A beautiful vintage Togatta-kei kokeshi (遠刈田系こけし) made by Shoji Onuma 大沼昇治, a respected craftsman of the Togatta tradition in Miyagi Prefecture.
This doll has a classic Togatta form, with a large rounded head, a long slender cylindrical body, and a restrained palette of natural wood, black, red, and soft green. The face is especially gentle, with arched brows, narrow smiling eyes, a fine central nose, and a small red mouth. Bold black hair sections frame the face, while red brushwork around the crown adds a lively traditional accent.
The body is decorated with repeated red floral motifs and subtle green details, arranged vertically down the front. Fine red ring bands at the neck and base give the composition a strong rhythm while preserving the simplicity and clarity characteristic of traditional Togatta kokeshi.
Shoji Onuma (1932–1998) was born in Nanokahara, Miyagi Prefecture. After first learning woodworking under Fumio Sato from 1949, he later studied traditional kokeshi making under Jiro Sato in 1956. He subsequently worked in Togatta and became an independent maker, eventually establishing his workshop near the entrance to Togatta Onsen in 1971. His work reflects the continuity of the post-war Togatta tradition, combining precise turning with balanced, expressive brush decoration.
Onuma continued producing kokeshi until his death in 1998, and his dolls are appreciated today for their warm expressions, clean proportions, and strong connection to the classic Togatta lineage.
Size: 8 x 8 x 30cm
