A Tsuchiyu-style kokeshi by Katsuhide Abe reflects the understated beauty and nostalgic charm of the postwar folk art revival. Its classic barrel-shaped form is adorned with bold crimson wheel lines and a striking red collar, giving it a simple yet refined balance. The doll’s face is sweet and dignified, with a gentle smile and well-defined hair adorned with traditional red side ribbons.
Though Abe produced kokeshi in limited quantities, this piece exhibits his characteristic restraint delicate brushwork, skillful spacing, and a smooth, clear finish, all in homage to the Tsuchiyu tradition and the influence of his predecessor Abe Jisuke.
Katsuhide Abe (阿部勝英, 1924–1989) was born on February 27, 1924, in Mizuhara, Fukushima Prefecture, as the third son of a farming family. After working in Kawaguchi and serving in Manchuria during WWII, he returned to Japan and settled in Tsuchiyu Onsen in 1950. That same year, he joined Matsuya, a local souvenir shop run by kokeshi craftsman Abe Jisuke, and later married Jisuke’s widow, Shina, in 1952.
Katsuhide’s early kokeshi showed signs of learning, but his style matured significantly. Influenced by classic Jisuke models, he developed a uniquely expressive form—one praised by collector Tokio Shikama for its emotional depth and classical grace. His dolls are cherished for honoring the Tsuchiyu legacy while carrying a personal, modern elegance. He passed away in 1989 at the age of 66, leaving behind a small but revered body of work.
Size: 6 x 6 x 21.5cm
