This is a traditional Togatta-style kokeshi crafted by Koichi Sakuta (作田孝一, b. 1935), a second-generation artisan from Togatta Onsen in Miyagi Prefecture. Born into a family of skilled woodworkers, Sakuta began using the lathe in his early teens and formally apprenticed under his father, Takashi Sakuta, after graduating in 1951. By 1957, Koichi was producing classic-style kokeshi dolls that upheld the elegant traditions of the Togatta lineage.
This piece features the signature traits of the Togatta style: a slender, cylindrical body with sharp shoulders and a relatively large head. The doll’s serene expression is framed by stylized bangs and thick side locks, with bold red brushwork creating a headband motif. The body is adorned with a rhythmic pattern of stacked chrysanthemum-like flowers, painted in vivid red with soft green accents, embodying a clean yet dynamic sense of movement.
Sakuta’s kokeshi reflect a deep respect for traditional aesthetics while showcasing his refined craftsmanship. This doll is a beautiful example of the Togatta tradition, made with skilled precision and an enduring love for the form.
