This is a vintage Tsuchiyu-style kokeshi doll crafted by renowned artisan Tsuneo Sakuma (佐久間常雄, 1906–1996), a master whose life journey mirrors the rich transitions of early 20th-century Japan. Standing tall with a slim, tapering body and topped with a wide-brimmed red hat, this kokeshi bears the distinct characteristics of the Tsuchiyu tradition—striped body patterns in vivid reds and greens, and a finely detailed face with delicate brushwork conveying a gentle smile.
Tsuneo was born in 1906 in Tsuchiyu, Fukushima Prefecture, into a family deeply rooted in woodcraft and folk arts. His lineage traces back to the Minatoya Sakuma family, famed for both kokeshi and decorative painting. After an early stint in industrial trades and military service, Tsuneo returned to his woodworking roots in the early 1970s, reviving the traditional styles of his forebears. He specialized in reviving the Sakuma Yonekichi, Sakuma Yoshikichi, and Asanosuke styles—each noted for their meticulous painting and refined forms.
This piece beautifully reflects his mid-to-late period style, with its carefully rendered facial features, strong vertical striping, and signature hat—often symbolic of the traveling vendors or rice-field workers that inspired many kokeshi designs. Signed on the bottom, this doll is not only a charming decorative object but a piece of living history, connecting modern collectors to the deep cultural heritage of Tōhoku’s kokeshi-making legacy.
