A traditional Tsuchiyu kokeshi crafted by Kazue Abe (阿部計英, 1937–2017), a distinguished artisan from Tsuchiyu Onsen in Fukushima Prefecture. The doll features Abe’s signature soft yet precise facial expression, with wide, half-lidded eyes and fine, delicate lines capturing a calm demeanor. The head is adorned with bold, swirling red motifs that balance gracefully against the doll’s simple black hair, encircled by painted bands that frame the face.
The cylindrical body is decorated with an abstract composition of finely executed horizontal stripes in red and black, a classic trait of Tsuchiyu kokeshi that emphasizes movement and balance. The absence of floral or figural motifs allows the geometry of the brushwork to take center stage, showcasing the masterful control of line and symmetry.
Kazue Abe was born on February 8, 1937, into a family of traditional woodworkers. His father, Hiroshi Abe, and grandfather, Kinzo, were both craftsmen in the Tsuchiyu tradition, which traces back to Matsuya Kami. Kazue began working on the potter’s wheel from the age of 12 and officially apprenticed under his father in 1955. He continued the family legacy after Hiroshi’s death in 1984. Though he retired in 2007 due to health reasons, he briefly resumed work in 2016 before passing away in 2017. His works are highly respected for preserving the spirit of traditional Tsuchiyu kokeshi while maintaining exceptional craftsmanship.
