This Naruko-style kokeshi by Akinori Ito 伊藤昭徳 (1942-) is a vivid and well-balanced example of postwar Naruko craftsmanship, carrying forward family tradition with clarity and decorative strength.
The doll features a rounded head with a gentle, welcoming expression. The face is finely drawn with softly arched brows, narrow eyes, and a small red mouth, conveying warmth and serenity. The hair is boldly painted in black with distinctive side locks and a central fringe, while the crown is accented with a striking red chrysanthemum motif that radiates across the top—an elegant and lively detail typical of Naruko aesthetics.
The body is slightly tapered and richly decorated with symmetrical floral designs in bright red, complemented by deep green leaves. The central motif resembles a stylized chrysanthemum or peony, painted with confident, layered brushwork that gives the piece both rhythm and depth. Horizontal banding at the shoulders and base, in red and black, frames the composition and reinforces the classic Naruko visual structure.
Born on March 19, 1942, in Naruko, Miyagi Prefecture, Akinori Ito was the younger brother of Bunshiro Ito, a kokeshi craftsman trained under Sei Onuma. After graduating from junior high school in 1960, Akinori apprenticed under Bunshiro, learning the art of woodturning and kokeshi production. As Bunshiro and his wife had no children, Akinori was adopted as their successor and continued the family’s kokeshi-making tradition.
This piece reflects that lineage—combining traditional Naruko form with bold, well-executed decoration—and stands as a testament to Akinori Ito’s role in preserving and continuing the expressive floral style characteristic of the Naruko school.
Size: 6 x 6 x 24cm
