This is a traditional Zao-style kokeshi by Hiroshi Mito (水戸寛, 1933–2019), a craftsman whose life bridged Kyoto's refined aesthetics and the rustic charm of Yamagata’s folk traditions. Born in Kyoto, Mito relocated to Tendo City in 1944 and began his kokeshi-making journey under the guidance of his uncle, the respected artisan Ishiyama Sanshiro. After completing his apprenticeship in 1953, he honed his craft at Aida Eiji’s workshop before establishing his own studio.
This kokeshi embodies the distinctive traits of the Zao tradition: a tall, cylindrical body with vivid floral motifs cascading vertically in bold red and soft green pigments. The doll’s face is delicately rendered, with arched eyebrows, fine eyes, and a small red mouth, exuding a gentle, smiling expression. The wide head is adorned with radiating patterns that frame the face like a floral crown—a hallmark of the Zao style.
Hiroshi Mito’s work reflects a harmonious blend of precision and warmth. Though he spent part of his later years away from the lathe, his kokeshi remain treasured for their vibrant coloring, elegant forms, and quiet expressiveness, preserving the spirit of traditional Tohoku craftsmanship.
