A Naruko-style kokeshi was crafted by master artisan Matsuda Hatsumi 松田初見, one of the key post-Meiji period kokeshi makers of Naruko Onsen. The doll features the classic Naruko silhouette with its gently curving body, prominent neck ring, and rounded head. Its serene expression is framed by distinct side-parted hair, and the face is adorned with fine, balanced brushstrokes. The body is decorated with characteristic sunburst chrysanthemum patterns in rich reds and soft orange tones, slightly faded with time, adding to its nostalgic charm.
Matsuda Hatsumi was born on September 15, 1901, in Naruko, Miyagi Prefecture. His kokeshi lineage stretches back to the late Meiji era. Initially apprenticed under Akiyama Tadashi, he soon moved on to study with Takano Kohachi, where he trained alongside notable craftsmen like Yusa Taminosuke and Suzuki Yokichi.
By his teens, Hatsumi had already become a skilled craftsman, producing spinning tops, Jizo-style kokeshi, and inlaid designs. After Kohachi’s death in 1920, Hatsumi launched his own workshop, refining his style across various locations and collaborations—including time spent in Sendai and Yuzawa—before eventually returning to Naruko.
He contributed significantly during the pre-war kokeshi boom and played a vital role in preserving Naruko’s kokeshi tradition after WWII. Hatsumi trained many apprentices, including his son Mitsuo Matsuda, and worked into the 1980s. His lifetime of experience provided valuable insight into the evolution of Naruko kokeshi from the Meiji era onward.
Size: 5 x 5 x 18cm
