This Naruko kokeshi was crafted by Shoichi Ito (伊藤松一, 1924–2019), a highly respected artisan from the Naruko Onsen region, one of the birthplaces of traditional kokeshi.
Born into a family of woodworkers on February 13, 1924, Shoichi was the eldest son of renowned kokeshi maker Matsusaburo Ito. During the wartime period, Shoichi worked as an aircraft spotter, but it was during this time that he began learning the art of woodturning from his father. After the war, he contributed to both land development in the marshlands and the revival of kokeshi-making in Naruko.
By 1947, he began producing his own dolls, gradually gaining recognition for his work. His first media feature came in 1956 through Bijutsu Shuppansha’s "Kokeshi" magazine, followed by a spotlight in Kokeshi Techo 64 as a promising young craftsman. Shoichi’s dolls are known for their elegantly rounded heads, soft facial expressions, and bold chrysanthemum motifs, characteristic of the Naruko style. His works exhibit a perfect balance of refined tradition and heartfelt charm, making them both accessible and collectable.
Though his third son, Hiromi Ito, briefly followed in his footsteps, Shoichi remained the principal bearer of his family’s legacy. In his later years, Shoichi retired from kokeshi making and spent his final days in Sendai, passing away at the age of 96.
Size: 3 x 3 x 12cm
