This is a traditional Tsuchiyu-style kokeshi doll crafted by Hiromichi Saito (斎藤弘道, 1930–2025), a respected artisan from Tsuchiyu Onsen in Fukushima Prefecture. Born into a lineage directly connected to the famed Saito Taijiro, Hiromichi carried on the family’s legacy of kokeshi craftsmanship. Following the devastating Tsuchiyu fire of 1954, he committed himself to kokeshi making, formally training under Shoichi Sato and debuting his own creations in 1956.
This particular kokeshi displays the classic Tsuchiyu characteristics: a rounded head with a stylized fringe, softly smiling expression, and a slightly flared body decorated with vivid, hand-painted rings and layers of red hue — a motif deeply rooted in the region's tradition. The simplicity and warmth of this doll reflect both his family heritage and Hiromichi’s personal touch as a maker who was also a barber by trade.
Hiromichi’s dedication extended to training the next generation, including noted carvers like Watanabe Hitoshi and Chinnohara Kazunori, as well as his wife Tomi and daughter Ryoko, who both painted kokeshi under his guidance. His works remain deeply admired for their faithful continuation of the Tsuchiyu aesthetic and their quietly joyful presence.
