Kokeshi traditionnel Tsugaru par Toshiyuki Kojima

This traditional Tsugaru kokeshi, crafted by Toshiyuki Kojima (1949–2012), stands 21 centimeters tall and embodies the refined artistry of the Tsugaru lineage. The doll has a tall, slender form with a rounded head painted in black hair, adorned with red side motifs that suggest floral or ribbon-like decoration. The face is delicately rendered with fine brushstrokes, giving it a gentle and composed expression. Around the neck are bold red bands, echoed at the base and middle of the body. The central decoration features a striking rose-like motif in red and green, a hallmark of Tsugaru kokeshi design, which contrasts with the natural sheen of the wood. The overall impression is one of elegance and refinement, balancing vivid ornamentation with graceful simplicity.

Toshiyuki Kojima was born on May 26, 1949, in Nayoro City, Hokkaido, the eldest son of craftsmen Shoichi and Kyoko Kojima. After completing elementary school, he moved to Aomori Prefecture to live with Zenji Sato, a master of the Tsugaru tradition, while attending Toei Junior High School in Kuroishi City. Zenji Sato had opened a kokeshi workshop at the school, and Toshiyuki, showing early promise, studied there before becoming Zenji’s full apprentice in 1965. From this point onward, he trained intensively in woodcarving, and by the late 1960s, he was making kokeshi in several styles, including the Sato Itaro and Kobei lines, alongside fellow apprentice Abo Rokuchihide.

Following the death of Zenji Sato, Kojima carried forward the Tsugaru tradition with dedication, contributing to its preservation and growth. He eventually became chairman of the local craftsmen’s association, a role that reflected his importance within the kokeshi community. His career was cut short by his untimely passing on December 14, 2012, at the age of sixty-three, but his artistry and leadership left a strong legacy. His eldest daughter, Rinka, succeeded him, continuing his style and ensuring the continuation of the Kojima family’s contribution to Tsugaru kokeshi.