Published in October 1985 (Shōwa 60), this is Issue No. 295 of Kokeshi Techō (こけし手帖), published by the Tokyo Kokeshi Tomo-no-kai (東京こけし友の会). The cover illustration, featuring a stylized traditional kokeshi figure with a bold floral motif, was created by Ikuo Okazaki (岡崎幾雄).
Contents:
Memories of Yutaka Inage and Kokeshi — Takashi Itō (伊藤孝), p.2
A Visit to “Michi no Kojima” (「みちの小島」探訪記) — Chōkichirō Shibata (柴田長吉郎), p.6
A Room with Kokeshi — Visiting Mr. Katō (こけしのある部屋―加藤剛さんをお訪ねして), p.12
National Kokeshi Festival & Onsen Shrine Festival Schedule, p.14
List of Prize Winners from the 31st National Kokeshi Festival, p.15
Personal Notes (身辺雑記) — Minekichi Nishida (西田峯吉), p.16
Special Exhibition: The World of Kijishi Woodturners (木地屋の世界) — Kanagawa Prefectural Museum, p.23
Regular Meeting News, p.9
Corrections to Kokeshi Techō Nos. 291, 292 & 293, p.11
Tetsunori Okuse and Zenji Satō — Disciples of Hidetarō Mori (奥瀬鉄則と佐藤善二―盛秀太郎の弟子達―), p.19
Members’ Salon, p.20
Kokeshi Articles and Literature, p.24
Kokeshi World News, p.25
The Tokyo Kokeshi Tomo-no-kai is a long-established association bringing together collectors, researchers, craftsmen and enthusiasts devoted to traditional Japanese kokeshi. Its journal, Kokeshi Techō, documents individual makers, regional traditions, exhibitions, collecting activities, historical research and developments within the kokeshi community.
Older issues such as this one are especially interesting as reference material, preserving names, personal recollections, festival records and information on craftsmen that can be difficult to find in modern sources. A charming vintage publication for kokeshi collectors, Japanese folk-art enthusiasts and researchers of traditional woodcraft.
