really like this doll; I also like the fact that it doesn't have arms. I'm also wondering what type of flower is represented here.

Update:
So far, I now know for sure this is a girl, and she is between 30 and 40 years old. She is made from one piece of wood; that was a question I was asked. The name is still a mystery, but I have been told one of the symbols means stone and that that is a common symbol in names, so not much there yet.