This elegant Togatta-style kokeshi was created by Kashiku Konno, a rare and respected female kokeshi artisan from Zao Town, Miyagi Prefecture—one of the historical centers of traditional kokeshi-making. Her work is distinguished by its delicate proportions, expressive faces, and carefully painted motifs, staying true to the Togatta lineage while carrying a distinctly gentle, feminine sensibility.
This doll features a slender, upright body with a slightly rounded shoulder and a rounded head. The face is softly rendered with thin, arched brows, half-moon eyes, and a quiet smile, framed by straight side hair in jet black. The body is decorated with repeating red floral motifs, painted in her characteristically free yet balanced brushstrokes. Subtle lathe-turned red rings around the neck and base give the piece rhythmic structure, anchoring its visual simplicity.
Kashiku Konno 今野かしく born in 1931 in Zao Town, Kashiku Konno was one of the few women to be recognized as a professional kokeshi maker in the traditionally male-dominated world of kokeshi. She learned the craft under the guidance of her husband, Konno Kichisuke 今野吉助, and gradually developed her own independent style while remaining firmly rooted in the Togatta tradition. Her work is known for its elegant silhouettes, graceful expressions, and precise brushwork. Over time, she gained recognition for her artistry and participated in various folk art exhibitions. Today, her dolls are cherished by collectors not only for their aesthetic appeal but also for their unique place in the history of women in traditional Japanese craft.
