A vintage Togatta kokeshi craftsmanship by Jiro Sato, a respected artisan from the historical kokeshi-making village of Zao-machi in Miyagi Prefecture. This doll stands with a clean cylindrical silhouette, capturing the minimalist elegance and vibrant brushwork that defines the Togatta lineage.
The doll features a softly rounded head with straight-cut bangs and side hair painted in bold black strokes. The expressive face is detailed with fine brush lines—arched brows, narrow eyes, and a gentle smile—imbuing it with a sense of calm. Around the head is a red crown motif. The body is decorated with repeating red floral patterns, painted in symmetrical alignment with precise, rhythmic strokes, one of Jiro Sato’s hallmark features. The narrow, vertical shape is accentuated by red bands around the neck and base, grounding the design.
Jiro Sato (佐藤治郎, 1915–2006) born in 1915 in Zao Town, Jiro Sato belonged to a well-established family of kokeshi makers. He trained under his father Sato Kihei (佐藤喜平) and later inherited the family workshop. Over his career, Sato became known for producing kokeshi that were faithful to traditional forms, especially those of the Togatta style, which is one of the oldest and most recognizable of the eleven kokeshi lineages. Jiro Sato's work is admired for its precision, consistency, and balanced artistry. His dolls often feature serene faces, floral motifs, and excellent woodturning. While he remained a traditionalist in form, he brought a soft elegance to each doll, making them easily distinguishable among Togatta works. He was active well into his later years and passed away in 2006, leaving behind a legacy respected by collectors and fellow artisans.
