A traditional Togatta-style kokeshi handcrafted by Nobuo Agatsuma, a celebrated artisan from Togatta Onsen known for his elegant brushwork and mastery of form. The doll’s rounded head features a serene expression—narrow eyes gently arched, framed by bold black side hair and topped with a finely painted chrysanthemum-like motif in vivid red. The body is decorated with a vertical cascade of stylized red and green floral patterns, meticulously balanced and evocative of Agatsuma’s refined aesthetic sense.
The natural wood grain glows softly beneath the layers of color, giving this kokeshi a warm, organic feel. This example embodies the essence of the Togatta tradition: a simple cylindrical body, large head, and decorative collar accenting the neckline.
Nobuo Agatsuma (我妻信雄, 1932–2013) born on August 18, 1932, in Togatta Onsen, Nobuo Agatsuma was the third son of master woodcarver Shozaburo Wagatsuma, who had studied under Yoshida Shunji in a woodcarving seminar held by Miyagi Prefecture in 1917. After graduating from junior high school in 1948, Nobuo began studying woodcarving under Sato Morimasa, a prominent figure in the Togatta tradition.
Following his early work and brief time in Hokkaido, Nobuo returned to establish his reputation in Togatta. He worked at the Kitaoka factory and eventually opened his own workshop in 1968, where he continued producing beautiful kokeshi dolls marked by their elegant lines and subtle coloration.
