This is a vintage Togatta/Shingata-style kokeshi doll crafted by Shoichi Kanno (菅野昭一), a skilled artisan born in 1935 in Togatta Onsen, Miyagi Prefecture.
This piece features the characteristic round head with floral crown motifs and a gentle, smiling face, paired with a cylindrical body adorned in vibrant red bands and a softly undulating central wave pattern. Kanno’s signature turning technique gives the doll a smooth, balanced form, while his brushwork captures the timeless elegance of the Togatta aesthetic. A beautiful example of tradition meeting personal expression.
Shoichi Kanno born in Togatta Onsen, Zao Town, Miyagi Prefecture in 1935. He trained under his father, Sakae Kanno, continuing the family tradition of Togatta kokeshi-making. He is known for his precise turning skills, graceful floral motifs, and the dignified charm of his dolls. Kanno’s work has been exhibited and celebrated in regional craft shows, and he remains a respected figure in the kokeshi community.
