This traditional Togatta-style kokeshi is the work of Takeji Yamao, a craftsman whose understated yet refined dolls have quietly earned admiration among dedicated collectors. The doll features an elegant cylindrical form with a slightly rounded head, a hallmark of the Togatta lineage. Adorned with vibrant floral motifs in bold red and green, the design wraps symmetrically around the body in a rhythmic vertical arrangement, adding a festive and folkloric flair.
Takeji Yamao 山尾武治 born on June 30, 1902 in Yumoto Yakushi, Akiu Town, Takeji Yamao was the fifth son of Yamao Kesasaburo, the owner of the Mitoya Inn. His introduction to woodturning began early—he apprenticed under Sato Sanzo in 1916. After his initial training, he briefly trained with Yusa Kotaro in Naruko, but struggled to find permanent work, which led him to further refine his skills in Iwate Prefecture before settling back in his hometown by 1928.
Takeji produced kokeshi consistently into the postwar era, and his work often stood out for its crisp brushwork, vivid red highlights, and traditional green ring lines—all of which gave his dolls a lively yet timeless charm. His kokeshi were not always widely collected during his lifetime, but connoisseurs today praise his dolls for their elegance and historic resonance. Some early pieces, possibly dating to the Taisho period (1912–1926), are considered masterpieces and subjects of academic interest and collector lore.
He passed away on June 13, 1971, at the age of 70, leaving behind a quiet but deeply influential legacy within the Togatta kokeshi tradition.
Size: 5 x 5 x 15cm
