A traditional Togatta kokeshi, crafted by Satō Yoshiaki, showcases the timeless beauty and elegance characteristic of the Togatta lineage. A successor to a long heritage of kokeshi makers in Miyagi Prefecture, Satō Yoshiaki is known for his refined brushwork and precise carving style that honors tradition while retaining a personal, expressive touch.
The body is decorated with a striking plum blossom (ume) motif, a seasonal favorite representing resilience and early spring. The red blossoms are arranged along vertical black branches that rise elegantly from the base, each bud outlined with detail and flair. A red collar-like detail at the neck completes the composition, lending balance and warmth to the overall form.
Satō Yoshiaki was a traditional kokeshi craftsman of the Togatta lineage, active primarily in the mid to late 20th century. Though his earliest creations made at Zao Yorozuya no longer exist, his recognizable works begin from around 1933, following the establishment of a water turbine mill. Early on, his brushwork was firm yet faithfully inherited from Matsunoshin, a key figure in the Togatta tradition.
Throughout the 1940s–60s, his painting style evolved from somewhat restrained expressions—often with a characteristic "cat nose" detail—to more refined and mature aesthetics. By the 1960s, his dolls showed upward-shifted eyes and elegant, adult-like features, with cleft noses becoming dominant. He was also known for experimenting with form and expression, at one point producing dolls with angular heads before returning to more classical shapes.
Encouraged by Tatsumi and Dobashi Keizo, he engaged in revival-style creations and introduced a three-tiered chrysanthemum motif on his smaller dolls. Despite a decline in brush control during his later years, Satō Yoshiaki remained dedicated to his craft, continuing to produce kokeshi until his death at the age of 86.
Size: 9 x 9 x 31cm
