This Naruko kokeshi by Chikara Onuma 大沼力 (1927–2018) is a beautiful representation of classic Naruko craftsmanship, combining bold floral decoration with a warm, expressive character.
The doll features a rounded head with a gentle, smiling expression—softly arched brows, narrow eyes, and a small red mouth conveying calmness and quiet joy. The hair is painted in deep black with a central fringe and is adorned with delicate red chrysanthemum accents at the crown, a signature element of Naruko kokeshi. The neck is finished with finely layered ring patterns, created through traditional lathe-turning techniques.
Chikara Onuma was born on May 3, 1927, in Shin’yashiki, Naruko, as the fourth son of woodturner Onuma Sei. Following family tradition, he became his father’s successor after the loss of his older brothers. After working briefly in Tokyo and for the railway during the war years, he returned to Naruko in 1945 and began his apprenticeship under his father, producing kokeshi from the very beginning of his training.
Throughout his career, Onuma played an important role in passing on Naruko techniques, training several apprentices including Katakura Tomio, Koyama Kesaaki, and Kumagai Yaichi. His works were first introduced in print in the 1956 publication Kokeshi (Bijutsu Shuppansha), and he remained a dedicated craftsman for decades. His second son, Hidenori, later continued the family tradition.
Size: 7 x 7 x 24cm
