A Tsuchiyu-style kokeshi by the late Toshio Obata is a vibrant and classic example of the tradition. It features the hallmark cylindrical form and wide-set head associated with the Tsuchiyu-kei. The face is painted with a confident hand—arched eyebrows, almond-shaped eyes, and a warm smile evoke a sense of playful calm.
What truly defines this piece is the colorful rokuro-moyo (lathe line decoration) that encircles the body in vivid stripes of red, green, and blue. This technique, applied while the wood spins on the lathe, is a signature of the Tsuchiyu style, and Obata's execution here is particularly crisp and balanced.
A delightful floral crown decorates the top of the head, rendered in red, adding a touch of softness and femininity to the doll’s bold design. This kokeshi is a beautiful homage to one of the less commonly seen yet richly historic styles in Japan's folk art tradition.
Toshio Obata (小幡敏夫) was born on April 1, 1932, in Okitama-cho, Fukushima City, into a family of woodworkers. He trained under his father, Fukumatsu Obata, from the age of 18 and initially focused on general woodworking and commissioned wooden crafts. By the late 1950s, he had begun making kokeshi dolls and was introduced to the public in the 1958 Kokeshi Guide, complete with photographs of his early works.
Though deeply passionate about kokeshi, growing demand for his wooden products limited his time for doll-making. Nevertheless, his craftsmanship left a mark within the Tsuchiyu tradition. After losing his wife Natsuko in 1976, he continued to work steadily and remained respected among kokeshi enthusiasts for his precise execution and classic styling. He passed away on January 21, 2024, at the age of 93. His work remains a cherished legacy of the Tsuchiyu kokeshi lineage.
Size: 5 x 5 x 18cm
