This early Tsugaru-style kokeshi by Tetsunori Okusae 奥瀬鉄則 (1940–1992) dates from the 1960s, a formative and highly important period in the artist’s career.
Born on August 21, 1940, in the Futatsufugaya Muramoto area of Kuroishi City, Aomori Prefecture, Okusae was the third son of tofu craftsmen Okusae Iwakichi and Shiyo. While still attending Kuroishi City High School (part-time), he began training in woodcarving in August 1956 under the renowned Tsugaru master Mori Hidetaro, balancing his apprenticeship with farm work. After graduating in April 1959, he formally began producing Hidetaro-style kokeshi. His works were distributed through the Tokyo Kokeshi Friendship Association and reached the general market by 1962. Among his fellow apprentices was Sato Zenji.
This 1960s example reflects his early adherence to the Mori Hidetaro lineage. The head is slightly squared with a flat crown, and the facial features are sharply defined—fine linear eyes, a straight nose, and delicately shaped lips—conveying a calm, introspective expression typical of Tsugaru kokeshi. The elongated body is understated, with restrained decoration that allows the warm natural wood grain to remain prominent. A soft red floral accent subtly emerges from the surface, suggesting his refined yet controlled decorative approach during this early period.
