This Naruko kokeshi was crafted by Masami Kato (加藤正美, 1925–2012), one of the few female artisans in the traditional kokeshi world. Born in Ichisako, Miyagi Prefecture, Masami entered the world of kokeshi relatively late in life. After her husband, Shinichi Kato, retired and began woodturning kokeshi under the mentorship of master Onuma Jun, Masami began painting and decorating the dolls alongside him around 1980. From then on, she produced kokeshi under her own name, using bases turned by her husband.
Her work faithfully carries the Naruko tradition as inherited through Shinichi's lineage, featuring the iconic rounded head and cylindrical body typical of the style. This particular piece has a beautifully flared, conical lower half adorned with a vivid flower motif in red and yellow. The doll’s expression is gentle and warm, framed by elegantly painted hair and a chrysanthemum crown across the top of the head.
Masami Kato’s kokeshi are admired for their feminine sensibility, precise brushwork, and delicate charm, offering a unique perspective within a tradition largely dominated by male artisans. This piece is a fine example of her legacy in the Naruko kokeshi tradition.
